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And him obviously enjoying it.
Over the meal, the four of them talked about the details of the collaboration while Beth and I tried to make friendly conversation with the rest of the group.
Brent and Shane got involved in a conversation about brewing temperatures and oak-barrel aging.
Vera kept complimenting Dylan on his business savvy. She even turned and complimented me and Beth on the pitch at one point, and she wasn’t being insincere.
I wanted to hate her, but she seemed genuinely nice and thoughtful. Just thirsty as hell for my—for Dylan.
What I did hate was how Dylan loved the attention she was giving him. After last night, it hurt to see him so engaged with another woman. Especially one as gorgeous as Vera.
His flirting reminded me of Todd cheating and I couldn’t help but wonder if the brothers shared the same habits. I didn’t think Dylan was the type, but I couldn’t be sure yet.
Not that it was even considered cheating because it wasn’t like we were actually together. Maybe that was the point he was trying to get across.
I must have been making a face, because Beth leaned over discreetly and said, "You alright?" under her breath.
I dragged my eyes away from Dylan and Vera. "Oh yeah, fine," I said quickly. Too quickly apparently, because Beth shot me a knowing look.
"I might have noticed a certain brewery owner stopping by someone's hotel room after dinner last night," she said, eyebrows raised.
I nearly choked on my wine.
"What? No, that was just...a work thing," I stammered.
"Mm hmm, must have been some important business to discuss that it couldn’t wait," Beth said with a smirk.
I wasn’t doing a good job of playing it off. She smelled blood because she didn’t let it go.
“I sensed something was going on between you guys, and I wasn’t sure until I saw your reaction just now,” she said as she eyed me. “I’m sure Alexander or Chelsea wouldn’t like an employee fraternizing with a client.”
My eyes went wide. Before I could respond, Beth continued, "But clearly he's moved on to the next pretty girl already. Men, right?"
I glanced back over at Dylan, who seemed completely engrossed in his cozy conversation with Vera. Laughing at her jokes, refilling her wine glass...
"They’re talking business," I said, trying to convince myself more than Beth.
Beth just shook her head doubtfully.
My chest tightened. As much as I hated to admit it, Beth had a point. Dylan slipped easily back into flirt mode with a beautiful, interested woman. Meanwhile I sat here like a flustered schoolgirl, pining pathetically.
I felt sick to my stomach at the sight of Vera hanging off of Dylan and the thought of people at the office finding out.
I could already see how this would play out. I’d fall for him and somehow, I’d end up getting my heart broken. Maybe even fired from my job.
I stood and said my goodbyes to everyone, explaining I was still feeling a little jet-lagged and wanted to go back to the hotel. I said they could call me if they needed anything.
“Are you sure?” Dylan asked, standing as I started to leave. “Can I help you get back?”
“That’s ok, I’ll be fine. I’ll see you later,” I said quickly.
Once outside in the evening air, angry tears stung my eyes, but I held them back.
My feelings for Dylan had already deepened past the point of no return.
But clearly, I needed to be smarter about this.
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