Page 423 of Most Eligible Billionaire CEO

“For redirecting my anger towards you, yes. I was rude. You didn’t deserve it. It’s not your fault I’m in a pissy mood.”

“Whose fault is it?”

I hesitate, dancing from one foot to the other.

“My ex.”

“Ah!” He nods. “What did the asshole do?”

“He announced his engagement—in a public spectacle—to the backstabber responsible for the demise of my relationship two years ago. Granted, it takes two to tango, but the woman he cheated on me with weaved her way into our lives”—and our bed—“and he didn’t say no. There are other things, like my ex reneging on his word and finding out he never was interested in me—” Something catches in my throat. “He was only interested in what I could do for him.” I shake my head, dispersing the bad memories. “Regardless, none of it justifies how I spoke to you. I’m sorry.”

I bite down a wave of humiliation.

He nods. “I accept the apology.”

I expect him to say more, but instead, he stares at me, considering me.

“Maybe you dodged a bullet. Your ex sounds like a royal douchebag.”

“That’s what my best friend Phoebe keeps reminding me.”

“I don’t know the guy and I don’t know this backstabber, but from what I know about you, I speak with confidence when I say, your ex got shortchanged.” Beckett pauses. “He picked the wrong woman.” He flashes me a boyish smile.

My cheeks burst into flames.

My whole body combusts.

“You don’t have to say that to make me feel better.”

“I’m not. Contrary to your ex, I don’t talk shit.”

“Thank you.” I lower my eyes. “I should’ve kept my emotions in check. I only found out last night about the engagement. It was a fluke, but the side effect was real. The headline was like a drive-by shooting to my brain. I’m not in love anymore… it’s just…”

“Hurtful and upsetting?” Beckett completes my sentence. I nod. “No one wants to be betrayed.”

“Exactly.”

“Don’t you wish you were a Red Priestess with blood-magic powers, capable of giving birth to a full-blown shadow baby to take care of your ex and the backstabber?” he asks.

I didn’t see that coming.

I explode in laughter.

“You know what I’m talking about?” He chuckles.

“Yes,” I say when I regain my composure. “I’m a huge fan of the epic series.”

“So am I. And here I thought we were complete opposites. Turns out we have another thing in common.”

“Turns out we do.” I return his smile.

He has a great sense of humor.

“I’m sure I screwed things up, but if the dinner invitation still stands…” I let my sentence trail.

“Really?” His gorgeous eyes light up.

“Really,” I say. “As you pointed out, we both have to eat and, to be honest, I don’t know if I can handle being alone tonight. My best friend Phoebe is in Australia. She won’t be back until tomorrow and I don’t know anyone else in LA.”

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