Page 95 of Ella Gets the D
Asher leans closer, introducing me to a musk of tobacco notes that rivals the cedar and sandalwood currently wrapped up in feathers. “Are you seeing anyone?”
The word “Yes” almost tumbles out, but I catch it. I thought I was, until tonight’s display. “Nope,” I say. “Just getting through my divorce.”
For a second, I expect Asher to call BS. The way he studies me is unsettling, like he sees through my attempt to mask the fact that I might be in love with a man who’s out with another woman—or that there might be a stash of California roll pieces in my purse I’ll ration for the rest of the evening.
What should I say?I’m seeing a confirmed bachelor during my separation?There’d be no way to dodge headlines and not put my family’s future in jeopardy if Charles accused me of adultery.
Asher steps closer. “Dance with me.”
The absence of a “please” or a question mark warrants laughter. Why waste the dress and shoes? It’s only a dance. “Do you always get what you want?”
His gaze sharpens. “Yes.”
Two songs later, the band slows to a ballad of horns. Asher’s hand is firm against my back with the other around mine in a controlled grasp. We’ve laughed with questions in between about what brought us to DC. He told me that tonight is an event for lawyers in the area to raise money for charity, which explains why Julian is here.
My black dress flares on a spin. “Do you practice law in the city?”
He shakes his head. “I’m not a lawyer.”
“So what are you doing here?”
“I came for the free food—or lack thereof,” he says with a slow grin that turns into a laugh to match my own. A fellow freeloader. “I didn’t grow up with money.”
“Same. This all gets overwhelming at times.”
“Speaking of overwhelming.” His eyes lift to a spot above my head. “Is he a friend of yours?”
I crane my neck to see Julian standing against a wall with a drink in hand and a glare at Asher. The tic in his jaw is visible from here.
“A friend, yes.” The words come out even, a small achievement based on the possessiveness in Julian’s eyes. How long has hebeen standing there? I clear my throat and smile. “Our families are close.”
Asher nods. “Well, it seems like your friend wants to take you around the dance floor.” He steps back, his eyes still on Julian until they return to mine with a smirk. “It was nice running into you. I look forward to doing it again.”
There’s no chance to process Julian taking me by the wrist to spin me into his arms. The momentum threatens my balance, but he steadies me against his muscular frame.
“I did not expect to see you here.” His eyes take an appreciative tour down my dress before they snap back to mine. “Or with another man.”
The laugh in my throat is a slow rumble until it folds into a full-on body jiggle. His bow tie must be too tight. “Need I remind you, I wasn’t the one who did a slow stroll down a red carpet to pose with another woman. Where is Ms. Feather Duster anyway?”
“Gabrielle left,” he says with a chuckle.
“You still have time to catch her. Wouldn’t want to mess up those weekend plans.” I give his chest a pat and step out of his hold. I need another glass of champagne to wash down the jealousy changing lanes to make a U-turn. That bitch needs to go home and get a good night’s sleep.
Julian tugs me back to his middle with a force that steals my breath. I’d be lying if I said my thighs didn’t clench.
“What?” His stare is so intense, I look away.
“Do you think I would do that to you? Disrespect you?” He tilts my chin with a soft command to look him in the eyes. “I’m not him, sweetheart.”
“I know.” My voice is low.
His thumb brushes the corner of my lip. “My father asked me to make an appearance tonight since he couldn’t do it. Gabrielle is the daughter of my mother’s friend. The photo was a courtesyto her. I came alone, and that’s how I planned to leave. I’m sorry for not telling you. I didn’t plan to stay long.” He steps back to take me in. “But then I saw you across the room. You are divine perfection.”
Check, please!
“Thank you.”For making me feel safe when insecurities surface.
Julian and Charles are not the same. I know that, but it doesn’t shield me from the thoughts racing to make sense of what my heart holds as truth and what plays out in front of me.
