Page 122 of Dream Chaser

The following day, Scarlett and I were dining at a quiet restaurant downtown before heading to a club to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

“You know what I think.” Scarlett dabbed her mouth with a linen napkin. “You’re too generous. Way more than he deserves.”

“You’re right, Scar.” I swallowed the bite of my pan-seared sea bass. “But my peace is at stake. My freedom. I won’t have either until I’m legally Nova Lockhart again. I’d rather spend my energy working.” I swallowed, then let out a long exhale. “Crap.”

Scarlett frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“My work phone has been at the office since before Christmas. What if someone tried to reach me?”

I’d left it and my work laptop there, too rattled after the kiss with Alejandro that shouldn’t have happened. He had my personal cell, and he hadn’t called, but I hated the idea of seeming unprofessional.

“You’re on vacation,” Scarlett said. “Enjoy it. Believe me, if he needed you, he would’ve let you know.”

I took a sip of my wine. “Guess you’re right. He did say he’d handle everything.”

Scarlett twirled a blond lock around her finger. “Hot, considerate, thoughtful. No wonder you’re in a rush to get divorced.”

I cut another piece of fish, but traitorous warmth swathed my cheeks. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Her soft laughter rose above the classical music floating through the hidden speakers. “It’s me. This is a no-judgment zone. You can be honest.”

“Fine.” I sighed, setting my knife down. “I can’t stop thinking about him. I don’t know how I’m going to look at him in two days and pretend I feel nothing.”

“I don’t think you’ll need to pretend.” Scarlett scooped the last piece of her fish up with her fork. “He’s one hundred percent into you. Those gifts were proof. He observed. He listened. He showed that he knows you. If you ask me, his feelings are clear.”

I chewed quietly, letting her words sink in. Could we be together despite my marital status and work situation? Could we have a relationship? Was I ready for one?

Scarlett tilted her head to the side, her lips twitching. “And judging by the dreamy look on your face right now, so are yours.”

***

Lights flickered and swept across the dancing crowd in flashes of neon blue and gold, highlighting sequined dresses and tailored suits.

I downed my fourth tequila shot, then tugged the hem of my light blue dress down—the same dress I’d worn to the disastrous anniversary party with Preston’s friends. It felt symbolic to end the year wearing it and have a happy memory attached to the garment I still loved.

“Ugh, I need to pee.” Scarlett did a little dance on the spot, out of sync with the DJ’s beats. Even slightly tipsy, she looked spectacular in her pale pink jumpsuit.

“Come on.” I grabbed my phone from the bar. “Let’s go.”

We squeezed through the throng of people, making our way to the back of the club.

Two girls were waiting in line. “God.” Scarlett groaned. “Please, don’t let me wear a jumpsuit to a party ever again. I feel like I’m going to burst before I take this thing off.”

A dark-haired girl ahead of us chuckled, motioning ahead with her hand. “Go in first. I can wait.”

Scarlett gave her a hesitant look, but the girl nodded, smiling. As soon as another girl stepped out of a cubicle, Scarlett gave me her clutch and dashed inside.

Everything spun slightly, this time, from tequila.

I leaned against the tiled wall for balance and unlocked my phone.

A missed call. From none other than Preston. The shots I’d drunk climbed my throat. He must’ve received the settlement offer, but I wasn’t going to talk to him. Edward handled everything, and I had no desire to be called names and disrespected on the phone.

I scrolled through the short recent calls list. Scarlett, Edward… Alejandro. My thumb hovered over his contact. I pressed it before my tequila brain had a chance to object.

A breath got trapped in my lungs as I waited. Nothing. Then the call went to voicemail.

“Um…” I closed my eyes, imagining him. Stubbled jaw. Lips I still felt on mine. Strong arms that made me feel safe. “I just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year. I’m at a club with Scar, and you… I don’t know where you are, but I… I wish you were here. I miss you.”