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I halt in mid-stride and turn to face her, trying to plaster on a sincere smile.
She levels me with a look. “I’ll see you tomorrow. At Nocté.”
I fight back the sharp inhalation of relief that claws its way through my lungs. Then, I force a smile, tip my head in acknowledgment, and finish walking to my truck.
In my rearview mirror, I watch Lily walk back to the others as I drive off.
Then, I drive on autopilot, refusing to think—or hell, breathe. Instead, I go numb.
What did I expect to happen?
She’s married. Of course, she’ll be with her husband.
It’s not like I have some sort of claim on her, just because I saw her first.
“Fuck,” I ground out, slamming my hand on the steering wheel.
For a brief moment, I entertained the notion of telling her how I was feeling just in case she might be feeling the same. I knew I should have gone with my first instinct.
I should have stuffed this all down and let it lie.
Goddamn Myles and her stupid ideas.
I knew better.
When I pull into Nocté, I shut my Escalade off and sit there, staring out the window for what feels like forever.
The parking lot is packed and the music from inside can be felt even from here.
What in the hell am I going to do?
I shake my head and pinch the bridge of my nose.
I’m gonna do the only thing I can do. I’m going to be her friend.
That’s what she wants—what she needs.
And I’d rather have her as a friend than not at all.
Rolling my eyes at myself, I shut off the truck and get out. There’s no sign of Cal, but I’m sure he’s here somewhere, watching.
He better damn well see the look on my face and know to stay away.
When I open the back door and walk inside, the music blares and the base rattles the walls.
There was a time when I loved the nightlife. I loved the sound of the club.
Tonight is not one of those times.
I just want to go home and figure out a game plan for how I’m going to deal with tomorrow.
At this point, Myles will be knee-deep in slinging drinks and Cal will be coordinating with the rest of his security team. So, I slip quietly into my office and close the door.
Then, I flip the fucking lock.
Leaning forward, my forehead thumps against the door.
What a shitshow.
