Page 72 of The C Agreement

“I don’t know. He’s friends with everyone,” Vivian whined.

“Baby,” Dominick yelled, “look who showed up.”

Vivian lifted a hand and smiled weakly. “Hi, Preston.”

Preston’s smile faltered when he saw Delaney, but he quickly recovered as he sauntered over. Her ex wasn’t what one would call traditionally handsome. He was what a romance novelist would describe as craggy. But he oozed testosterone, and one couldn’t help but find him attractive. And even if I hadn’t heard Delaney drop tidbits about their former sex life, I wouldn’t doubt that the man knew exactly what he was doing in bed.

“Hello, Vivian, Delaney, and…”

“Rayne,” I supplied.

The corners of his eyes crinkled. “Right. Rayne. Sorry for forgetting.”

I shrugged to let him know it was no big deal. “It’s okay. We’ve only met once.”

As if an outside force pulled at him, his eyes landed on his ex-wife. “I didn’t realize you’d be here.”

He seemed almost apologetic, but Delaney straightened her spine, as if he’d insulted her.

“Vivian and I are friends.”

He nodded. “Of course. The two of you are doing the Women in Law project together.”

“And I didn’t know you’d be here,” she accused back.

“Dominick invited me. Don’t worry; I’m not staying.”

Delaney shoved her long hair over her shoulder. “You don’t have to leave on my account.”

“I wasn’t staying anyway. I have…plans.” His eyes swept up and down Delaney, and he turned back to Vivian. “Please tell Dominick thanks for the invitation, but it’s probably not wise if I stay.”

Vivian nodded. “I will.”

“Nice to see you all again.”

And with that, Preston left.

“Do you think he’s going on a date?” Vivian asked.

I winced. Sometimes, she didn’t think before she spoke.

“Don’t know; don’t care,” Delaney responded, chin in the air.

But I had a feeling she did care.

She sighed. “Can we not talk about him anymore? My mom is watching my kid overnight, and I haven’t had a night out for a long time. I want to enjoy myself and not think about my ex.”

“Of course,” I said.

“I’m sorry. Dominick didn’t warn me he was coming,” Vivian added.

“It’s fine. I don’t blame you.” Delaney walked over to the counter and picked up the bottle of Jack. “Let’s do a shot.”

Vivian started waving her hands in front of her face but stopped when Delaney raised her eyebrows. “Fine. One. But then I really am done for the night.”

With a grin, Delaney grabbed three plastic shot glasses and filled them to the top. “Bottoms up, ladies.”

Whiskey was not my favorite hard alcohol, but it was better than the tequila Delaney could have grabbed. Especially on St. Patrick’s Day. We each picked up our shots, and I threw mine back, swallowing it all at once.

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