Free Her Moonlit Gamble by Emma Jay

remember." Andrew hadn't even gone to college. He'd be working for Elizabeth's dad when they got back home, as a videographer and an editor for his ad business, but who knew if he'd like it? If he'd want to stay, or want more adventure. Doctors at least were stable.
    "And see how well that's worked out for you. Remember that last asshole? I still can't believe he dumped you in the middle of a trauma."
    Which was the problem. Joslyn had been humiliated and angry, but not hurt, really. Because she hadn't let anyone get close in so long.
    No one but Andrew. Him, she couldn't push away, couldn't hold at arms' length. He knew her too well. "I mean, he's fun, we have a good time, but he's not the man I've always imagined myself with." Liar . Thinking on it now, she'd measured every man she'd dated against Andrew's gentleness, against his sense of fun. "So what have I done here? I've slept with my best friend. That can't be undone. So what happens next?"
    The sliding glass door slid closed with a thunk and Joslyn pivoted to see Andrew standing there. From the expression on his face, it was clear he'd heard what she said. His whole body was tight with pain, his lips parted, his brow furrowed.  
    And then he was all action again, moving toward the door. She was slow getting off the barstool on numb legs. He was already past her by the time she grabbed his arm, but he pulled free, avoiding her gaze. Her stomach dropped. Really, what had she done?  
    "Andrew, wait."
    "No, you know, I'm just going to head back to the hotel, you know?" His tone was light, almost casual. Joslyn wondered if she was the only one who heard the strain beneath it. He looked past her to Elizabeth in the kitchen. "I, ah, maybe Max and Elizabeth wouldn't mind if you stayed here tonight?"
    "Andrew, I'm sorry. I didn't--"
    "You didn't what? He met her gaze, pain etched in every line of his face. "You didn't think I'd overhear? You didn't think I would be sophisticated enough to understand? I get it, you were slumming." Now his tone held more of a bite.
    She flinched, then reached a hand toward him. Her heart spasmed when he moved away. "You know I wouldn't do something like this lightly, wouldn't sleep with you if--"
    "I told you I loved you. I guess I should have seen the truth when you didn't say it back." He rested his hand on the door handle. "I've loved you since I was eighteen, Joslyn. I guess that just proves your point--how dumb I am."
    He swung open the door and strode out. Her legs were shaking too much to follow. She didn't realize she was leaning against the door until she felt Elizabeth's arm around her, holding her up. She looked at her friend through tear-blurred eyes.  
    "What have I done?"
    ***
    Andrew wasn't at the hotel when Max drove her over, and like an idiot, she didn't have her key card or her ID to get a new one from the front desk. Why would she have needed it? She'd been with Andrew and he had his. Together, she and Max checked the bar, and the beach, but Andrew was nowhere to be found. She wanted to drive around looking for him, but the rental car they'd gotten was a silver coupe of some kind--she'd never be able to identify it.  
    "Just come back to our place," Max said. "You'll both be able to think clearer in the morning."
    "I can't." She'd already screwed up so much, she wouldn't be able to sleep until she at least tried to make it right.
    "Do you even know what you're going to say to him?" Max asked.
    She shook her head. "When I see him, I hope it will come to me."
    Max blew out a breath. "I think you're going to have to do better than that. Come home with me, think about it, and try again in the morning."
    The morning. They were supposed to dive in a shark cage in the morning. Would he still keep the appointment? If she showed up, would he throw her off the boat before they got to the cage?
    Worse, would he skip out altogether? Check out of the hotel, leave the island without her? God, she couldn't bear it if he did that, if he