Page 54 of Wonderlust

“Maybe, but I’m kind of getting fond of Straight Lace.”

“Are you, now?” His eyes danced with humor.

“Thanks for looking after me last night. I’m sorry I drank so much.”

“Don’t be sorry. Milly has a habit of getting people drunk.” That was an understatement. She’s practically tipped the drink down my throat last night.

“I’ll have to watch her at Diego’s party.”

“That might be wise,” Alex grinned. “Come on, let’s go home.” I don’t know why, but my heart skipped a beat as he spoke. We’d be at his hilltop mansion for months now while he worked on new material for his album. In that time, we would grow even closer. I was in fear of losing my heart completely.

Chapter Fourteen

“What do you mean, you know all about it?” Alex glared at Diego on the day of his party. All our secret planning had been in vain, apparently.

“Oh please. It’s the talk of the town. I was at Monika's last week and they were all talking about it.” Turning toward me, Diego pulled me in for a tight hug. “You, Baby Cakes, are the best, and as a thank you, I‘ve invited lover man tonight. You can finally show him what he’s missing out on.” What was he talking about?

“Who are you talking about?” Alex frowned.

“David Barclay is coming to the party.”

“WHAT?!” I gasped. Fuck no! I didn’t need this, not now.

“Why did you invite that fucker?” Alex fumed. “Nat has made it perfectly clear that she isn’t interested!”

“You have no idea when it comes to a woman’s heart, Alex. Stay out of this. I need to turn Natasha into the belle of the ball before Mr. Barclay arrives. Come on, Baby Cakes. You’re coming to the pool house with me right now.” Why couldn’t my life ever be simple?

Diego approved of the silver sequin dress that I’d bought for the party. It was short and cut low on my back, but I hadn’t gotten the dress with David in mind.

People were already arriving. I could hear them outside by the pool house.

“I don’t care how much you fight this, the hair is going to be down tonight. It will show off your makeup. David will have a hard on the moment he sets eyes on you.”

“I can’t believe you invited him.” Groaning, I let Diego undo my hair from its bun.

“Jesus, how much hair do you have? This natural wave is todiefor. You really should wear it down more often. Oh! Let me get my curlers. I want to bring the wave out a little more.” This was going to take all night. It was a good job Diego was ready. The birthday boy had gone all out with a bright blue suit, baby pink shirt, and six-inch pink platform shoes.

An hour later, Diego was finished. “Oh, Baby Cakes, you look like a fucking model. You are a rare beauty.” I blushed as he touched the side of my face. “The best way to get a man’s attention is by making him jealous. You’ll have every male eating out of your hands tonight. Now, you go and own it!” Slapping my butt, he practically pushed me out of the pool house. “I’ll be out in ten minutes.”

Trying to walk gracefully in my four-inch heels, I looked out at the faces watching me. Holy fuck, the place was crammed already. I didn’t recognize a single person.

As I made my way toward the main house to look for a familiar face, I found the one person I didn’t really want.

“Nat,” David gasped. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” He looked casual in his grey trousers and white linen shirt.

“What are you doing here?” I sighed, shaking my head at him.

“I was invited. Diego said…”

“Diego got it wrong. I don’t want you here.”

“Nat, don’t be like this. Why don’t we go up to your room and talk?” He brushed his fingertips down my arm and I knew exactly what he was up to. “You look beautiful.”

“You flew all this way just forthat? You choseSarah! You don’t get it both ways!”

“I can’t stop thinking about you, Nat. Every time I close my eyes, you’re there. Please? One last time, that’s all I’m asking for. Then I’ll leave you alone. Give me one more night. I want you so fucking much!” Tears were forming in the corner of my eyes. I didn’t want to deal with this right now.

“Hey, Jackass!” I spun around at the male voice coming from right behind me. “Who the fuck do you think you are?” Alex was towering over David with a look of pure rage on his face. It was sexy as hell.

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