Page 51 of The Other One

The harried waitress bustles over to us with our cocktails before disappearing back into the crowd. I raise my glass for a toast.

“To fake bitches and real orgasms.” I tip my lips in a wicked smile as Abigail clinks her glass to mine.

“I’ll drink to that.”

The night progresses just as I expected. Davis is making a show of himself. It may be his brother’s celebration, but I don’t think the man knows how not to be the center of attention. The bridesmaids and some of the other girls Cesily invited here are still sending me heated glances. It would be laughable if I didn’t find it totally inappropriate, considering I’m here as Abigail’s boyfriend. I would say fake boyfriend, but I feel like we’ve blown past the fake part and have something real happening here. There haven’t been any discussions about where this is headed, but I’m feeling pretty confident it’s toward the destination I wanted when I agreed to our ruse in the first place.

“I have to use the restroom,” Abigail tells me after her third martini.

“Is that code for follow me to the bathroom?” I ask hopefully.

She shakes her head at me and giggles. “Down, boy. It means I’ve had three martinis, and my bladder is making it known that a fourth needs room. I’ll be right back.” She stands and walks around the small table to me. Her hand grazes up my thigh, dangerously close to me stirring cock and places a light kiss on my lips. “Don’t run away without me.”

“Never,” I reply. When she turns to walk away, the sway of her hips almost has me getting up and following her anyway. God, that woman has an ass I could feast on every day and not be full.

“Hi there. I’m Everly.” I look over to where Abigail was just sitting and see a short blonde with tits pushed up and almost spilling out of her tight dress, taking her seat.

“Hi, Jackson Hayes.” I hold out my hand to shake hers, which is dangling daintily in front of me. “Actually, Everly, my girlfriend will be right back. She just went to use the restroom.”

She laughs and throws her blonde locks over her shoulder. “Oh, I’ll just keep you company until she gets back then.” Her voice is so syrupy sweet, I feel like if I had to listen to it for any length of time, I would have a toothache.

“So, Jackson. You’re dating Abigail. Is it serious?”

Is she serious? Who asks someone they just met that? The gleam in her eye tells me the reason she’s asking. And it’s not because she’s friends with Abigail and hopes I have good intentions toward her.

“It is.” I nod and give her a slight smile. I don’t want to be rude, but I’m not liking the way she’s still smiling at me.

“You two can’t have known each other for long. I don’t remember Cesily telling us her sister had a boyfriend in Philadelphia.”

“We’ve known each other for some time. Her best friend is dating my brother,” I reply absently.Come on, Abigail, hurry up.

“Oh yes. The senator, right?” she purrs.

That right there. That’s one of the reasons I hate dating, especially women in Philly. Nine times out of ten, a girl knows who my family is and how rich and powerful they are. They think I’m going to be their ticket in. Not today, sweetheart.

“Yes, that would be the one. We’re very proud of him.”

“How long do you plan on staying in town?” she asks. The flirtatious lilt in her tone is still there and still just as fucking annoying.

“Just a couple more days. Unless my girlfriend wants to stay longer and catch up with friends.”

Take a hint already and leave me alone. But no, she just hums and keeps giving me her best come-hither gaze.

“You know,” she starts. “The reception tomorrow is going to be huge. Loads and loads of people. So easy to slip away undetected if you were so inclined.” She reaches over the table to brush my hand resting on top. I quickly jerk it back and place it on my lap.

“I’m not. And I won’t be. For God’s sake, catch a clue. Mygirlfriendis your friend’s sister.“ I rise from the table as Everly shoots me a nasty, offended glare. I can’t believe she’s the one offended by me. Jesus Christ, these people are nuts down here. Does every woman in Charleston think that infidelity, when you have money and a well-known name, is acceptable?

I make my way to the restrooms to tell Abigail this is definitely a “bite your lip and blink three times” situation. When I come around the corner of the hallway, I spot Abigail leaning against the wall with Davis fucking Callaway’s hand grasping her hip.

Oh, hell no, motherfucker.

Chapter 19

Abigail

ThankGodthereisn’ta line for the bathroom. I quickly handle business and reapply my lipstick. I don’t want to leave Jackson out there alone while my sister’s friends are circling. I’m sure the minute they saw me get up, at least one of them looked at it as their opportunity to swoop in and try to get Jackson’s attention. The looks they’ve been giving him all night haven’t gone unnoticed by me. Fucking sharks. I grab my phone from my purse as I’m opening the door to check the time. We’ve been here long enough to give the impression that we’re justsoexcited for the happy couple and can leave without pissing my mother or sister off.

Unfortunately, I’m looking down as I walk out of the bathroom and run right into the chest of a man who is far too liberal with his body spray.

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