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I touch my mouth, running my fingers against my swollen lips. This kiss was intense, but it was always like that between us.
Yet there are so many questions I want to ask, but even if he answers them, will it change things? I can’t let go of the fact that he chose her.
Not me—her.
Samantha Benson.
“Okay, bitches, let’s get a cab and get this party started.”
Eric does his mini dance—the dance he always does before we go out to a club with music. He pulls on his jacket while I grab my purse. I don’t know what compels me to do it, but I glance over at Lex one last time. He’s staring directly at me with a smug look on his face. I can’t say goodbye, not now. My emotions are all over the place, and nothing good comes within his presence.
I need tequila—STAT.
“First round of shots is on me,” I cheer as we head out of the ballroom, ready to let loose and drown out tonight’s sorrows.
LEX
I spent the short limousine ride chatting with Brooke. It turns out she’s the daughter of one of the politicians from Long Island. Great, just what I need, more media scrutiny. Adriana sure knows how to pick them.
We arrive at the ball, red carpet swarming with paparazzi. We follow the crowd, hoping to avoid the craziness. Unfortunately, I’m not so lucky.
“Mr. Edwards, over here,” one of the paparazzi yells.
I take my cue, posing, then the media frenzy follows. The bulbs keep flashing, blinding my normally perfect vision.
“Lex, who are you wearing?”
“Are you and Brooke Henley an item?”
“Is it true the Lexed Group is in a bidding war to buy—?”
Adriana shakes her head with annoyance and impatiently drags me into the building.
Thank God, the worst part is over.
We’re seated toward the front, thanks to Adriana making me purchase the seats at twenty-five hundred a ticket. Sitting at the table beside us is Mr. Vandercamp and what looks like a new wife or possibly mistress. She’s a clone of Barbie, a far cry from the Mrs. Vandercamp I remember.
Mr. Vandercamp is the owner of one of the largest importing companies in the States. Rumor has it he’s in the middle of a messy divorce. With a Fortune 500 company, he is set to lose a lot of money. Too bad the old bugger didn’t keep his dick in his pants.
We continue through the crowd, pausing to chat with acquaintances until finally stopping at Mr. and Mrs. Henley’s table. Brooke introduces me to her parents. It’s obvious her father isn’t impressed she’s attending the event with me. Who could blame him? I don’t have the best reputation with women.
I scan the room, bored with the conversation between Brooke and her mother about dresses and designers. Across the ballroom, I notice a young guy checking me out, making it blatantly obvious. The girl on his right copies his move, and the one on his left slowly untangles herself from her partner’s arm, revealing a stunning dress.
Emerald green, if that doesn’t take me back to prom.
She turns to glance my way, and our eyes fixate on each other.
It’s her.
My heart races uncontrollably, a dry throat starting to become uncomfortable as I stare, allowing my insecurity to get the better of me. Again. I despise myself for being so weak in her presence. Man the fuck up, Edwards.
Straightening my shoulders with my chest out, I adjust my cufflinks and take easy breaths, willing my confidence to return. This time, I’m not going to let the opportunity get away. Leaning into Brooke’s ear, I tell her I’m going to mingle.
With every step I take toward her, the expression on her face is of disbelief. And attached to that is the most beautiful woman in the entire room.
Her long dress flows down her perfectly toned body, each curve making me harden beneath my pants. What I wouldn’t do to have my face between those full breasts right now. Her hair is styled to one side, wavy in a 1950s style. It’s much longer than in high school, but then again, that feels like a lifetime ago.
“Charlotte, what a nice surprise to see you again.”
