Page 1 of High Rise Secrets

Prologue

Addison- Valentine’s Day

Islide into the booth where my sisters, my best friends, are waiting for me. It’s an annual tradition for us girls to spend Valentine’s Day together. We always book a table at one of the fanciest restaurants around the city and spend the night drinking and laughing.

After, I usually head over toRISEand find some lonely stud to take to bed and play with him until I’ve had no less than three orgasms. He’s always more willing to please on Valentine’s Day, trying to be romantic and shit. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest; they usually try harder.

What does bother me? Ethan Freeman’s date for the evening. She’s his flavor of the month and annoying as hell. Her laugh? Ugh, like nails on a chalkboard. She must have a magical vagina or something because I can’t figure out what he sees in her. Oh, and he happens to be in the same restaurant we’re at.

Coincidence?

Never. I set up his reservation last week for him and wanted to keep an eye on him.

“Lia, so glad Landry gave you up for the evening. Was he a sad panda?” I ask, taking a sip of my appletini.

“He told me he has a special evenin’ planned when I get home.” Her eyes sparkle with love as she talks about her husband. They make me sick but in a loving way.

I look at Everleigh, who smirks at me, daring me to say something about her not being with Luca tonight. I see her hand twitch with the need to give me a witty comeback or whip out her butterfly knife. I love the girl, and she is loyal to a fault, but she’s a stabby bitch through and through.

“Hi, Ev, glad you could make it tonight.” I blow her an air kiss over the table.

“Wouldn’t miss this night for the world. One question, though.” She places her hands under her chin and gives me a chilling smile. “What the fuck is Ethan Freeman doing here?” She flicks her chin in his direction.

I feel my cheeks heat as I turn to look in the direction she’s motioned to. “Oh, is he? I didn’t realize.” My eyes lock with his over his date’s shoulder, and he smirks at me. I wave a few fingers and turn in my seat again.

“Girl, I love you, but you need to move on. Clearly, he hasn’t seen what’s right in front of him after all these years. You’re amazing, and he’s a dumb fuck.”

I chortle and choke on my drink as I roll my eyes at her. She’s not wrong, but I’d never admit that to her. Myslightobsession with my boss is my cross to bear. “Hey, Eady, how’re you doing?”

“Fine. Happy to be here with you girls tonight.” She bumps her shoulder against mine as we all settle in with drinks and order a few appetizers.

The conversation is flowing as are the alcohol and food. This is the only way to spend a shitty holiday made popular by greeting card companies—with my girls. I feel his eyes on me though, and I can’t help but turn around just in time to see his date storm off, taking her purse with her.

“Doubt she’s just running to the bathroom,” Ev says, hiding her smirk behind her hand. Ethan is a statue of calm as he takes a sip of his drink, eyes glued to our table. A few patrons at the tables close by are watching him, but he doesn’t even seem to notice them.

"I need to go check on him, make sure he's okay," I mumble as I slide out of the booth.

"You're gonna ditch your girls for dick?" Ev asks, shaking her head. If she didn't have a smile on her face, I'd think she was mad at me.

"Chicks before dick, Addy," Eady chimes in.

"You know how much I like dick, and that one is my filet mignon. Just for a minute, I'll be back," I reason with them.

I know it's a lie as soon as my eyes lock with his gorgeous brown ones. He waves me over to the table, and like a willing lamb, I gravitate to the big bad wolf. Ethan Freeman will always be my ultimate, even if he has no clue of our past and who I really am.

Ethan

I knew this date was a mistake the moment Addison fucking Snyder walked in and sat down at a booth three tables away. Yes, I've counted just how fucking close she is to me, and I'm sure I'm imagining it, but I can smell her signature scent from here.

Brittany, my date, returns from the restroom and flashes a megawatt smile until she sees me staring at Addison’s table. Brittany looks over her shoulder to see who I smiled at and turns back to me, her eyes narrowed. "Who's that?" she asks, crossing her arms, resting them on the table.

"My assistant," I reply, taking a sip of my drink.

Did Addison make this reservation knowing she was going to be here, too?

Don't be an idiot, Ethan.

Tatalinais one of the fanciest restaurants in town and hard as fuck to get a reservation at. I knew when I asked her to get me a table somewhere tonight, she would come through. She always does. Nothing more.