Page 16 of Beautiful Desire

And now I’m going to have to see her a lot more because of this fucking wedding, and now that I know she’s Gia’s best friend, I could never go there. I could kill Fabi, although what good would that do? He didn’t know. Nobody knew.

The morning after, I almost started to question if it was a dream or not, but I knew there was no way she wasn’t real. It was like my very own guardian angel came to me in a dream and then disappeared before morning came.

“We’re here, sir,” Bill announces.

I open my eyes as the car comes to a stop in the underground garage. Expelling a frustrated breath, I thank Bill as my doorman, Tony, opens the door for me.

“Mr. Lombardi, welcome home. How was your day?”

“Let’s just say I’m glad to be home, Tony.”

“I can imagine. Are you expecting anyone this evening, sir?”

“Not tonight, Tony. Not tonight,” I tell him, approaching my private elevator.

“Very well, sir. Goodnight.”

And with that, the door to the elevator closes as the reminder that I’ll be spending another night alone sinks in…while all my brain can think about is how I wish I could spend just one more night with Elle, fulfilling all my dreams and desires.

CHAPTER5

ELLE

Life has beencrazy since that night at Gia’s a couple of months ago. G has been in full bride mode ever since, and as her best friend and maid of honor, I’ve been helping her every step of the way. If I’m not working, I’m wedding planning. I never knew how exhausting planning a wedding truly was before this, and it isn’t even my wedding.

I’ve been trying to keep myself busy at work, which is easy because there are endless amounts of things to do to get ready for the sale of the company. But if I’m being honest with myself, it’s really to take my mind off a certain blue-eyed stallion who haunts my every thought. It doesn’t help that he’s business partners with Fabi and is at their house frequently, especially when I’m there.

Every time he’s around, sparks ignite within me from the lingering looks and stolen glances. I’m not sure if he doesn’t know or just doesn’t care I’m aware of them, but I am, and it makes resisting him harder than I’d like to admit. Which is part of the reason I’m keeping myself so busy with work and why I’m still here at seven at night. Because if I’m working, then I can’t help Gia, and if I can’t help Gia, then I don’t see D.

Genius, Elle.

Except for the ulcer I’m giving myself over the guilt I have lying to my best friend. Opening my desk drawer, I reach inside and pull out the container of Tums. Pouring a nice handful into my palm, I throw them into my mouth and chew the chalky tablets.

“Pretty sure you’re only supposed to take two at a time,” Beth says.

“Jesus, you scared the shit out of me. What are you still doing here?” Placing my hand over my rapidly beating heart, I look up to find her laughing at me.

“I should be asking you the same question. Why areyoustill here? It’s late.”

“Working on Mr. Lewis’s PowerPoint for his meeting with the London group.”

She starts to nod, but then stops, cocking her head to the side. “Wait. Isn’t that on Tuesday?”

“Yeah.”

“Elle, it’s after seven on aThursday night. You’re young, hot, and single. Why the hell are you still here working on the London group’s proposal for next week? You should be at a bar getting your drinks bought for you by some hot rich guys!”

“Because I have to get this done. Gia has me booked with MOH duties the rest of the weekend,” I tell her.

That’s not entirely a lie. Iamhelping Gia with wedding stuff. Just from the comfort of my living room, alone. But I can’t tell her the real reason I’m here is because I’m avoiding the insanely hot man I happened to sleep with at Pete’s wedding. No way! She’d never leave me alone if she knew.

Her face softens, and a look of pity takes over before it vanishes. “Well, don’t stay too late. I’m heading out now. Don’t forget to call security and have them walk you out when you’re ready to leave.”

“I will,Mom,” I say through a chuckle.

She spins around, giving me the middle finger as she leaves.

I spend another two hours in the office before deciding to call it quits after finishing everything needed for the meeting on Tuesday. Rolling my shoulders back, I stand, stretching after sitting in my seat for hours on end.

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