Page 20 of Unwrapping Romance

“Nothing.”

“Darling, you look distressed. Let’s grab a couple of drinks after work.”

“Okay.”

Jack’s meeting ended, and he went into his office and shut the door. I waited for him to ask me about the message, but he didn’t.

Tristan and I were meeting at Rudy’s Bar after work. I arrived before him, so I sat at the bar and made myself comfortable.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked.

“Gin and Tonic, please.”

“Sorry, I’m late.” Tristan walked over and sat beside me. “Daniel needed me to do something before I left. I’ll have what she’s having,” he told the bartender. “So, what’s wrong?”

“I slept with Jack.” I picked up my glass and tipped it to my lips.

“Oh shit, Sierra.”

“I have two tickets for Hadestown for tomorrow night. I asked Jack if he wanted to go, and he said he already had plans. Then, a woman named Wendy called the office, and it turns out he’s taking her to the play, which he didn’t bother mentioning that he was already going when I asked him to go.”

“Why on earth did you sleep with him? Wait.” He held up his hand. “You looked past his nastiness and focused solely on his sexy looks, right? Because I already warned you about him.”

“Yeah. Something like that.” I held up my empty glass to the bartender.

“Sierra, do you realize what you’ve done? You slept with the devil.”

“I’m beginning to realize that.” I sipped my drink as soon as the bartender set it down. “Here’s the thing, Tristan. I’m incredibly attracted to him?—”

“Looks only, right?” He interrupted.

“I don’t know. He and I are the same. Maybe that’s why.”

“You are nothing like him. Why would you even say that?”

“I hate the holidays just as much as he does.”

“Really? I never would have guessed that. Why do you hate the holidays?”

“I have my reasons. Hey,” I said to the bartender. “No Christmas decorations this year?”

“They’re going up over the weekend.” He grinned. “I can’t wait.”

Rolling my eyes, I sighed. “Remind me not to come back here until after the new year.” I glanced at Tristan.

“Don’t be a Scrooge, Sierra. I can barely handle the one at work. Don’t make me deal with your ass as well.”

“Sorry. But I’m siding with Jack on this one. You have no idea how happy it makes me that I don’t have to sit and look at that shit all day and hear that Godforsaken Christmas music.”

“Oh my God.” His eyes widened. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that. Anyway, back to your Jack Atlas infatuation. I think you need to take a sexy as all fuck man with you to see Hadestown.” A grin crossed his lips. “I would go with you, but Jack would know it’s not a date. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

“He won’t give a shit,” I said.

“Probably not. But think of the fun you’ll have. Are you on a dating site?” he asked.

“I was. It’s been a while.”

“Pull it up on your phone and let me see your profile.” He held his palm up.

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