Page 70 of Detention with Daddies

“Imagine thinking that was an appropriate thing to say out loud.” Waylen’s hands curl into fists as he takes a single step toward the man. “She’s perfect. You’re just not used to seeing it.”

I’m stunned. He shut that down completely. Defended me perfectly. He didn’t even hesitate.

“Why don’t we get another drink?” Waylen slides an arm around my back and steers me away from the group.

God, I’m a bit more taken with him. His earlier apology and the change I’ve seen in him have me even more smitten. If weweren’t here, in public, in front of Nick and Matteo, who I knew kept their own tabs on me as I worked the room with Waylen, I would have kissed him.

He must see it in my eyes because he grins at me. “We’ll have time for that later.”

I laugh softly. “Will we?”

His eyes glow, and I can see the dirty plans he’s concocting already. Ones he’s probably been thinking about since I put the brakes on our physical intimacy.

My cheeks grow hot, and he presses me closer before someone snags his attention.

“Go on. I could use a break from talking, and I can hold my own.”

His hand tightens at my waist before he releases me, pulled away by some other doctor or donor or professor. It doesn’t matter. I need the moment to breathe.

I grab myself another flute of champagne without the fruit and sip at it, walking in a slow circle on the outside of the party when Nick shows up at my side.

Boy, does he look hot in that tux. It’s almost better than his professor costume. Not nearly as good as when he’s nude.

His hand slides across my back as he leans in close and kisses my cheek.

“Hello, Liv.”

MATTEO

I spotted Olivia with Waylen the moment they entered the gala, a little late, but then Dr. Wright was always one for fanfare. I’m not surprised Olivia is on his arm tonight since he’s her advisor, and she’s hands down the best student he has.

He’s toting her around to talk about her project and charm the guests. The donors.

I know how charming she is. I can see the way she influences others with her intelligence and passion.

But it’s disarming to see the way Waylen looks at her. It sparks the same jealousy as seeing her eat lunch every day with Nick, who steps in the moment she’s alone, planting a kiss on her cheek.

He looks at her the same way, a mirror of how he almost moons over her at the center.

I’m struggling with my jealousy, nursing a whiskey that I should not be drinking as I watch her with him.

Patrons pass by me, glancing in my direction before skittering off. I must look like I’m ready to explode. And maybe I am.

I didn’t realize I would have so much competition for a woman I’ve already had in my bed. That seemed to get me. Surely, she knows what I want.

Grumbling to myself, I down the other half of my drink in one gulp, mad at myself because how can I expect her to know something I haven’t had the confidence to say to her. To admit aloud.

Nick leans in to make Olivia laugh, and she plants a hand on his chest.

Fuck. I want to be the one she’s got her hands on.

I want to be the one she sticks to throughout the night.

I should have invited her to this event, then she’d be on my arm, and I certainly wouldn’t have left her alone.

I wouldn’t share more of her than I had to.

No. It’s good she didn’t show up on my arm. Not with the rumors. Not with the attention and the questions that would bring.

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