Page 45 of Vows We Never Made
“Oh, wow, I didn’t know.” I shake his hand. “So nice to meet you.”
“Not as nice as it is for me, I promise you.” Still clenching my hand, he looks down my dress so blatantly, I almost stumble back. An appreciative smile curves his mouth. “So you’re the young lady who’s tied down old Ethan, huh?”
“Uh, yes. We’re engaged,” I manage, spitting the last word for protection.
Super charming. You’re killing it, lady.
“I can’t believe it, but I’ll say this for him—the man has exquisite taste.” His eyes spark.
Something warm and confused erupts in the base of my stomach.
It’s been so long since any guy looked at me so hungry, even if it’s a little too much.
A far cry from Ethan, who only looks at me when he’s hunting more weakness.
Cooper leans in, lowering his voice playfully.
“Take it from me, Miss Sage, you could do a hell of a lot better than a Blackthorn. No offense. Are you ready for that drama?”
I gawk at him, unsure what to say.
What drama does he mean?
And do better than one of the richest men on the East Coast?
That’s just raw, ridiculous flattery.
But Cooper winks at me, taking the edge off my uncertainty.
He must be joking, I think. I’m sure he’s one of those socially stunted rich guys who like to push the line between hilarious and weird.
Just laugh and nod.
That’s what I should do.
And that’s what I tell myself, but I’m still trying to form an intelligent response when Ethan lunges between us, one possessive hand digging into my arm. I don’t recognize his face.
He’s wearing the angriest look I’ve ever seen.
6
ALL THE JEALOUSY (ETHAN)
Cooper fucking Daley.
I should’ve known he’d be the only man ballsy enough to flirt with my fiancée in the middle of a crowd worth over a trillion dollars combined.
Touching her, leaning in like they share some kind of intimate, private joke.
No.
Absolutely fucking not.
He grins at me like he can read the violence in my head.
I have no idea how Hattie even managed to smile at the guy.
He drips smarmy, and he also needs a haircut for that mop attached to his scalp.
