Page 60 of Beautiful Beast

I have no idea how to answer this question because while Adam isn’t officially my boyfriend, we’re more or less dating. Either way, it wouldn’t feel right to hang out romantically with anyone else, even someone as sweet and polite as Derek.

“Kind of. It’s complicated. But it always is.”

Derek laughs. “Isn’t that the truth?”

I sneak a glance at Ariel, and it appears that she’s competing for the hair flopper’s attention. Four other girls are trying to talk to him, and maybe it’s just because it’s his birthday or maybe he’s really that in demand.

Either way, it would be a hard pass from me.

I don’t fight over men.

Fighting for the right one hits much differently.

Seeming to decide that he’s going to get cock blocked if he keeps wasting time on me, Derek shoots me another grin before heading to the dance floor to approach a pretty blonde.

It’s insanely crowded in the club, and other than a few random shrieks and some laughter from Ariel’s cast mates, I can barely hear anything other than the booming music. Maybe the secret to having fun somewhere like this place is being profoundly drunk.

I spend some time people watching and sipping my water before checking back on Ariel. My best friend has her arm looped through her conquest’s and they’re making their way to the dance floor, their heads tilted together while they laugh at something.

She wins his attention, but probably only for tonight.

This is the perfect opportunity to reach out to Adam even though it’s not our usual chat time. I enjoy sending him memes, selfies, and random thoughts throughout the day and he replies whenever he can in between meetings and helping his uncle.

Belle: What are you doing?

Adam: I’m in a meeting. What’s up?

Belle: Why are you answering if you’re in a meeting?

Adam: Because I saw the message was from you.

A more perfect answer has never existed. Adam is going to be busy as hell taking over Townsend Enterprises, but people make time for what – and who – is important to them.

Period.

There is always a way if both people are willing to work at it.

Belle: That’s so sweet.

Adam: Yeah, well, don’t tell anyone that I’ve gone soft. It would be a dangerous disadvantage in both my lines of work.

Belle: All your secrets are safe with me. I can’t wait to chat later. At least I’ll be back in a quiet place so I can hear your sexy voice.

Adam: Why is it so loud now? Is Buster snoring? That dog is like a damn freight train.

Belle: I know. Boxers are the best, goofiest, and most charming dogs. But the snores and gassiness are like no other. And I’m at a stupid club with Ariel.

Rather than reply to my message, Adam calls me.

After I just finished telling him that I’m somewhere loud and can barely even hear the people sitting three feet from me.

The man needs to work on his listening – well, reading – skills.

“Excuse me,” I say, to the few people from the cast that I have to squeeze by to escape the noise.

I search for Ariel, but her halo of red hair is nowhere to be found. She already gave me fifty bucks to cover a cab because my limited budget doesn’t allow for a splurge, and there’s no way that I’m walking home alone in this outfit so late at night.

Women should be able to dress how they want and feel safe no matter where they are.

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