Page 70 of From the Moment We Met

Lilly checked her anger at his obvious irritation. “Yes, I’m very interested in him. I think he’s interested in me too."

A flurry of activity floated through the room at the same time Enrique spoke. "Are you certain, Lilly?"

"About what? Enrique, I really don't appreciate you bashing Jacob all the time. He’s done nothing to you, and the man has been amazing to me—"

Her tirade was cut short by Enrique's finger pointing towards the right side of the restaurant. Lilly followed his gaze and felt her stomach flip, her appetizers threatening to make another appearance.

Victoria stood in the center of the dining area, looking as though she had walked straight off the catwalks of Milan in a skin-tight cream-colored dress that barely covered her ass. Her perfect, shapely ass.

There beside her, gorgeous as ever in a navy suit, stood Jacob, his arm around her waist.

“Holy shit,” Ben breathed, staring at the Hollywood golden couple.

“Wow.” It was all Lilly could manage, even that single word hurt passing through her lips.

“Maybe they’re just friends. Don’t read too much into it.”

As if on cue, Victoria curled her hands in Jacob’s hair and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth. Unless they were kissing cousins, this wasn’t a ‘just friends’ scenario.

"Jesus Christ, what are the chances?" Ben snarled, squeezing Lilly's clammy and shaking hand. "Fuck him, Lilly. He's an asshole. The prick doesn’t deserve you.”

Enrique grabbed her other hand, murmuring words of reassurance, but Lilly couldn't hear anything except the pounding of blood in her ears. She wanted to look away, but she was riveted. It was like watching the carnage of a car wreck, only it was the tortured, twisted remains of her heart.

She watched their personal maître de settle them into a booth. Of course, they’re in my direct line of sight.

When Victoria wrapped her arm around Jacob and pulled him to her for another kiss, it took everything Lilly had not to pitch her wine glass in their direction.

Lilly sucked in oxygen, followed by a long swig of wine, wishing she had the whole bottle in her hands. She stared down at her lap, her entire body trembling with embarrassment and anger.

All those things he told her the night before, all those moments, it was all an act. It was all for show. It meant nothing. She meant nothing.

"Ma'am, what would you like as your entree?" The server shot her a concerned glance. Obviously, she had been repeating herself a few times.

"Umm," Lilly stammered, trying to focus on the menu through her tear-filled eyes. "I'll take the chicken please."

“Deep breaths, luv. Keep it together. Don't let that bastard see you upset." Ben continued to hold her hand, and Lilly grasped it like a lifeline.

“Ms. Staver, are you quite all right?” One of the surgeons inquired, and Lilly forced a smile and nod.

High-pitched tinkling laughter carried across the room—apparently Victoria and Jacob were having a fantastic time together.

“I can’t stay here, Ben.” Lilly blotted her eyes, sniffling. She swung her gaze to Enrique. “It’s really a beautiful dinner, and the restaurant is wonderful, but I can’t stay—” Christ she was pathetic, blubbering like a fool over a self-proclaimed playboy. What a cliché.

"Fuck this," Enrique muttered, standing suddenly. Lilly watched wide-eyed as he walked to Jacob and Victoria’s booth. She couldn't hear his words from across the room, but she watched Jacob pale, his jaw slacken...and his eyes lock on hers.

Jacob started to rise but whatever Enrique said made him take his seat. Then Enrique turned, fixed the lapel of his jacket and walked back to their table.

"What—"

"I didn't say anything to embarrass you, Lilly. I simply let him know he didn't get away with his little game, and that he’s an idiot for passing on a woman such as yourself.”

"You're my hero,” Lilly choked out, swigging down more wine and trying not to notice Jacob's intent azure stare fixated on her. "Screw this, I need whiskey, not wine. And a bathroom. I'll be back."

"I'll walk you, Lilly." She would usually argue Ben's offer but didn't want to be forced into a conversation with Jacob.

Too late.

"Lilly, may I please speak with you a moment?" Jacob stood over the table, his fingers lightly drumming the edge.

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