Page 42 of Check & Chase
“Really?” She hisses. “You’re going to ignore me to chase after your ex?”
Tyler glances between Carina and Emma. “It’s not like that. Emma and I have history. We’re friends.”
“Friends?” She laughs, sharp and bitter. “Is that why you can’t keep your eyes off her? Or why you sent those flowers to her office?”
So Tyler was behind the flowers. I’d suspected as much, but having it confirmed sends a fresh wave of anger through me.
“She still wants me,” Tyler declares, loud enough for nearby guests to glance over. “Always has. We have unfinished business.”
Carina’s face flushes with anger. “Unfinished business? What does that make me? A distraction until she’s available again?”
“Carina—”
“Save it.” She grabs a champagne flute from a passing waiter and throws the contents in Tyler’s face before storming toward the exit, leaving him sputtering and wiping at his ruined tuxedo.
The brief spectacle gives me time to reach Emma, who’s watching the scene unfold. She jumps slightly when I appear beside her.
“Having fun yet?” I ask, leaning against the bar to take weight off my knee.
“Thrilling,” she replies dryly. “Nothing like watching your ex and his current girlfriend create a scene at a work function.”
“Ex-girlfriend, I think, after that display.” I nod toward Tyler, who’s now patting his face with a cocktail napkin. “He’s heading this way.”
Emma sighs, setting down her barely-touched champagne. “I should go. I’ve made my mandatory appearance.”
“Or,” I suggest, struck by sudden inspiration, “you could stay and give West something to really be upset about.”
She eyes me suspiciously. “What are you suggesting?”
“A little harmless theater.” I shift closer, lowering my voice. “He wants to make you jealous with Carina. Why not return the favor?”
“By pretending we’re…” She trails off, eyes widening.
“Just a suggestion.” I shrug. “No pressure. But he is about fifteen seconds away.”
Emma hesitates, glancing between me and the approaching Tyler. Decision made, she moves closer, her hand coming to rest lightly on my arm.
“If he says anything inappropriate, I’m using your crutch as a weapon,” she warns, but there’s a hint of amusement in her eyes that’s been missing since the flower incident.
“I’ll hold him down for you,” I promise, just as Tyler reaches us.
His gaze drops to Emma’s hand on my arm, then rises to my face, hostility radiating from him in waves. “Mitchell. Didn’t expect to see you standing.”
“West.” I smile pleasantly. “Didn’t expect to see you drenched in Moët. New cologne?”
Emma stifles a laugh, her fingers tightening slightly on my arm. Tyler’s face darkens.
“Emma,” he says, ignoring my comment. “Can we talk? Privately?”
“Actually,” Emma replies, her voice steady though I can feel the tension in her touch, “Chase and I were just about to get some air. The ballroom’s a bit… stuffy.”
She looks up at me, a silent plea in her eyes. I slip my arm around her waist, pulling her gently against my side.
“Can’t leave a beautiful woman waiting,” I tell Tyler with a deliberately provocative smile. “I’m sure you understand.”
His gaze flicks between us, suspicion warring with anger on his face. “Since when are you two so cozy?”
“Since none of your business,” Emma replies coolly. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
