Page 56 of Rivals Next Door

As I hung up, my shoulders shook with laughter. It was hilarious that all my friends ended our calls with that same reprimand. I’d never deny that I was the wild child of the group. However, I didn't get myself into as much shit as I used to though.

Shoving my phone into my pocket, I smirked as I stared at the gazillion lights illuminating the city. I planned on taking advantage of the nightlife here starting tonight. I was determined to go out and mingle, to hopefully find someone to wipe the taste of Olivia out of my mouth… literally. The taste of her sweet lips still haunted me and let’s not get started on the lips between her legs…

My mind drifted to my time between her sweet thighs. The way she writhed, tugged at my hair, and moaned my name as I drove her to ecstasy… It was once my obsession to bring her to that point, and I sure as hell enjoyed it the other night.

Shaking my head, as if I could shake Olivia out of it, I strolled through the luxury high rise that I bought a few years back. I preferred my own place over a hotel when I was in Manhattan.

It didn’t take me long to get ready for my night out. I was in a good mood when I stepped into the elevator. I felt like I was finally ready to get back to my old self, the one who enjoyed just about every night with female company rather than brood about one woman in particular.

Besides, I’d done my good deed by helping Olivia with her problem and she was fine now… fine enough for me to snatch that Brentwood empire from under her feet. The game was back on, and it amused the hell out of me that she had no idea I was on to her latest move.

When I reached the lobby, I considered going to the parking lot to get my rental. However, I decided not to go too far tonight. I’d hit the clubs after I was a bit more settled. Surely, I could find company in the restaurant that was within walking distance of the apartment building.

Five minutes later, I was being led to a table by the nice hostess in the trendy restaurant. She glanced at me over her shoulder with a coy smile, and I grinned back. She’d been flirting with me since I stepped into the place. She looked like a great candidate for a little after-hours fun. That smile she gave me said she was likely up for it.

She gestured to an empty table beside a window. It was perfect—right in a corner where I could have a peaceful dinner and then take her home after.

“Thanks.” I glanced at her name tag. “...Jessica.” I hit her with a smile that oozed with charm.

Her cheeks flushed. “You’re welcome…”

“Alex.” I held out a hand. “I think we should hang out later. What do you think?”

“We definitely should,” she purred.

“Perfect. I’ll?—”

A derisive snort pulled my attention away from the lovely blonde. My gaze dropped to the table beside mine and landed on an even lovelier brunette.

“Jeezus,” I muttered.

I was well on my way to putting Olivia out of my head for the night and what happened? She was in the same restaurant I chose to dine in. I knew she was in the city, scrambling to keep her hands on BioTech, but of all the restaurants on this side of Manhattan, she had to be in this one. Unbelievable…

“We’ll talk later, Jessica,” I said with a tight smile.

“I hope so.” She gave me another appreciative look before she sauntered away.

Sighing softly, I sat and looked at Olivia. “Fancy meeting you here.”

“Yes. You look just about as happy to see me as I am to see you.” Her sarcasm was front and center.

I hummed a response because I was busy giving her a subtle once-over. She looked good in a classy black cocktail dress—as uptight as ever, but good. Was she meeting someone?

“What are you doing here, Alex?” she asked.

Our tables were close enough for us to carry on a conversation without shouting. “Well, Liv, isn’t it obvious? I’m here to do what people do in restaurants.”

“I mean, what are you doing in Manhattan?” Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

As I gazed at her, I decided not to reveal why I was here. It would be much more satisfying to see her shock after her meeting with the man she thought was going to save her.

“Jamie recently got engaged. I’m planning a bachelor party… naturally. I’m scoping out the best spots in the city.” The part about me planning the bachelor party was very true. If I left that to the others, we’d end up sitting around Jamie’s dining table discussing the financial climate over shots of Stroh. Those guys would die of boredom without me.

Olivia’s shoulders relaxed and her eyes became less squinty. “Oh. Of course, I heard through the grapevine that Winchester got engaged. Tell him congratulations for me.”

“Sure. What brings you to Manhattan, Liv?”

She lifted an eyebrow, probably because of what I called her. It hinted at us being friends, but it was simply a habit I couldn't break. “None of your business, Alex.”

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