Page 50 of Falling for My Ex Next Door

I watched him from across the room, mesmerized by the finesse with which he addressed the guests. There was the attraction I thought I had lost, and it was drawing me to him like a moth attracted to flame.

I could remember the things that had attracted me to him in the first place and they were none other than the way he moved, the way he talked, and his smile, yes. I loved his smile, it was just so captivating.

I didn’t know why, but I kept staring at him, and our eyes frequently locked as he didn’t stop looking at me, too. I could barely focus on what he was saying.

“We have had another successful year and I am honored to have the privilege of standing before you and sharing our achievements.”

“Hey,” someone joined me. It was Daisy. She was gorgeously dressed, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Hey!” I smiled.

“I’m glad you are here.” She chuckled.

“Thanks for the invite.” I smiled again.

“You look gorgeous,” she grinned.

“So do you.”

“And I knew this necklace would just be perfect!” She was referring to the necklace she got for me the other day, which was now prettily resting around my neck.

“Yeah, thanks for insisting.”

“You are welcome!” She giggled. “I’d like you to meet some people after Jacob’s done speaking.”

“Noted.”

“Oh, that’s Mom.” She looked in the direction of the woman standing elegantly among a group of fine ladies. Talking of Mrs. Bradley, it had been long since I had seen her. Even before Jacob and I separated, I had not been close to her, not to talk about getting attached to her.

She was a woman I respected from afar, and I thought she was a good role model.

“I need to see her, I’ll be right back,” Daisy said and left just as the speech ended.

I could not deny the butterflies fluttering in my stomach as I watched him walk over to where I was standing.

“That was a good speech,” I said out of nervousness. I attempted to conceal my anxiety, but I was not successful.

“Thank you,” he took another drink from a tray a female waiter dexterously carried in one hand.

“I must say, you look stunning tonight,” he commented, admiring my black sequin dress.

“Thank you, Daisy made the pick.”

“Hm,” he smiled, sipping his drink.

“You are not so bad yourself.”

He laughed, a deep, throaty laugh that sent a shiver down my spine. “Oh, please, don’t flatter me,” he said, feigning modesty.

I laughed, too.

“Are you enjoying the party?” He asked afterwards.

“Hm, hm.” I nodded.

Then silence fell between us, though it was fleeting. He occasionally glanced at me, making me suddenly aware of how my dress hugged my curves and how my hair fell around my face.

I wanted to strike up a conversation with him, but I didn’t know what to say exactly.

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