Page 30 of One Night Seduction

I look him over with a scrunched look, and he shrugs as he pours himself a cup of coffee.

“I left my duffel down here,” he explains.

I don’t say anything as I just stare at him. What is there to say?

I’ve been told I’m an intimidating man. In business, in my personal life. I’m not overly warm or funny. I take my job seriously, and I take my life pretty seriously as well. I don’t give a shit about everyone liking me, and I never take no for an answer. The exact opposite of Tyson. So, when I stare at him like I want him to be incinerated right here and now, and he doesn’t even bat an eye, it takes me by surprise. And not in a good way. In fact, he matches my stare with a lifted eyebrow, like he’s baiting me.

Little fucking shit.

Breaking up the intense moment, Marissa and Tom wander down sleepily, greeting us with a good morning before Kelly quickly follows. Her eyes land on me instantly, though she isn’t throwing herself at me like she has been. Instead, she approaches me meekly, quietly.

“Morning,” she says softly.

“Morning.”

She rolls her lips together as she glances around the room.

“Do you think we could talk?”

More than anything, I want to say no, but I also need to be away from my brother for now, so I agree.

Inclining my head, I gesture for her to lead the way to the living room. It’s not too far away, but it’s enough to talkprivately. Folding my arms over my chest, I look down at her before waiting for her to begin.

She looks as if she’s trying to search for her words before she blows out a heavy breath.

“I’m sorry,” she says, catching me off guard.

I don’t let my reaction show, instead, keeping my gaze impassive as I let her continue.

Her brown eyes look up at me, filled with watery tears as her lip wobbles.

“I made such a mess of things. I ruined everything. I was so in love with you…I still am. I was stupid and lonely, and I hurt you. I’ll never forgive myself.”

Her apology seems genuine, but it’s missing some depth. She knew who I was when she met me. I’m a workaholic, but I tried to make things work. We took trips together, I tried to make it home as many nights as humanly possible, no matter how late it would be. So, as heartfelt as her apology seems, it falls on deaf ears.

Still, her regret does make her a little more bearable. Though I’ve long gotten over her, groveling is something I’ll never turn down. Doesn’t mean they’ll get shit in return. Does that make me a cold son of a bitch? Maybe.

Her glossy eyes stare up at me like she’s desperate for me to forgive her, like she needs more than anything for me to say…something. I don’t really have anything to say, though. Instead, I’m entranced as I stare at her, but not for the reason you’d assume. I’m absolutely baffled how two women could look virtually identical, with the exception of their age and eye color, yet also look so different. Arianna and Kelly have the same jet-black hair, the same pert nose, and full lips. They are almost carbon copies of each other, and yet…the feeling is completely different. There is a purity to Arianna, a warmth. She can be standoffish at times, but I also know that her heart is huge. She cares about others and always seems to be self-sacrificing. These are traits that make it easy for others to walk over her in life but also make her so goddamn admirable and desirable. Kelly is selfish, greedy, and forever self-serving. Her pretty packaging is tainted by what I’ve seen on the inside, both from what happened between us and how she treats those around her. It’s amazing what inner beauty, or lack thereof, can do to outer beauty.

“I appreciate that,” I say, knowing that I have to acknowledge her apology in some way, shape, or form.

“Would you ever…could we ever try starting over? Fresh?” she asks with a wavering voice.

My impassive mask doesn’t slip as I look down at her.

“I’m not sure. Maybe.”

Hope fills her eyes as she blinks quickly in surprise.

I dip my chin, effectively ending this conversation as I turn and head back to the kitchen. Did I just give her false hope so she wouldn’t ask why I came? Sure did. Would I have been willing to admit that I drove all the way out to the mountains just to spend a few days with her daughter instead of her? If she pushed enough, potentially.

Speaking of the devil, Arianna comes down the stairs wearing a tight pair of jeans and a pretty white top that somehow magnifies her blue eyes. Those sparkling gems meet everyone’s gaze except mine before coming to Tyson. She smiles as he reaches out an arm, dragging her towards him before blowing a raspberry into her neck. She giggles, squirming in his arms before he places a quick kiss against her nose, stealing another from her lips.

The kitchen goes silent as Marissa stares open mouthed.

“When did this happen?”

“Last night.” Kelly laughs like it’s hilarious. “You should have heard them moaning like teenagers in the treehouse.”

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