Page 43 of Choose Me

"Mostly." I teased.

"Well, if it's any consolation, all the stories James has told me have been good." He winked, and James laughed. We made small talk as the other guests arrived and dinner was served.

My skin prickled under Everett's gaze as Brock and James started talking. His golden irises seemed to be trying to pierce through me, and a wave of heat rushed over my cheeks. I had to avert my gaze quickly and feign interest in James' conversation, yet I could still feel his amber eyes tracing my movements. I couldn't help but notice Everett's gaze on me as Brock started talking to James.

As the night went on, we ate, drank--only sparkling wine for me, and danced. Despite all the energy in the room, nothing compared to watching James when he was near Brock--it was like watching a blooming flower unfold before my eyes. Their friendship was effortless, and I loved watching him laugh.

Every corner of the room was brimming with New York's rich and famous. Everywhere I looked were beautiful people--their perfect faces and tight dresses, but none held a candle to Amelia. She glided around the party, her phony smile dazzling any man fortunate to meet her gaze. This truly was a magical night. James left to check in with his team, leaving me alone with Everett. He took a sip of his drink before turning to me.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked, his voice low.

I nodded, taking a sip of my drink. "I am. It's beautiful here."

He looked at me momentarily, his eyes scanning my face before speaking again. "You look stunning tonight."

I felt my face flush under his gaze.

"Thank you." I looked at him, my heart racing with confusion and desire.

"I hope tonight is everything you wanted it to be," he continued. "You deserve it."

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Thank you, Everett. I don't know what I would do without you and James. You've always supported me, and when James left, if it weren't for you, I don't know if I could have made it through. I want you to know how grateful I am for you."

"You deserve the world, baby girl," he said softly, his eyes searching mine.

I felt my heart skip a beat as he leaned in closer, his breath hot against my cheek. "I can't stop thinking about you," he murmured, his lips brushing against my earlobe. "I know it's wrong, but I can't help it."

My heart raced as I turned to look at him, my eyes meeting his intense gaze. "Everett, I-"

He reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my cheek. I knew I should pull away but couldn't bring myself to do it. He and James were the only constants in my life for almost a year, and I can't deny how he makes me feel. But I need to. James is safe, the love of my life, and we are having a baby together. Everett is dangerous and forbidden.

"I'm sure it's just the alcohol talking, but you are James' best friend...and mine too. You know we can't do this."

He reached out and took my hand, his fingers brushing lightly over my skin. "You don't have to say anything. I just want you to know that I'm drawn to you, Ava. I can't help it."

"What does that mean?" I asked, my mouth was dry, and my voice was barely above a whisper.

"It means that I want you, Ava," he said, his voice rough with desire. "And the worst part is I can't have you. I have to watch the girl I love carrying my best friend's baby, and I hate it. I hate that I love you and James and could never hurt him, but I need you to know I will always protect you."

My heart thudded in my chest as I looked at him, filled with a bewildering array of emotions. His gaze was heavy with remorse, and he stumbled for words before finally apologizing. "I'm sorry, Ava. I shouldn't have said anything. I don't know what I was thinking."

I stood up, adjusting the fabric of my dress, confusion and desire coursing through my body. "Excuse me."

"Ava, wait," Everett called after me.

Ignoring him, I walked away before he could say anything else. The crowd seemed like an insurmountable barrier as I headed toward the bathroom. I stared at myself in the mirror. My cheeks were flushed with embarrassment...shame...desire...whatever fucked-up emotion I felt after his admission. I washed my hands and left the bathroom.

I noticed a slender woman with blonde hair cut in a short bob but slicked back, leaning against a pillar. She wore a short black dress and red stilettos, and her crystal blue eyes narrowed when she saw me.

"Are you Ava?" She asked as she approached me with confidence.

"Yes, do I know you?"

“James and I worked together on the Miami case involving Margaret. I doubt he told you about me."

I narrowed my eyes, "Should he have?" I asked cautiously.

The corners of her lips curled into a mocking smile, and she glanced pointedly down at my pregnant belly before replying. "I'm not surprised he didn't, considering your fragile state."

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