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I take the initiative to introduce myself since she stands still, completely speechless. She stammers as she begins to speak, affected by my presence. After she introduces her colleagues, the moment comes that I’ve been dreading. She finally introduces her fiancé—Julian Baker.
He extends his hand, repeating my name. With a controlled stare, I don’t let him see how much I loathe him for taking what belongs to me, not even when he wraps his fingers around her beautifully manicured fingers. With every fiber of my being, I try to contain my jealously, rambling on about us dating in high school.
There’s history between us, and no matter what the future holds, nothing or no one can erase that.
The conversation bounces between my accent, the office in Manhattan, to Adriana. Although I welcome anything which comes from Charlotte, her Asian friend is intrusive with his questions. Thankfully, we’re interrupted by the MC announcing dinner is to be served.
I continue to stare at Charlotte, her eyes never leaving mine. If only I could get her alone, to explain. I am certain I can convince her my mistakes were justified by the unfortunate situation I found myself in. But as her friends begin to walk off, I seize the opportunity with desperation, grabbing her arm as I whisper how breathtaking she looks tonight.
For the split second she lingers next to me, I inhale her heavenly scent. It’s like a drug, and just like that, I find my addiction again. She walks away from me, leaving me standing like a lost puppy.
Fucking pull yourself together, Edwards.
Stakes are high, and you can’t afford to lose.
“She’s here,” I tell Adriana, back at our table.
Adriana searches the room in anticipation, and after going back and forth with Elijah as to what she will say when she sees her, she throws her napkin on her table and begins to walk off amongst the crowd. Adriana hasn’t even bothered to touch her food, and neither have I, desperate for the hard stuff to calm down my anxious nerves.
I excuse myself, heading straight for the bar since the champagne served to us at the table is awful.
“What can I get you, sir?”
“Scotch, neat.”
“Hi, Lex.” Charlotte’s assistant, Eric, is standing beside me, maybe a little too close. Or is that my paranoia? “So, I’m guessing Charlie and you were more than just friends back in high school, hence why you can cut the sexual tension with a dil… um, I mean, chainsaw?”
“It’s a little complicated,” I retort, hesitating.
Where’s he going with this? And was he about to say dildo?
“I’m surprised she never mentioned you, considering I’m her BFF. Yo
u would think a gorgeous man like yourself would’ve been brought up during at least one drunken escapade.” He motions for the bartender to serve him, ordering two Martinis, then quickly turns back to me.
“Well, since you’re so-called BFFs, Eric, tell me, how long has she and Julian been together?”
“Three months,” he responds, grabbing his Martini and swirling the stick.
I don’t know what I wanted to hear. It’s great they haven’t been together for long, but the engaged part, I can’t comprehend. They were only together for three fucking months, and she’s already engaged to him? Why would you rush that? Unless she was… no, fuck, it can’t be that. She’s drinking champagne. Calm down, Edwards. I need to play my cards right, desperate for information, anything about her I can get my hands on.
“I own a club, After Dark. Not sure if you’ve heard of it?”
Of course, he has heard of it. Aren’t gays known for their fashion sense and club life? The second his eyes light up, I know I’m on the ball.
“Oh-em-gee, like hello! It’s the hottest spot in town right now,” he squeals, clapping his hands in delight.
Bingo. I need to get Charlotte into a more relaxed environment. I do what any other determined man trying to get his hands on his ex-girlfriend would do—I take one for the team and flirt a little with her gay BFF.
“So how about I put you guys on the VIP list for tonight?”
Eric clutches his chest, eyes wide and glowing with an elated smile. I’m slightly worried he’s going to grab my face and kiss me. I have no problem with gays, but I like pussy, sweet beautiful pussy. Oh, fuck, if that doesn’t stir things up again. I’m like a goddamn fifteen-year-old with this walking hard-on. I don’t want Eric thinking he’s had a hand in that.
“That would be awesome.”
Eric leans over, hugging me tightly. It’s weird, like oh-em-gee, weird. Jesus Christ, this kid is rubbing off on me already.
I straighten my posture, finishing the remnants of my scotch and order another.
