CHAPTER 10

AMY

“No. We don't know each other, but Don has introduced her to me before.” Pete nodded, while he stopped his eyes from glaring.

For a moment, my Dad looked at us in confusion and I remembered that he had introduced us at the SAL event.

“Oh yeah. I remember. That was you?” I asked, trying to cover up. My hands were shaking at the thought that I would get caught because of a stupid lie.

“Oh. Well, she's Don's daughter and she's in college.” Sandra was excited as she introduced me to Pete. When our eyes met, I couldn't explain what was going on in his head, but I knew he wasn't happy.

“Nice to meet you again, Amy.” He stretched his hands for a handshake which I took. I could feel the spark coming back again. What is it with this man?

“Now that we've met the whole family, it's only right we go ahead with the plans.”

“Pete promised to help too. I'll just give him Don's number so both of you can talk and make plans. We don't have so much time,” Sandra said.

I didn't want to be here anymore.

“Amy, you'll help me choose my wedding gown, and we could do things pretty girls do. I have always loved sleepovers. We could do that.”

“Yes, we could.” I answered, faking the smile on my face. I was required to talk, smile and make suggestions, but I had nothing to say. Whenever I glanced at Pete, I could see him glaring at me. I wished he could stop it before everyone noticed.

“So Don, have you done something like this before?” Pete asked, his voice louder than usual. It just seemed like he was trying to torment me by talking to my Dad.

Oh no.

They weren't meant to be friends. I mean they were going to be brothers-in-law, but they shouldn't be friends. No!

“Well, I haven't, but I guess I'll learn since it's my own wedding.”

I glanced at Dad, he was enjoying himself and I doubted if he wanted to leave anytime soon. Was I the only one feeling uncomfortable here? I managed to work for a few minutes, but the look Pete was giving me was getting a little bit too intense. I was afraid that everyone would find out.

I knew this was just a bad time to admire Pete's muscles that were bulging out of his tight shirt, but I just couldn't help myself. How can a man be as attractive as he was? Even at this time.

“Stop it, Amy.” I muttered to myself.

“Are you okay, Amy?” My Dad turned to me. He must have heard me even though I tried not to be loud. Now, everyone's eyes were on me once again.

“I'd like to go to the restroom,” I said. “I'm really sorry for…”

“There's no need for that. I'll show you to the guest restroom,” Sandra said, standing. I could see that she was doing everything she could to impress me. Of course, she had to. My consent was also needed for this marriage too.

“Thank you and I'm really sorry. I just feel uncomfortable.” I turned to her when she had pointed out the restroom to me. I know there was no need to apologize, but I felt like I should.

“You don't have to worry, Amy. Who apologizes for going to a restroom? You shouldn't be ashamed about it.”

What?

Maybe she misunderstood me. I smiled and went into the bathroom, trying to control my fast-beating heart. I didn't want to use the restroom, I just wanted to cool my head and control my thoughts. I learned that from YouTube; to shut my eyes and control my thoughts.

I wished Dad could just finish up fast so we could leave or Pete could leave right now. I was willing to take both options.

I took out my phone from my purse, which I was thankful I had with me and texted Dad.

“I'm not feeling too well today. Could you finish up fast so we can go home? Please.”

Just after hitting the send button, I heard a knock at the door. It was probably Sandra, but I had to ask who it was.

“Sandra, I'm not yet finished…” I was still speaking when the door opened and Pete appeared before me.

Did I forget to lock the door again? Why was I this clumsy?

“What are you… you doing?” I stammered when he approached. He had a frown on his face and from his expression, I could see that he was upset.

“Really? We don't know each other?” He took two steps further. “What games are you playing, Amy? Why would you lie? We almost got caught.”

Games? What nonsense was he going all about? I was shocked that he had come in here to question me about denying him when we had more important issues at hand.

“What games? I'm surprised at you. Didn't you hear that my Dad was going to be getting married to your sister?” His gaze was locked into mine, so it made it difficult for me to speak properly.

“And so what?”

What? What did he mean by that? Panic was rising in my chest. Was he this dumb?

“It means you are going to be my step-uncle and I don't wish to continue f*cking my step-uncle,” I added.

He smiled that dangerous smile and approached me. His gaze didn't leave my eyes as he now got really close so that I could hear him breathing. That tension between us was there again, and I was going out of my mind thinking of what could happen in this place.

Was it going to be like the other time? Were we going to have s*x like the last time?

“You want to continue sleeping with me?” he asked, finally touching my cheek. It was like my whole body was calling to him, but he was teasing me.

“Let me rephrase that: I don't wish to have anything to do with a family member.”

That single statement must have triggered him because he retreated. “I'm not your f*cking family member, Amy. I'm not.” He stood his ground as he said those words.

I couldn't understand this man one bit. Was he saying that we should keep seeing each other and ravaging each other's bodies or was he saying that we should keep away from each other since it was dangerous.

“I'm canceling my sessions with you.”