Page 38 of Rivals Next Door

“What do you have against that song?” Spencer asked. “Even a cold-hearted grump like Michael appreciates that song.”

Michael took no offense. He smirked and said, “It’s true. It’s a classic.”

Of course, we all knew he wasn’t really cold-hearted. The grumpster melted like hot butter when it came to his daughter.

My jaw clenched so tightly that my molars almost shattered. I used to love the song too. I sang it to Olivia sometimes back in the day, because, for one, the lyrics were spot-on. I only had eyes for her. Plus, when I was a kid, my mother told me my dad sang it to her all the time.

Naturally, when I fell madly—and foolishly—in love, I crooned it to my woman on occasion. I sang those words the night I took Olivia’s virginity on the hood of my Mustang… What a magnificent night. Now, hearing the song was like getting repeated jabs in the chest with an ice pick.

“Just tired of hearing it, that’s all,” I said and turned my glass of vodka to my head. There was no point in venting to the guys about what happened with Olivia when I stupidly went to her place. There was no point in expressing the emotional turmoil I found myself in because they told me to stay away from her.

If I heard a single I told you so tonight, I swear, I would jump out of Jamie’s penthouse window. The guys exchanged glances but stayed quiet. I was grateful because I wasn’t in the talking mood. Eventually, they broke away to do their own thing and then I saw Charlotte coming over.

A genuine smile lit up my face. I’d talk to her no matter how miserable I was. She was easy and fun to talk to. If I had a sister, I’d want her to be like Charlotte.

“Hey, Alex,” she greeted with her warm smile.

“Hey. I didn’t know you could detach yourself from Jamie for even a minute,” I joked.

She wrinkled her nose at me. “Well, you’re special, so I thought I’d tear myself away from him and come chat with you for a few minutes. Are you okay?”

“Mhmm.” I stared into my half-empty glass.

“Wanna tell me what your outburst earlier was about? You almost gave my mother a heart attack. She has very sensitive ears.”

“I’m sorry.” I glanced at Charlotte’s mother with a remorseful wince. “She must think I’m some uncouth animal.”

Charlotte’s soft chuckle wrapped around me. “Mom is old-fashioned, but she isn’t that judgy.”

“Congratulations on your engagement.” I pointed a finger at her. “You’d better make sure to have only hot bridesmaids, you hear? Don’t disappoint me.”

She swatted me with a throw pillow, and I grinned. “Alexander Knight, you will keep your paws off my bridesmaids.”

“Not making any promises.” I wiggled my eyebrows. “Your sister is pretty sweet…”

“She’s married.”

I snapped my fingers in mock disappointment. “Darn, so I might have to steal you away from Jamie after all. You're a damn cool kitten, Char. The coolest.”

“That’ll never happen.” She batted her eyelashes. “Billionaire playboys aren’t my type, so you don’t have a chance.”

I clutched my chest. “Ouch.”

She smiled, and I grinned back.

Charlotte raised her eyebrows. “Are you ready to stop hiding behind your jokes and tell me what’s up with you?”

My lips slowly turned downward and I sighed. “During your little pillow talks, has Jamie ever mentioned a woman named Olivia?”

“No, but I’ve overheard you guys talking about a her and you’re always cryptic. I started to wonder if the woman was Voldemort or something…”

I threw my head back and laughed. The sound drew attention from the others who looked over at us with amusement. Somehow, Charlotte made talking about Olivia less painful. “Well, Olivia is my Voldemort… she-who-must-not-be-named.”

“Your ex?” Charlotte plopped her chin in her hand and watched me with curiosity.

“Yup.” I spun my glass in my hand before I took a huge gulp from it. “We were together for a while in college. Our breakup messed me up pretty badly. It was the way she did it that got me.”

“Is she the reason why you…?” She trailed off and her cheeks flushed.

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