Page 123 of Billionaire Temptations

Edward looked me up and down before taking hold of my hand and bringing it up to his lips.

“And who, may I ask, is this beautiful woman on your arm?”

“Edward, this is my friend, Emerson James. Emerson, please meet Edward Hollings.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Edward.”

“Believe me when I say the pleasure is all mine, Emerson. You are a very stunning woman.”

“Thank you.” I smiled.

After their light conversation, Alex and I went to the bar for a drink.

“Glass of wine?” he asked.

“Yes, please. Pinot would be great.”

He turned his back and flagged down the bartender. As I looked around the room, I heard a voice behind me.

“Emerson, is that you?” The familiar voice made a pit in my stomach.

I slowly turned around and gulped.

“Christian?”

“Oh my God, it is you.” He smiled. “I didn’t know you were back in California. What’s it been? Eight years?”

“Yes, and I’m only here temporarily. I’ll be leaving soon.”

“You look amazing.”

I heard Alex clear his throat as he handed me my Pinot.

“Alex Parker, this is Christian Billings. Christian, meet Alex Parker.”

The two of them shook hands, and I could sense something off with Alex.

“So, how do the two of you know each other?” he asked.

I graciously smiled at Christian. “Would you like to tell him, or should I?”

“We used to date when we were teenagers,” he spoke nervously as he looked at me.

I placed my hand on his chest. “Oh, come on, Chris.”

“Oh boy,” I heard Alex mumble.

“Chris and I had been dating for almost a year before the accident. When I woke up from the coma, I was told by my friends that he broke up with me and went off to college.” I laughed.

“Emerson, I?—”

“Save it, Billings. You’re a total douchebag for doing that. At least you could have had the common courtesy to wait until I woke up. You never called me to explain why you left, and you never checked to see how I was doing. Not only did I lose my twin sister and parents, but I also lost the one person who Ithought would always be there for me. And you know why?” I cocked my head. “Because you said you loved me.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know if you’d ever wake up, and I couldn’t put my life on hold waiting for you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I will walk away from this conversation.”

“No. Please, Christian, let me do the walking this time.” I lightly touched his arm as I took my Pinot and walked away. Alex followed behind.

“I’m sorry.”

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