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I just kept a smile on, one that never reached my eyes and continued down the red carpet. I breathed a sigh of relief as I entered the hotel. A cocktail waitress came by with a tray of champagne and I eagerly grabbed two, downing one and keeping the other to sip on as I prepared to socialize.
I found a few associates I had done business with in the past and made my way over. We talked about the usual. Stocks, business deals, and the current economy. Things I had grown accustomed to talking about. It felt all so robotic. So ungenuine. Still, it was best to remain professional. That was the face I had to wear, being the head of my own company.
“Look who just arrived,” said one of them, looking toward the door.
It was Kiera. I took a long sip of champagne.
“I hear you two are back together,” he said, nudging me. “Lucky guy.”
“That’s what they’re saying,” I said. “If you’ll excuse me.”
I downed the rest of my champagne and grabbed another off a tray as I made my way to a corner of the room where I wouldn’t be spotted by Kiera. I leaned against the wall, away from the spotlights of the dance floor. I wanted nothing more than to go up to my room, which was complimentary for the guests tonight. I spent a few minutes people-watching, keeping a close eye on Kiera’s whereabouts. And that was when I saw her.
Heart stood across the room, talking to an old associate of mine. I had to do a double-take to be sure it was her. This didn’t seem like the kind of place she would be on a Friday night. But there she was.
She wore a strapless pink dress. The tulle skirt was fanned out just at her waist. A clever disguise for her growing belly, but also one of the sexiest things I had ever seen her in. The blush color of her dress almost blended in with her creamy skin, and the bust was barely clinging on to the curves of her breasts. Her hair was down in waves, sleekly parted in the center. I wanted nothing more than to touch her. Feel her surround me.
I watched as she talked to the guy at the bar. He said something and she laughed, putting her hand on his arm. I felt jealousy bubble through my blood. I downed my third glass of champagne and strode over with determination to stop whatever was transpiring here.
“Brock,” I said loudly as I patted the guy on the back and prayed that was his name. It had been a while since we had done business together.
He turned and looked at me, registering my face before a smile crossed his.
“Daniel! How the hell are you?” he asked.
I could feel Heart’s eyes on me, staring daggers.
“I see you’ve met Addison,” I said, feeling weird about calling her that. “They’re doing incredible things over at Leading to Learn.”
“So, she’s been telling me,” he said, smiling down at her. I noticed his eyes skim her cleavage and I wanted to knock him out right there.
“Is that so?” I asked, looking at her. “I’m surprised to see you here, Ms. Heartly.”
“Yes, well, Leading to Learn has some items up for bid as part of tonight’s silent auction,” replied Addison coolly.
“It really is a great organization,” said Brock, praise dripping from his tongue. I didn’t buy it for a second. He was probably just trying to get close to her.
“That’s why I am their newest donor,” I said cockily.
“Is that so?” asked Brody, raising an eyebrow. “I was actually just about to write a check.”
He pulled out a checkbook from the inside of his tuxedo jacket. I tried my best not to roll my eyes.
“Addison, would you be so kind as to accompany me to a cocktail table so we can do this the right way?” Brody asked, offering his arm.
“I’d love to,” she said, taking it, but not before shooting me a look.
I stayed nearby and watched as he wrote out a check, but the whole time he was trying to make conversation with her, her eyes were searching for mine. The guy didn’t stand a chance. But right now, I wasn’t sure if I did either.
Heart slipped the check into her small beaded clutch, and I watched as she politely excused herself. She began making her way toward me, her face tied up in an expression that wasn’t welcoming. She grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the crowd of people.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she asked, shoving a finger into my chest.
“What do you mean?” I shrugged innocently.
“You know exactly what I mean.”
“That guy is a prick.”