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She raises her hands in the air. “Fine, if your brother can take Addison, I don’t see why it’s so difficult for you to bring someone as well.”
My fingers stop typing as the blood rushes through me like water bursting sandbanks during a torrential storm.So, all along her date is my brother?
A million different things are running through my head. Is something actually going on between them? I heard the phone call, him professing how much he loves her. Best friends don’t do that. I’m close to Ava, and half the time, she calls me a dick, never ever telling me how much she loves me. And it goes the same way for me. Love is a strong fucking word to use, and it sounded very much to me that something is going on.
But none of it makes sense. If there was, in fact, something between them, why was she sucking me off in the parking lot like I was her last meal on Earth?
I must find out for myself.
And if my brother is bringing a date to this event, then it’s only fair that I do too.
A rasp leaves my throat as I clear it, trying to remain calm. “You’re right, Mom. I’ll bring someone suitable. After all, eyes are on me to be the next CEO.”
Mom walks over, placing her hand on my cheek. “You already are CEO, honey. Perhaps your father needs to make that clear.”
* * *
Wearing tuxedos for work events is a ridiculous notion.
Yet I play the part, with my date’s arm linked in mine as we walk in. Ariel is her name, a former Miss USA contestant who isn’t so bad in bed. Sure, she squeals more than I enjoy, but it was one-time last year and not exactly worthy of going back for seconds.
Tonight, though, I need her for an entirely different reason.
The ballroom is located in West Hollywood and is one of the newer spaces in the area. The layout is simple but decorated in black and gold, which is the color of our branding. Our marketing team is on point with everything tonight, and Mom made sure only the best media outlets were in attendance.
As for Dad, he’s circulating the room with his pretend face to impress everyone.
“C’mon, let’s have a drink.”
I grab Ariel’s hand though her silver gown is long and beaded, making it difficult for her to move fast. The bartender serves us straight away, so I order Ariel champagne while I go for something more to my liking—bourbon.
“Well, Mr. Cooper, it’s been a while.”
Beside me, Lex is standing with Charlie at his side. His emerald eyes are probing me like he knows what I’ve done with his daughter. I bury the paranoia to extend my hand and shake his own.
“Yes, it has been, Lex. How are you?”
“Good,” he says, then turns to face Charlie. “Great, if I’m being honest.”
Charlie leans over and kisses me hello. For someone Mom’s age, the woman is sexy. If she weren’t married to a tycoon who’s also my dad’s best friend, I’d be trying to get her on all fours and beg her to scream my name.
Fuck, what the hell is wrong with you?
Lex would kill me with his bare hands for even thinking it.
Dad appears with a drink in hand, looking bored as he walks over here. It’s not long before Adriana arrives and joins us. According to Mom, Kate was called to a family emergency in England this afternoon, and Noah decided to fly over with her for support.
“What time am I officially allowed to order shots?” Dad asks with a forced grin. “If I have to speak to Jonathan McIntyre about his beloved horses again, I’m seriously going to strangle the man.”
Adriana laughs. “You mean Desmond and Gloria?”
“Who the hell names their horses Desmond and Gloria?” Dad shakes his head but eagerly drinks his whisky, then slams the glass on the bar demanding another.
“Someone…” Lex adds, then continues, “… who has more money than he knows what to do with.”
Dad cocks his head as he glances at Lex. “How come you’re not part of his horse club, then?”
“Because I still have a beautiful wife who deserves my attention,” Lex responds with a knowing smile.
