Taking the Plunge by Amanda Radley

Author:Amanda Radley [Radley, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2023-08-30T20:16:38+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Margot stared at Regina in a way that made Regina believe in and start to worry about spontaneous human combustion. Regina wondered how on earth she’d managed to get herself into such a predicament and how Grace’s skin could feel so soft.

“So, this is why you pushed me away,” Margot said knowingly. “You’re sleeping with her.”

“What? No.” Regina stood up and looked from Margot to Grace and back in shock horror. “No, of course I’m not sleeping with Grace. There’s nothing between us—don’t be foolish, Margot.”

Margot gave a caustic laugh. “Oh, sure. I’m being foolish, when you’re in here, with your door closed and your assistant nowhere to be seen, a hand in her bra. Is this a midlife crisis? Some ridiculous desire to bed a young underwear model?” Margot sneered at Grace. “Well…youngish.”

Regina felt her cheeks heat up with outrage and embarrassment. She couldn’t look at Grace for fear of what she must think of Margot’s outburst and the tiny hint of truth that laced her words.

Grace jumped out of her chair. “I’ll leave you two to talk,” she mumbled before Regina could say a word.

“Why on earth did you say that?” Regina snapped at Margot.

Margot smirked. “Which bit?”

“All of it. I’m not sleeping with her, but even if I was it wouldn’t be because of a midlife crisis or some need to…to prove something.” Regina flopped into her chair. She thought the statement said a lot more about Margot than it did her.

“What was she doing here then?” Margot folded her arms.

“We were talking. She’s a friend. Nothing more.” Regina wasn’t about to admit to the help Grace had been offering her with work.

Margot scoffed. “Girls like her are not friends with women like you.”

Regina rolled her eyes. “Grace is a woman. She’s in her thirties.” She paused as she caught on to Margot’s comment. “What do you mean women like me?”

Margot sighed as if preparing herself to try and explain a very simple concept to a small child. “You’re predictable, Regina, with your quiet, simple, safe, and predictable life.”

“So what?”

Margot’s expression softened slightly. “I say this with great affection, but you’re terribly dull. Which is fine, it’s something I’ve even grown to like. It’s sweet. But it’s not a trait that famous and unfairly attractive people would enjoy.”

Regina started to open her mouth to issue a swift rebuttal but found she couldn’t. It was true. She was dull. She’d always known it, and she herself had been surprised at Grace’s desire to spend any time with her.

“If Grace is spending time with you,” Margot continued, “it’s probably for professional gain. Nothing more. Stay away from her.”

Regina didn’t believe it. She knew honest friendship when she saw it. Margot wouldn’t recognise it because she only ever chewed up and spat out everyone she ever met. Yes, Grace had wanted advice, but she’d also given advice. And beyond that, they’d talked, laughed, shared stories, and bonded.

“I don’t want to stay away from her,” Regina said. “But not for the reasons you think.

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