Page 74 of If It Can't Be Us

“Well, it’s been turned, love,” I respond, my voice low and sincere.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she says with a sly smile, patting my shoulder and then slowly running her hand down the length of my arm. “You clean up nice.”

Brian approaches, a grin on his face. “Are you going to introduce me to your friend, Leo?”

I watch Vivian take Brian in, her eyes widening slightly. Smiling, she reaches out her hand. “Hi, I’m Vivian. I’m Leo’s next-door neighbor,” she says, giving me a playful nudge.

I know she’s teasing, but God, I’ve been demoted to next-door neighbor? Here’s the thing: it’s a fair assumption that I’m an attractive guy, based on the way women respond to me. But Brian is also an attractive guy, and the last thing I want is these two hitting it off.

“Brian, this is Vivian, myfriend,” I say, emphasizing the word friend and giving her a pointed look. “Viv, this is Brian, my longest childhood friend.”

Brian takes her hand, his smile widening. “Pleasure to meet you, Vivian. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

She returns his smile. “Have you?” she asks, giving me a questioning look. “Good things, I hope?”

“I’d have nothing but good things to say,” I say with a wink.

Brian asks her a question, and before long, they’re talking and laughing like old friends. I can feel a knot tightening in my stomach. I need to steer this conversation before it goes somewhere I can’t control.

“So, Viv,” I say, stepping a bit closer, “can I get you another drink?”

She gives me a playful, confused look, tilting her head slightly. “No, I’m good. I’m still working on this one.” She lifts her glass, showing that it’s still clearly half full.

“God, are they putting something in the water in London?” she says with a teasing smile, her eyes dancing between Brian and me. “How is it that the two of you are both this good-looking and friends since you were kids? I need to know where all the handsome guys from your old neighborhood are hiding because my dating calendar just opened up.” She takes a sip of her drink, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she waits for my reaction.

What kind of game is she playing? Is she trying to make me jealous? If so, it’s working. Every laugh, every flirtatious glance in Brian’s direction feels like a jab.

Brian starts asking her about her job, and soon they’re deep into a work conversation. I stand there, trying to keep my frustration in check. I can’t help but notice how animated Vivian becomes when she talks about her work, her eyes lighting up and her hands gesturing passionately. Sheloves her job. I watch as she laughs and flirtatiously places a hand on Brian’s arm, his eyes lighting up as she does.

Fuck this.

If she’s trying to prove a point, she’s making it loud and clear. I need to get a grip, but it’s hard when all I can think about is pulling her away from this conversation and reminding her of the chemistry that we have… of her moan when I took her nipple into my mouth, the way she cried out my name and begged to touch me.

“Well hey, maybe we can go grab drinks before you leave town,” I hear Vivian say, snapping me out of my thoughts and the memory of our intense physical interaction, which is making my cock hard.

“Oh, Brian’s not much of a drinker,” I blurt out before I can stop myself, immediately regretting inserting myself into their conversation.

Brian gives me a puzzled look, and I can feel my face heat up. “Sorry, mate, that came out wrong.”

What the hell is wrong with me?

Brian just shakes his head, clearly frustrated with me, but he bounces back quickly. “I actually don’t drink much, Vivian. But I’d like to take you out while I’m here, if you’re interested.” He shoots me a quick, understanding look, letting me know he’s not holding a grudge.

“Of course, I’d go out with you. I’d love that. Find me later, and we’ll talk more about it,” she replies with a warm smile. Then, turning to me briefly, she adds, “I’m going to go find Meredith,” before waving goodbye to us.

* * * * ** * * * *

Brian and I spent most of the night at the craps table, watching the dice roll and cheering each other on. Brian’s been on a hot streak, but I’m down more than I’d like to admit. I can’t find Meredith, and I haven’t seen Vivian. It’s ten to midnight. Normally, by this time, I have an attractive woman on my arm, ready to kiss at midnight, while dazzling her with mycharm before taking her home. This year, I’m frantic, searching for Meredith because I need her to talk me off a ledge. The ledge that is Vivian Walker.

I find Piper and she tells me Meredith is meeting her by the bar in a few minutes for a New Year’s Eve kiss at midnight. I tell her to have Meredith find me afterward, not wanting to intrude on their moment.

Five minutes to midnight.

Where the hell is Vivian? I scour the crowd, the room now dimly lit by stringed patio lights across the ceiling. Normally, I’d be appreciating this ambiance, taking it all in, thinking about my last year and the new year ahead. Instead, I’ve turned into a crazed lunatic in need of meds; my drug of choice: Vivian.

Two minutes to midnight. Meredith’s big countdown clock, with its large red numbers, is displayed prominently in the center of the wall.

My eyes catch sight of Vivian on the other side of the room… with Brian. A knot forms in the pit of my stomach as the clock hits forty-five seconds. I make my way across the room, weaving through the crowd.

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