Page 80 of Over the Moon

I knew Clark had spoken to his family about not mentioning that I attended dinner there on Sundays because Henley hadtold me about it. I made him feel like he had to lie about everything.

“Actually, I don’t need to see Clark’s home gym, as it’s just a temporary training facility for him. I came to make sure he was doing well, and clearly, he is. I also came here to meet our new physical therapist, and I’ve enjoyed chatting with you, Eloise. Would you both be okay if I tag along with you tomorrow instead, and go check out the downtown?”

I felt Clark’s eyes on me for the first time tonight, and I looked up and saw the anger there.

“Of course, you’re welcome to hang out with us,” my father said, completely oblivious to the tension at the table.

“You afraid I’ll challenge you to a workout, Sebastian?” Clark said, his tone light and playful, but I noted the way his jaw ticked as he looked at him.

“Nah. I just don’t need to hear Randall talk about training plans anymore,” Sebastian laughed. “I’d rather hear about the program Eloise has implemented for you this summer, as you’ve made it clear you’re in the best shape of your life.”

“Well, all of these workouts have been overseen by me,” Randall snipped, holding his glass up for our server to bring him another.

“Well, Randall, I’ve been watching you train the team for the last eight weeks, so I’d like to see what Eloise has up her sleeve,” he said, glancing at me and smiling.

“My girl is a rock star in her own right,” my father said, his cheeks rosy from the three beers he’d had tonight.

“I don’t doubt that for a second,” Sebastian said, and if looks could kill, Clark Chadwick would end him right here at the table.

nineteen

. . .

Clark

My blood was boilingover the bullshit dinner I attended. The fact that Eloise thought they would think we were having an inappropriate relationship, only to have the owner clearly hit on her all night, right in front of everyone.

I’ve never felt this kind of jealousy before.

Sebastian Wayburn was a rich kid, who was used to getting what he wanted.

And there was no doubt in my mind that he wanted Eloise.

The same woman that I wanted.

The same woman who asked me to pretend that I hated her tonight.

I ran a hand down my face in frustration as I took another long pull from my beer.

I hadn’t had a cocktail at the restaurant because I wouldn’t have been able to put on that ridiculous show at the table if I’d had any booze in me.

There was a light knock on the door, and I wasn’t sure if I’d imagined it, until it came again.

It was nearly 11:00 p.m., so I definitely wasn’t expecting company.

I pulled the door open, surprised to see Eloise on my doorstep, wearing that sexy-as-sin fitted skirt and blouse that dipped low enough to show a little bit of her white lace bra beneath it.

I’d taken every moment that she wasn’t paying attention to me to look at her from across the table. The table where I had to sit, pretend to dislike her, and watch another man take his shot.

“Did you walk here alone?” I asked, my words coming out harsher than I meant them to.

“Yes. I just left my father at the hotel. It’s Saturday night. There’s a lot of people out downtown still, so I thought you might still be up.”

I studied her. “Did you want to come in?”

She nodded. “Is that okay?”

“Of course, it is. You’re the one with all the rules.” I stepped back and motioned her inside. “Although I’ve got to say, coming to my house this late is much riskier than acting like we don’t hate each other at dinner.”

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