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As I’m about to walk out of my office, my cell rings again. Thinking it’s him, I answer without even glancing at it.
I regret that assumption immediately.
“Hi Wes, why haven’t you been answering my texts?” The voice purrs on the other end.
Un-fucking-fortunately for me, it’s the little devil Danni Winters. The one who uses me at her disposal. Which, don’t get me wrong, used to work to my benefit when I was in the prime of my modeling career—being with her helped blast my face all over the tabloids and internet. At the time, that’s what I wanted, but now I couldn’t want anything less.
We had some good times together, but I realized over the years she’s not capable of truly caring for anyone but herself. She is, in fact, the Ice Queen the internet makes her out to be. We have the kind of friendship that occasionally ends with one of us in each other’s bed, but it’s nothing more than a needed release.
Now that I am trying to step away from the limelight, I’m also trying to step away from Danni. It’s been six months since we were last together, and I plan to keep it that way.
“Hello Wesley! You can’t ignore me forever, you know. I have some upcoming press in New York, and I would like for you to accompany me. I miss you, Wes.”
I scoff at her comment. Knowing damn well the only thing she ever misses is her face on the front ofOK Magazine…and maybe my dick, but ever since this past Christmas, that guy is back on strike and only seems to want one thing.One unobtainable, very beautiful thing.
I had one slip up in the spring where I stupidly agreed to go with Danni to the grand opening of a club one of her “friends” had relaunched. I was so hammered and don’t even remember much of the night, but by the way I felt when I woke up the next morning, I knew what happened… it was meaningless, quick, fake, and it’s not happening again.
“Danni, I was serious when we last talked about this. I’m done with this arrangement of ours. There are plenty of others you could ask to be your arm candy.”
“But Wes, we're so good together. You know exactly what I need, and I can’t see how one more time will do any harm. Please Wessy…” The sound of her pleading makes my insides churn.
“Listen! I’m about to see a friend and want to enjoy my night. I’ll come by later this week so we can talk this out.”
Knowing how spiteful she is, I have to be careful with the way I handle her.
“But I want to see you this weekend. Come over after you see your friend. Please Wes, it’s been too long, and I know you want to see me too.”
“No Danni, I think it’s best if I come later this week. Have a good weekend.”
I hang up before she can try to convince me otherwise. If you give her an inch, she’ll take a mile.
My phone rings again and it’s her…nope, not happening.I’m forgetting Danni Winters for the night and having a much-needed drink with my best friend.
I meet Eli at the bar and to my surprise, his buddy Parker is also with him. I greet them with our typical handshake that turns into a bro hug. “Damn, who do I owe for bringing you two out tonight? I know you didn’t just come here to see me.” I eye them both. “What’s her name?”
They both laugh and Parker says, “I’m just along for the ride. I don’t know what Eli has up his sleeve.”
Eli doesn’t bother responding. He just starts moving through the crowd and gestures for us to follow him like he's the one who owns the place. A few steps in, he turns back to me. “I know you could get us a nice spot in here, but the ladies already have a table. I sent over a round of shots.”Ahh, so there are ladies, I knew it.
“Okay, no problem. I’ll tell my floor manager not to worry about it.” I grab my phone out of my pocket and text Julie, who’s running the show tonight… telling her not to worry about clearing a space for my friends and me anymore.
As I am pressing send, I hear Eli say, “There they are… right there.” Looking up, I lock eyes with the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen and, like always, my body ignites from the inside out.
My steps falter for a moment, unable to believe she’s here in the flesh. Sloan Barton… my best friend’s little sister and the star in every single one of my secret fantasies for the past nine fucking years. Every time I see her, no matter how much time passes, I’m taken right back to that summer… the three months that changed everything between us. The summer I fell head over heels in love with the blue-eyed goddess, only to realize life had other plans for us.
Regaining my footing, I approach the table — not taking my eyes off Sloan. Her stare matches mine. The tension fills the air between us like every other time we’ve seen each other in the last nine and a half years.
It’s always there…
Lingering.
Burning.
Unfinished.
There is something to be said about unfinished business, and Sloan Barton is the epitome ofmyunfinished business.
Snapping out of the trance we’re caught in… she quickly stands to hug her brother and Parker before making her way to me.
