Page 92 of Honest With You

I will not go down that path again.

I straighten my shoulders, realizing my hands are on him and I push him back in warning.

I can hear my heart beat in tandem with his, loud enough that I almost miss the buzzing of the intercom and the sound of our security, asking if I’m alright.

Fuck. The cameras.

Once again, I thank our lawyers for making sure every single person who works for our company has signed an NDA.

“Jesse. Step back. There’s cameras in here.”

I hit the button to respond. “I’m okay. Just needed a moment. Start the elevator now, please.”

Static, and then, “Right away Miss Torres.”

Jesse curses under his breath and picks up my Birkin, hitching it on his shoulders. I attempt to take it from him but he steps away. “This thing weighs more than you, Ava. Let me help you.”

“Jesse.”

“I know, Ava. I overstepped.” He hangs his head, golden locks obstructing my view of his eyes but his jaw is tense, his hands shoved in his slacks like he needs to stop himself from touching me.

I swallow the words itching to come out, shoving the urge to throw myself back at him where it belongs.

The doors slide open to the parking garage and Ben meets me, his eyes landing on Jesse before he arches an eyebrow at me in question. I force a smile on my face, urging him with a wave of my hand to get in the car and I’ll follow behind.

As soon as he’s out of earshot, I hold my hand out to Jesse for my bag and he reluctantly hands it to me. His eyes follow Ben’s departure before he slowly slides them my way. The defeat and disappointment in them causes a pang in my chest. I know he meant to walk me to my car or maybe even ask me to go with him somewhere, but knowing I have security detail puts a damper on those thoughts.

“I was going to ask if you wanted to grab a bite and talk but I guess now’s not a good time?”

I shake my head, silently taking my Birkin from him.

I open my mouth to wish him a good night when he swiftly dips his head to kiss me on the cheek, his lips burning my skin.

“Good night, Ava.”

Unable to form a more coherent response, I simply nod my head, turning to walk away but he stops me midwalk when he whispers my name again.

“Ava.”

I whirl around, my hand clutching my bag in front of me like armor.

“My dreams didn’t do you justice. You’re even more beautiful than I remember.” His eyes slide the length of me. “And I meant every word I said.”

With that, he raises a hand in goodbye, leaving me speechless as he walks away from me, defeat set on his shoulders.

“Okay, back up. He pretty much told you he was still in love with you… what are you confused about?” Vanessa exclaims, slamming her now empty shot glass on the table.

Beside her, Ryder shoves his sleeves up, rolling his eyes at Vanessa. Ever the gentleman, he reaches over and catches her before she falls off the couch trying to get the attention of the cocktail server.

Serves her right for calling me “no fun”.

The three of us are hanging out at a bar my brother owns. One of the many things I learned today. Not only did he permanently move here and start working for Dad, he also apparently owns a baranda club. What else is he hiding from me?

“She means she’s confused about how she’s supposed to feel about it, Van.”

“What he said!” I point at my friends with a grin, downing my margarita. I flip my glass over my head to prove to Vanessa that I can still hang, since she’s berated me half the night about my inability to “loosen up”. A single drop drips on my nose and I giggle.

I think I might be drunk.

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