Page 61 of Beyond the Hate

“Why?” She throws her arms in the air. “I’ve waited years for you to realize who I am to you and you settle for this… this… this thing.”

I’m confused. Is Eli in a relationship with this woman? Why did he have sex with me then? Why is he chasing me?

“Can someone give me the Cliff Notes version on what’s happening now?”

Eli sighs. “Lucinda and I have known each other from college.”

“We dated. We were a couple for years,” Lucinda says.

“No, we weren’t. You were my plus one whenever I had to attend one of these events.”

“You took me home.”

I do not want to hear this. I know Eli’s been with other women. Obviously. He’s thirty and a billionaire. Plus, he’s handsome. He could have a harem if he wanted to. But I do not want to know the details. I refuse to let the jealousy building in my stomach bloom. Eli isn’t mine to be jealous of.

“Um…” I point to the restrooms. “I’ll just go there and you can finish your conversation without me.”

Eli throws an arm around my shoulders and draws me near. “You’re not going anywhere. If anyone should leave, it’s Lucinda.”

Lucinda huffs. “But…”

“No buts. Enjoy your evening. I know we will.” Eli maneuvers me away from her. Once we’re out of her hearing range, he stops. “I’m sorry, Lace. I promise I wasn’t in a relationship with her. I don’t understand why she feels wronged.”

I know why. Because Eli is a difficult man to get over. Maybe even impossible.

He kisses my nose. “I promise I have no interest in any other woman than you.”

I want to argue with him – we’re not in a relationship after all – but the facts are undeniable. He’s ignored every other woman tonight. He’s made his claim on me clear. I could fall in love with this man.

I freeze. I’m not supposed to fall in love with Eli. I’m supposed to prove to him why we wouldn’t make a good couple.

This is not good. This is dangerous for my heart.

What if he forgets about me again? What if this isn’t serious to him? Just like our date in high school he completely forgot about?

Chapter 19

“There’s only so much willpower in the world and I have none left.” ~ Eli

Eli

“What? No limo?” Paisley jokes when we step out of the jet at Jettson’s Way.

“What’s the point? You aren’t impressed by limos.”

“It’s a vulgar display of wealth.”

“You said the same thing about the jet but it didn’t stop you from trying every seat, playing with the television, rummaging through the galley, and jumping on the bed.”

“I did not jump on the bed.”

I wag my phone at her. “I have a video.”

Her eyes narrow on me. “Which you will delete if you know what’s good for you.”

“And miss watching your boobs bounce as you jump? Pass.”

She rolls her eyes. “Men and boobs. I’ll never understand the attraction.”

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