Game On (Game On 1)

I nodded. “Yes.”

I hadn't even needed to think about it. I knew, just as I had known for weeks, maybe even months.

If my confirmation hurt Miguel, he didn't let it show. Instead, he gently placed his hand on my cheek and brushed away my tears with his thumb. “Go and see him, angel.”

At his use of the nickname he gave me, I hugged him tightly.

“I'm scared, Miguel.”

“I know you are, but you can't leave without seeing him. You have to go.”

He took my shaking hands in his and I said, “Thank you.”

“I just want you to be happy. Now go and talk to him before I change my mind and tell you it's a bad idea.”

With a small laugh, I kissed him on the cheek. “You're amazing.”

“Right back at ya. Want me to come with you to find a cab?”

Shaking my head, I said, “No thanks, I'll be fine. Will I see you in the morning before I go?”

“Yeah, what time do you have to leave?”

“I have to be at the airport for nine-thirty. I'm meeting Will, Freya and Bree in the hotel lobby at eight thirty.”

“I'll be there.”

I gave him one final hug before darting through the crowds to grab my bag, then I made my way out of the club without a word to anyone.

All the way back to the hotel, my stomach was churning.

What will I say to him? What if he asks me to stay? What if he doesn't? What if he won't even talk to me?

I almost told the taxi driver to turn around and take me back to the club. I didn't have the slightest idea what my opening line would be when I saw him.

After paying the cabbie, I stepped nervously out of the cab and made my way inside. I decided to check the bar before going to his room. It was a good thing I did too, because that's precisely where he was. He was sitting on a stool at the bar, a bottle of beer in his hand.

Wearing the blue shirt. The one he wore to the wedding.

Great minds, indeed.

My heart stopped as I saw a woman sidle over to him and sit at the stool next to his. He looked up at her as she began to make her play for him, but much to my amazement, he glared at her and said something which clearly caused offence. She scurried back to her friends, looking completely mortified.

I didn't much fancy being rejected the same way.

Oh, come on. What have you got left to lose at this point?

Steadying myself, I walked into the bar, head held high to convey a confidence I wasn't feeling.

“Drowning your sorrows?”

Radleigh looked up from his beer bottle, his face set as if he were about to rip someone's head off. When he saw me, his expression didn't change much.

“Aren't you supposed to be at your leaving party?” he sneered.

He was clearly drunk, but I took a seat beside him anyway. “Aren't you supposed to be at my leaving party?”

“Why would I be there?”