Page 50 of The Forbidden
“Jesus, Maxwell, you do sound like apussy.” He smirks. “Better than Valentina?”
At the mention of my ex-girlfriend, I hesitate, reality slamming into me. We were together for several years. I thought I loved her. Then she went and cheated on me with a male model she was working a huge campaign with. As if herbetrayal wasn’t enough, she didn’t tell me about him. I found out through the tabloids.
After that whole shit show, I swore off relationships. Now with Anais… I don’t know. She makes me feel something. What that something is, I’m not sure.
“Better than Valentina,” I admit quietly.
Exhaling, I run a finger around the rim of the tumbler, frowning into the liquid as if it can give me the answers I need. It’s a lost cause. My head is a mess.
Jameson whistles. “You’re screwed, Maxwell.”
“So people keep saying,” I huff sardonically.
We sit in silence for a long beat, the only noise background music and the low murmur of the other patrons in the bar.
“I’m thinking of branching out on my own.” Jameson mutters, breaking the silence. “There’s a shithole hotel in Brooklyn I’ve got my eye on. It needs a lot of work, but I think it could be something.”
“Brooklyn?”
He nods. “Yeah. Brooklyn. The hotel overlooks the river. With a complete renovation, and the right management, it could be exceptional.”
“What are you going to do about your father?” I ask. “You leaving the Calloway dynasty?”
He shakes his head. “Nah, it’s my name. I just want something beyond The Calloway empire. My own legacy. Boutique luxury. Bougie…different to the Calloway brand.”
“Don’t ever saybougieagain.” I deadpan.
“Noted.” He laughs, draining his scotch and standing. “I don’t know about you, but I’m done.”
I finish my drink and rise from my stool. “Give me a ride?”
He smirks, eyeing me. “Of all the beautiful women at your event tonight, I didn’t think I’d be the one taking you home.”
Rolling my eyes, I pull my phone from my pocket. “I’ll text my driver.”
Jameson shakes his head, “Let’s go before I change my mind.” He grins. “Boys’ night is going to be fun next week.”
“Fuck off,” I hiss, annoyed. “And keep your damn mouth shut.”
Jameson smirks. “Consider my lips sealed, Maxwell.”
Chapter 24
Anais
After the best kiss of my life, and once the event had ended, Evan all but demanded I go home with his father. I was furious, but causing a scene wasn’t an option, so like a good little girl I climbed into the town car with Christian, Aria, and Bishop and was driven away back to my apartment.
By the time I arrived home, it was past midnight. After a quick shower, I laid in bed, stewing in my own thoughts, replaying every second of our interaction. I was going mad, crazy out of my mind, trying to make sense of what happened between us, and I needed to put a stop to it before I spiraled completely.
“Ugh,” I groan, trying to shove all thoughts of Evan to the back of my mind.
Rolling onto my side, I reach for my Kindle. I need a distraction. Getting lost in the spicy book I’ve been reading should help. Just as I pick it up, my phone chimes with a notification. Like the silly, lovesick, girl I am, my heart beats wildly, hoping it’s from Evan. Snatching up my phone from the nightstand, my pulse slows when I find a message from an unknown number. Unlocking my screen, I open the message, frowning as I read over the words.
Unknown: So, is the woman with the prettiest eyes I have ever seen going to let me take her for dinner?
I frown as I reread the text, then type out a reply.
Me: Who is this?
