Page 25 of Closer

There was Tom, the first guy I dated after Sebastian. He was a sweet guy, really. I think he studied accounting and was the complete opposite of Sebastian in every way. When we dated, something was missing.

Then there was David, the charming lawyer. For a brief moment, I thought he could be the one to make me forget. But as we grew closer, I felt suffocated. He ended it.

And, of course, there was Michael, the free-spirited artist. His paintings were amazing, and he drew one portrait of me. That was romantic. But he moved to Italy. To be honest, I think in the long run, it wouldn’t have worked. We hooked up. That’s it.

Lastly, Jason. I tried to love him. Tried to change myself. But no matter how much I wanted to, my heart wasn’t in it.

It always circled back to Sebastian Barron.

If this were a Regency novel, I’d probably be whisked away to the countryside to forget about my troubles. Some handsome, brooding duke would sweep me off my feet, and we’d ride off into the sunset on his white steed.

Getting over a man in real life is a lot messier. It’s not all grand gestures and happily ever afters. It’s more like drowning your sorrows in a pint of ice cream and binge-watching Netflix until your eyes bleed.

I take a peek at him. His arm is causally slung around the brunette’s waist, who is leaning into him, all smiles and adoring gazes.

No wonder Gemma had to go to the toilet.

It makes me want to puke, too.

Chapter 10

Sebastian

“Where did Elijah disappear to?” I stand by the bar, scanning the room for Lil.

“To where I’m going to disappear as well,” Connor says.

I follow his gaze and see Elijah talking with Richard Wempton.

Brandon claps Connor on the shoulder. “Whatever you’re planning, cuz. Good Luck.”

“Thanks.” Connor strides off.

“So, where’s your date? Weren’t you boasting all week about how Naomi would be on your arm tonight?”

Brandon’s face flames. He coughs into his fist. “She’s running a bit late, that’s all.”

“Or she stood you up.” I arch an eyebrow at him, earning an indignant huff.

“I’m sure she’ll be here any—”

“There you are.” Serena glides elegantly toward us, exactly how you’d expect from a socialite and the daughter of the Wang Group’s director.

Brandon’s face falls. “Isn’t Naomi with you?”

“No, she called, saying something came up.” Serena reclaims her place at my side, linking her arm through mine. “I doubt she’ll make it.”

I take another sip of whiskey. “Come now, Bran. Don’t look so glum. You’ll get another chance.”

He scowls at me. “Easy for you to say. Some of us don’t have women throwing themselves at our feet.”

Serena gasps in mock offense. “I’ll have you know I did no such thing. Bash had to work for my affections.” The lie rolls smoothly off her tongue and she bats her lashes up at me. “Isn’t that right, darling?”

I grit my teeth behind my smile. “Of course, sweetheart.”

“Okay, enough, you two. Keep the bad acting for the boardroom,” Brandon says.

“You told him?” Serena asks.

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