Page 28 of Tempting God

“Good afternoon, Ms. Blanc. Your car is waiting to take you to the airport.”

Afternoon? Shit!

I clear my throat. “I’ll be right down.”

Luckily, I’m used to living out of my suitcase. Otherwise, this would be a nightmare. Five minutes later, I’m in the back of the car that’s going to take me to the airport. As the sedan merges into traffic, I power on my phone. The slew of messages that come through makes my head ache, but at least it gives me something to do during the drive.

Still…I can’t believe I forgot to turn my phone back on. After the whole text message thing with Grant, I had a small bottle of wine from the mini-fridge in the room. One bottle led to two. I must have dozed off at some point. It’s fine. I didn’t miss my flight, and everything else is going to go smoothly for the rest of the day.

Except, I find out my flight has been canceled when I check in with the airline.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Blanc. There’s nothing we can do.”

“I understand. Thank you for booking me on a different flight.”

I mean it, too. I’m already going to be a bit late to the baby shower as it is. I would have felt awful if I missed it completely.

“I see here that you’re a frequent flyer member. You have access to the member’s lounge, which might be more comfortable than waiting out here.”

“I’ll check it out. Thanks.”

Grabbing the handle of my carry-on luggage, I roll it toward the TSA security checkpoint. After making my way past the checkpoint, I head right to the lounge. I need a drink ASAP.

The lounge isn’t too busy, which isn’t surprising. Most of the members are business people, and Saturday isn’t a normal flying day for a business trip. Since the airport is international, the lounge is much larger than other airports. There’s a full-size bar where you can order food, a business center with private desks, but the best part of the lounge is the sleep pods. I glance at my watch. If I had time, I’d hop in one and take a nap. Sadly, I don’t think I have time for a proper nap and I sure as heck don’t want to oversleep again.

I’ve just ordered my drink when a deep voice speaks close to my ear.

“Stalking me, Blanc?”

I glance up, finding the bane of my existence.

“What are you doing here?”

“As we discussed last night, I’m going to the same baby shower you are.”

The bartender hands me my drink with a wink. I don’t miss Grant’s scowl.

I’m smiling as I take a sip.

“Getting wasted so you can handle seeing Moretti?”

I meet his gaze again. “What on earth are you talking about?”

He gestures to my drink. “The booze, Blanc. I’m talking about the booze.”

“It’s one drink. Besides, why would I need a drink to see Les? I’ve seen him a lot recently and did so sober.”

His jaw tics at the use of Alessandro’s nickname. And it takes everything in my fucking power not to pour a little extra salt in that obvious wound.

“Are you sure that’s a wise move? I heard you were devastated when he dumped you.”

“I dumped him,” I snap. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

“Right.” He drags the single word out so that it’s condescending. “We all know that relationship was doomed from the get-go.”

“Since you’re such an expert, then you also must know why Les and I agreed to date in the first place.”

“Because of the Brotherhood.”

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