Page 89 of For One Night

“What just happened?” I gawk at the scene I walked up on. Hardy’s face is red as he stares at me.

“Did you sleep with Lennox?”

“Excuse me? That’s not your business.” I blanch.

He steps closer to me. “He’s not a good man, stay away from him.”

“How in the hell do you know whether he’s a good man or not?”

“Let’s see, his fucking track record,” He seethes.

“Yeah, because no one here has a past,” a tall blond guy says.

Hardy spins, pointing at him. “She’s my family, and she’s deserves better than Lennox.”

“Hold up, Lennox is a good man, and if any of you would take the time to talk to him, you’d know that.” I stand back, my mouth gaping. “I can’t believe this, you of all people have no right to judge someone, but apparently, you’re only accepting of the ones who sin like you.”

“Damn.” Some other guy, looking like the blond, quips.

“Not that anyone has a right to know this, but Lennox has been the best thing to happen to me. He’s been nothing but kind, respectful, and gentlemanly with me. Maybe you should take notes!”

I storm toward the front of the house. I want to leave but remember I need to wait on Millie. I find a place to sit, fuming from the way Hardy acted. “What the hell was that?”

Lennox must be reeling. The look on his face gutted me. I haven’t been fair to him. I should’ve stopped him. “What a mess! One night is all this was supposed to be, now I have one huge mess.” I fist my hair, wanting to scream.

I can’t sit here. I’ll text Millie and walk home if I need to, but I have to get away from here. I wish I had gone after Lennox. I don’t even know where he lives. “Forget it, it’s time to leave.”

“Hey! Wait up.” I look over my shoulder as a tattooed lady jogs up. “I need a minute.” She holds her belly. “Pregnant.”

“Oh, my gosh. Here, sit down.” I point to a chair behind her.

She swallows hard. “I’m Maisyn, Lachlan’s wife.”

“I’m Lola, but I guess you know that by now.”

She raises her brows. “I do.”

“I’m sorry about this whole thing. I’m so embarrassed.”

She pats my leg. “Listen, this bunch has heard worse. Hell, they’ve done it and took a video to prove it.”

“I’m not sure if I’m supposed to laugh.”

She giggles. “Life is hard enough, so laugh when you can.”

“I can’t believe they did that to him.” I kick at a rock.

She winces. “He deserved a little of it, but yeah, Hardy was way harsh.”

My stomach knots. “Well, it must run in the family.”

“Lachlan told me he thinks he’s smitten.” She grins.

I release a heavy sigh. “He’s amazing, he is. But I haven’t been divorced for long, and I think I should wait before getting involved again.”

“No pressure,”—she chews her lip—“but if you don’t mind, don’t hurt him.”

“Anymore than I already have, you mean?”