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Watching Alex on stage handing out the award to Central Demon gave me a sense of pride, too. He might not be mine, but I was the woman that had been sharing his bed for the last three months. That had to mean something. Then I thought back to David. I’d been sleeping with him for almostfour yearsand it meant nothing. I’d put myself right back in the same position that I’d been running from. I was in love with Alex—I’d known that for a few months now—but once again, I’d fallen for someone I couldn’t have. Looking up at Alex on stage, hearing the screams from his fans, reality sunk in. It was more ridiculous than my dream relationship with David. BeingAlex Harbour’sgirlfriend…I should have been a comedian.
The after party was more informal. Alex had taken his bowtie and jacket off, and was talking to a few friends while I sat with Kingsley’s wife. We’d been mingling through the crowd for a few hours, and he could see that I needed to sit down and rest.
“My husband is very excited about Alex’s new material,” she smiled, taking a sip of champagne.
“They’ve both done an amazing job. I think it’s some of Alex’s best work.”
“Kingsley said Alex seems more focused these days.” I was going to reply when someone in the crowd caught my attention. I should have gathered that David would be here tonight. Flavour records had a few artists attending. He was making his way toward me. Alex was deep in conversation with a group of people, so he hadn’t noticed. I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t really want a confrontation right now.
“Nat,” David glared at me. “Why haven’t you returnedanyof my calls?”
“I couldn’t see that we had anything else to say to each other. Now if you’ll excuse me, you’re interrupting my conversation!” Turning back to Kingsley’s wife, I tried to ignore him, but David wasn’t having that.
“I have fucking plenty!” he fumed, moving to get my attention again. “Didn’t the rock star tell you that I’ve been calling?”
“We’ve both been busy, David! The world doesn’t stop because you want to talk to me.” Taking me by surprise, he took my hand, pulling me into his chest.
“The worldhasstopped for me, Nat. I’ve finished with Sarah. I…”
“Is there a problem here?” Alex was almost growling as he interrupted David.
“No, I just wanted aquietword with Nat.” David turned, taking my hand in his. Alex’s eyes narrowed. He looked anxious as David led me away from him. I didn’t know what to do, but let him lead me outside where he found a secluded spot for us to talk.
“What is all of this about?” I glared, folding my arms. He looked around, then taking me by surprise, pinned me against the wall and started kissing me passionately. Shit, I didn’t want this, did I? Why was I kissing him back? When my brain eventually caught up with what was happening, I pushed him away. “What the hell wasthat?”
“I’ve finished with Sarah.”What?“I want you back, Nat, and I don’t mean as my PA.”Holy fuck!“Say something, please.”
“David, I…I…” I didn’t know what to say.
“I was a fool. I’ve been so stupid. All this time you were right under my nose. These months without you, watching you with Alex…it’s been killing me. Please don’t tell me I’m too late. Come back to me. Please?” I shivered, looking around to find an escape route. I didn’t want to hear this at the moment. “Nat?”
“I can’t do this right now. I’m here with Alex.”
“Are the two of you…?” He swallowed hard, trying to finish, but I knew what he was trying to ask.
“No, but I’mworking. You can’t keep doing this. You hadfour yearsto work out your feelings for me!”
“I didn’t know what you meant to me until you were gone.”
“I need to go, David. I can’t do this.”
“Please, don’t run, Nat. Think about what we could have together back in London.” He tried to grab my hand, but I pulled away and raced back into the party.
My eyes searched for Alex the moment I was back in the room. He was by the bar. As soon as his eyes found mine, he walked over to me.
“Is everything okay?” he asked in concern, touching my arm.
“Yes.” I forced a smile, but he knew I was lying.
“Come and dance with me.” I was so numb that I followed him without protesting. All I wanted was to be wrapped in his arms right now. That was the only place that made sense to me. “If you want him, Straight Lace, I’d understand,” he whispered in my ear, pulling me close. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I didn’t respond; I simply rested my head against his chest.
“I don’t think we can slow dance anymore, Nat. The songs are a little too upbeat.” I had no idea how long we’d been dancing. My head had been racing with thoughts. “Do you want to get out of here?”
“Is that okay?”
“Of course it is,” he sighed. I followed him outside to the limo. He handed me his jacket. I was putting it on when I heard my name being called. Ugh, could this night get any worse?
“You’re leaving withhim?”David slurred. He was drunk. This was going to end in disaster.“Nat, didn’t you listen to me earlier?” He grabbed me by the shoulders. “Don’t go with him. Please.”
