Part 14 (1/2)

”He and two of his buddies-Ryan Peters and Chris Cahill-cornered me by the bleachers. He kissed

me.”

Mya felt a wash of relief that it wasn't anything worse, but Carly continued before she could say anything.

”He pushed up my s.h.i.+rt, and one of the guys put their hand down my pants...” Carly wiped at a tear on

her cheek. ”They didn't rape me or anything, but the three of them left some bruises on my b.r.e.a.s.t.s. I was

sore for a while and had an aversion to boys touching me at all for months.”

Mya shook her head unconsciously. She wanted to deny what her sister had said. ”Why would he do that?”

Carly shrugged. ”He's an a.s.shole?”

”That was years ago...”

Her mouth twisted. ”Yeah. I'm sure he's outgrown it.” Her tone held an edge. ”Anyway, shortly after that,

you two got serious and I started working out. He never bothered me again.”

Mya's mouth dropped open. ”We were dating at the time?”

Carly nodded. ”So, it's not like he's innocent, Mya. Enjoy your fling with Roarke. Then, if you must,

marry Bobby.”

”I don't know what to say.”

Carly shrugged. ”It was years ago, and I'm over it now. I just thought it was time to tell you.”

”So I can do an eye for an eye?”

”No. So you can realize that Bobby isn't as great as you think, and that you owe it to yourself to explore

other options before settling down with him. You've never had anyone else, Mya.” Carly's eyes shone

with unshed tears. ”I don't want you to make a mistake.”

Angry words rose to her tongue, but she swallowed them. It pained her, but she no longer felt the urge to defend Bobby as she had in the past. Her sister's revelation was just one more incident in a pattern that had started to emerge. Her eyes dropped to the ring on her finger, and she was briefly tempted to pull it off.

That thought scared her and Mya tore her eyes from the small diamond. Things hadn't been great lately, but she still wanted to marry Bobby. Didn't she?

Her eyes drifted to the day-pa.s.s for the spa, and her heart rate increased with antic.i.p.ation. Carly was

right. She deserved to get something out of the mess her life had become. Bobby had even encouraged her to partic.i.p.ate in Roarke's game.

The thought of another lover caused Mya's stomach to clench with excitement and nervousness. What if she liked it so much that she didn't want Bobby anymore? But if she didn't do it, she would never know. That could be worse than anything else that might happen. How would things be with her and Bobby if she always looked back with regret and wondered what-if?

Carly cleared her throat. ”Can I try out your spa?”

Mya pulled the box closer. ”Not until I do.”

”Hurry up, sis. I'm leaving tomorrow.”

With a laugh, she rose from the table and carried the box with her down the hall. Once more Carly had persuaded her to see both sides. Mya only hoped her confidence wouldn't fade with her sister's departure.

Chapter Sixteen.

Rendezvous Mya arrived at Rendezvous a little after eleven on Tuesday morning. She had been delayed by the need to run a few errands for Bobby, then pay some bills. As of yet, she hadn't found the time or opportunity to ask him about what Carly had told her and anxiety shadowed her hazel eyes.

The spa was located in a small white brick building amid upscale shops, a wholesale makeup supplier, and a wig manufacturer's outlet. Mya pushed on the golden bars of the clear gla.s.s door to open it and caught her breath when she stepped into the interior.

Pale pink walls and bright fuchsia carpets pleased the eye. A richly polished reception desk was tucked into the corner, almost hidden by a ma.s.s of greenery that sprouted from wicker pots. A gorgeous woman sat behind the desk. She had s.h.i.+ny dark hair, glossy red lips, and a perfectly proportioned body.

The corner of Mya's mouth quirked as she wondered if she was supposed to believe a visit to Rendezvous would transform her into that? She shook her head and walked to the desk.

”Good morning.” The receptionist's voice was as perfect as the rest of her.

”Hi.” Mya clutched the pa.s.s in her hand.

”How may we help you?”

Mya resisted the urge to look around for the others that made up 'we'. Instead, she handed the woman her pa.s.s. ”I have a reservation.”