TAINTED

Chapter 15

IVY

"Good morning." Blaine's sexy voice came through the speakers of my phone. Even though he was starting his day in Europe, I was about to go to bed. I was happy he could FaceTime me, even if it was just for a few minutes. I needed my rest. Tomorrow, I'll travel back to Whitefish Resort. I didn't want to miss the opportunity to see him. I also needed to tell him about Rhys staying at the ranch.

"Good morning," I replied, watching him. A small smile tugged on his lips, and his gray eyes sparkled affectionately.

"You look real sexy with your hair pulled up like that," he gave me a wink. "God Ivy. I miss you so much."

"I miss you too," I whispered, feeling tears wet my eyes. It was good to see him. It reminded me how much I missed him and how easy it was to be with him. Being with Blaine was safe. He loved me. I didn't have to question it or guess or worry. I knew. Our love might not have been the heated passion you read about in romance novels or see in the movies – but it was love. A gentle and true kind that comforts you like a warm cup of tea on a cold day.

"So, how's your research going? Tell me all about it." I smiled.

"It's going. I'm learning a ton. My research is currently focusing on the dynamic relationship between the exchange rate and stock price in the European sector."

"Wow. That's impressive."

"Thanks. I've been working hard. Through my research, I've been able to experience and see so many amazing things. It's been a real whirlwind. I'm just sorry you aren't here with me."

He paused and glanced to his right and then back over at me. "You would love Europe. It's just so different than Montana. People eat pastries in the morning and drink coffee out of tiny cups. They close up their shops in the middle of the day to rest. It's crazy," he laughed and smiled at me. "Just look at the view from my window." He flipped his screen around and showed me the most beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower glistening in the early morning sun. It took my breath away. Before I could speak again, he turned the phone around, and his face was back on the screen.

"How are things at the ranch?" he asked.

I swallowed hard. It was time to tell him about Rhys. He would never hide something like that from me, and I owed him the truth about my current living arrangement. I took a deep breath and let out a tense release of air. It would sting just like ripping off a band-aid – but it would be fast and quick.

"It's good..." I drawled and then bit my bottom lip. "But there is something I need to tell you..." My voice trailed off when I became distracted by a tall and slender brunette that suddenly appeared behind Blaine.

"Hey, Blaine," she casually greeted him. His face flushed at the sound of her voice, and he spun around.

"Hey, uh, Amy – I'm just on FaceTime. What's up?" His voice faltered when he spoke. My cheeks heated, and my stomach clenched. This girl was beautiful. Who the hell was she? And what the hell was she doing in my boyfriend's room?

"Oh, sorry," she giggled, flicking her long brown hair over her shoulder. "I didn't realize you were talking to someone. I was heading down to the library," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder and winking. "I'll meet you there?"

"Okay. Sounds good. Be down in a few minutes." She flicked her hair over her shoulder, and he gave her a measly wave. Once she was gone from my sight, he turned to face me. "I can explain."

"Someone?" I said with a sharp edge to my voice. "Does she not know who I am?"

"Look, Ivy, I was going to tell you. I swear. Her name is Amy. Our villa rooms are connected, and we both work under Professor Yurick. Please say something."

I wanted to reach through the phone and slap him. I've never felt so betrayed. I felt horrible about keeping Rhys's presence from Blaine, yet he neglected to tell me about some beautiful girl he was living with.

"Did you, or did you not tell her about me?"

"We are here to work, Ivy, not discuss our personal lives."

Unshed tears wet my eyes. "I can't believe – "I took a deep and calming breath. "I need to go."

"Ivy, please. Don't be angry with me."

My cheeks were on fire, and my heart pounded in my chest.

"You hid your pretty female study buddy from me and neglected to tell her you had a girlfriend back in Montana. You're always so jealous of me being friends with guys, yet there you are in Paris, France, being friends with a girl, and I'm supposed to be cool about it. "

An uncomfortable silence filled the space between us, and he dropped his head to his chest, letting out a defeated sigh. He looked up at me, his sad eyes filled with regret. He knew he made a huge mistake hiding something like that from me, but I was too angry to talk this out right now.

"I need to go."

I knew I was a hypocrite and acting irrationally, but I couldn't fight the anger inside me. I was just about to tell Blaine about Rhys being back in town and staying at the ranch, until I saw that bubbly brunette standing behind him asking him to go to the library with her and seeing her touch him – ugh. And he never even told her about me? All I felt was betrayal and hurt – everything I thought about my and Blaine's relationship was wrong. It was just as flawed as the next. I felt guilty thinking I was the horrible one and telling myself Blaine would never hide something like that from me, but he did.

"Ivy – please," he begged, but I clicked off our FaceTime and powered down my phone.

Tears fell on my cheeks, and my phone dropped into my lap. I was furious at Blaine. But the person I was angry with was myself. There was no way I could return to the ranch tomorrow. Being this angry with Blaine and returning to Rhys was not a good idea. I fell back onto my pillows and closed my eyes. I was so utterly confused. I needed some sleep.