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“Thanks, but I’m focusing on my career right now.” That’s right. I don’t need a man.

“Ah, I see. I guess not everyone is cut out to be a wife.” There’s a cruel glint in her eyes. “How’s this career of yours going?”

“Amazing. I hope you have a good rest of the evening, Esther.” Her name comes out more forced than I wanted.

“Same to you, Gemma.” She scoffs with a winning attitude, sauntering out of the bathroom.

As the door swings shut behind her, I realize I’ve been gripping my lipstick so tightly that I almost crushed it in my hand. I shove it back into my purse and exit the restroom. Time for another drink.

The cloying smell of Esther’s disgusting perfume follows me out of the bathroom, and my stomach churns. I can’t go back there. Can’t watch Esther’s red nails dig into Elijah’s arm as she gazes up at him. Can’t see the smug expression on her face when he laughs at her lame jokes.

My feet carry me down the hall, past the throbbing music and drunken laughter spilling from the main room. I duck into a small side lounge, empty except for the bartender wiping down the counter.

“Whiskey. Neat.” I slump onto a barstool, the leather creaking under me.

The bartender raises an eyebrow but grabs a glass without comment. I drink it, relishing the burn down my throat. Anything to distract from the ache in my chest. From the memories threatening to overwhelm me.

My fingers curl around the chilled glass, condensation dripping onto the bar.

I should have asked how long she and Elijah have been engaged. The lingerie collection I’ve been working on is dedicated to the unforgettable night I spent with him.

Was he engaged when we…?

The whiskey burns going down, but I don’t care. I tilt the glass back further, draining every drop.

“Another?” The bartender asks.

I nod, avoiding his gaze as my fingers tighten around the empty glass, knuckles white. To top everything off, Oliver still won’t sign the damn papers.

The bartender sets another drink in front of me without a word, but the instant I reach out, a strong, veiny hand snatches it away.

“I hope you’re not planning to sneak out again.”

Chapter 13

She’s sitting on a stool, her legs crossed, her dress hugging her body in all the right places. I can’t help but stare at her, my eyes tracing her curves, the swell of her breasts, and the way her hips sway as she shifts in her seat.

Bringing the liquid to my lips, my eyes lock with hers over the rim of the glass.

Whiskey. Is she that distressed?

I put the glass on the bar out of her reach and step closer.

Her skin is so soft under my fingertips. I let them trail from her shoulder to her arm, watching goosebumps rise across it. Our eyes lock, and a hunger stirs inside me.

She’s so close, and with Esther gone, I’m hyperaware of her body inches from mine. A touch I don’t mind compared to Esther’s. A feeling I missed.

“Would you please give us a moment?” I motion with my head for the bartender to leave.

He nods and slips out, closing the door behind him.

Being near her electrifies my senses, but her avoidance of me nags at the back of my mind. I step in closer, crowding her space. A hint of her floral perfume surrounds me.

My voice comes out soft yet demanding. “Why didn’t you come to our date? And why did you ignore my messages?”

I watch the emotions play across her face.

Confusion?

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