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“Really?” he whispers.
“Yeah,” I admit. It’s not something I’ve shared with anyone other than Carlee, but it was originally a tragedy.
Another bottle of wine is being opened and poured, and Easton excuses himself.
“I’ll be right back,” he mutters into my ear.
I nod, bringing my attention back to his mom, who’s sitting directly across from me.
Billie asks a few questions, and I watch Easton cross the dark room. Before he turns down a hallway, he’s stopped by a woman in a black dress that hugs her slim body. He takes a step back, his hand touching her elbow as she smiles. The woman leans in and whispers something in his ear, her hand on his chest.
I suck in a ragged breath and Weston glances at me. I grab my glass of wine and take a gulp as he excuses himself.
“Where’s everyone going?” his mother asks, searching around.
I give her a smile and shrug, hating watching Easton with someone else. Weston interrupts the conversation, stealing theattention. Easton looks in my direction, then disappears down the hallway.
Five minutes later, Easton returns to me just as our first course is being served. I follow his lead, choosing the utensils he uses. And for the rest of the night, I float through the conversations as a well-rehearsed actress.
When it’s time to leave, we say our goodbyes with loose hugs and kisses on each cheek. The limo arrives, and we’re rushed outside, avoiding the cameras as we climb in.
Easton turns to me, his mouth positioned in that devilish smirk that I both love and hate. And right now, I’m not sure what he’s going to say.
34
EASTON
Birthday countdown: 29 days
Since meeting her: 17 days
Company takeover: 36 days
The limo pulls away. It’s quiet; the streetlights light her face briefly as we pass under them.
“Everything okay?”
“Perfect,” she says with a smile, but I can seeher. The real her.
“You’re aterribleliar.” I shake my head and chuckle.
“I’m agreatliar. You’re betterat reading me than most of the population.”
I swipe my thumb across her cheek and meet her eyes. “Raw truths, Lexi. What’s going on?”
She sucks in a breath. “I didn’t like seeing you with someone else.”
I understand what she’s going through. I felt the same way last night, when I saw her ex, knowing his mouth had been on hers.
“Says the woman who encouraged me to date others while our arrangement was in order. Am I understanding this correctly?”
“That was before …” she whispers.
“Mmm?” I want her to continue that statement.
“Before I cared,” she says confidently.
“There’s only you, babe. You’re it.” I give her a half grin, moving close to her mouth.