Page 371 of Billionaire Temptations

“Hey. You look beautiful. I love that dress. Is it new?”

“Yeah. I bought it earlier this week along with these babies.” I smiled as I stuck my foot out.

“Are those Louboutin’s?” His eyes widened.

“Yes! And they were half off and an extra seventy-five percent off that!”

“Wow. What an awesome deal. They look good on you.” He smiled.

We started with a glass of Chardonnay while waiting for our dinner. My mind was in overdrive with excitement, and I couldn’t wait for him to ask me. His apartment was much biggerthan mine and had way more closet space. As I stared at him from across the table, I could tell he was nervous because his eyes were twitching.

“So, what did you want to discuss with me?” I asked with a grin.

He reached across the table and took hold of my hand.

“You know I love you, right?”

“Yes. Of course, I do.” My heart started to race.

“You’re my best friend, and we are so good together.”

“I know we are.” I smiled, waiting patiently for him to spit it out.

As his blue eyes intently stared into mine, he gently squeezed my hand.

“Chloe, friends are all we can ever be.”

“What?” I cocked my head in confusion. “I don’t understand, Corey.”

He took in a long, deep breath. “What I’m trying to tell you is that I’m gay, Chloe.”

I couldn’t help the laughter that escaped me.

“Yeah, right. Come on, Corey. You wanted to talk about moving in together. You don’t have to be so nervous about it. In fact, I’ll make it easy for you. Yes, I would love to move in with you.”

“Chloe, didn’t you hear what I said? I’m serious. I’m gay. I’m sorry.”

Tears filled my eyes as I silently shook inside. I pulled my hand away from his as I looked up at the ceiling to avoid the embarrassment of the tears that were about to fall in front of a restaurant filled with people.

“Chloe, talk to me. Please don’t cry,” he begged.

After a few moments of silence, anger tore through me like a hurricane traveling over the ocean, making its way to destroy whatever was in its path.

“How could you do this to me?” I asked through gritted teeth. “Why now? Why didn’t you tell me this nine months ago? Why did you stay in a relationship with me if your sexuality was in question?” I spoke in a loud voice, and the couple sitting at the table next to us glanced over.

“Will you keep your voice down?” he spoke calmly. “I didn’t tell you this to hurt you. I’m being honest with you before things go any further.”

“Any further?” I angrily spoke. “You had nine months to tell me. Why now, Corey?”

He looked down and slowly closed his eyes.

“Oh my God! You’ve met someone. Haven’t you?” I barked at him across the table, and suddenly, all eyes in the restaurant were on us.

“Not here, Chloe.”

His attempt to silence me to avoid causing him any further embarrassment pissed me off even more. I threw my napkin on the table and stood up.

“Not here? Really, Corey? How did you think I’d react to this news? Did you think if you told me in a public place I would graciously accept it with a smile and walk away quietly? I gave you nine months of my life. I gave you my heart, and you took it.” The tears started rolling down my face. “You took my heart, knowing that you could never give me yours. I do believe that is the cruelest thing anyone has ever done to me. I guess the joke is on me. Have a nice life, Corey.” I turned on my heels and stomped out of the restaurant.

---