Page 49 of How to Break My Heart 1

“So touchy…” The corner of my mouth rises teasingly. “Does your doctor friend tell you how he’s looking forthe oneto settle down with?”

The color of her cheeks slowly turns the perfect shade, satisfying my sick and twisted need to watch her argue with me over an unimportant matter.

Everleigh opens her mouth to give it back to me, but Carol interjects, “I have an exercise for the two of you. Since the bride and groom usually partake in our auditions, I would like you to stand up as we play the song for the first official wedding dance.”

“I’m sorry, Carol. What?” Everleigh shakes her head, panicked. “I willnotdance with him.”

“Hm… sounds like you’re scared of romance,” I mutter under my breath.

“Fine!” Everleigh stands, positioning herself in front of me. “I’ll dance with you. After all, this is for your sister, isn’t it?”

Carol and Eunice start playing their instruments as Everleigh says, “Just to reiterate, we are waltzing. That’s it.”

“If you say so.”

I watch her take a deep breath, then extend her arm to place her hand on my shoulder. As the music plays, I rest my hand on her hip and then secure her other hand in mine. We move to the tune of the Ed Sheeran song “Photograph.” Madelina requested they test this song out, along with two other songs.

With Everleigh’s body so close to mine, I fall silent at this unknown feeling of emotion overwhelming me.What the fuck is this?

I pull myself out of the thought to ask her with a satisfied grin, “This isn’t so bad, now is it?”

“I guess not,” she drags out, pretending to be annoyed. “Who would have thought the playboy could dance?”

“Well, if my penis mobile doesn’t impress the ladies, I can rely on my dancing skills.”

A small laugh leaves her supple lips. “You forgot about your charming personality.”

“Right! That’s what apparently brings all the women to my penthouse.”

“C’mon, there’s truth to what I said, so don’t lie,” she gloats, relaxing in my hold.

I pull away, but only slightly, to look her in the eye. “I never denied it, and I’m the first to admit relationships aren’t something I think about. Work has been my life. It’s who I am. It defines me. There’s no time for this romantic… whatever you want to call it.”

She presses her lips together with satisfaction, only to respond with, “The billionaire knows what he wants.”

I bring her body back into alignment with mine, avoiding her critical stare. “I sense judgment in your tone.”

“It’s your life, Aston. Who am I to tell you how to live? If it makes you happy, then kudos to you.”

It doesn’t make me happy.

It doesn’t bring me joy.

It satisfies something within me I’m unable to explain. It’s a life I am forced into, so there’s no choice but to find satisfaction in making billions of dollars. It’s not exactly like I can quit and play lacrosse. The dream of following a passion has long died.

“And areyouhappy?” I question her.

Everleigh turns away to stare blankly atCarol and Eunice. Then, she sighs “What is happiness, anyway?”

The song comes to an end before Carol places down her cello. “I think it’s the perfect song choice. The two of you looked like a bride and groom on their wedding day.”

Everleigh lets go of me in a rush, as if reality has slapped her firmly in the face. “Oh, we had to play the part, right?”

I watch her avoid my gaze and see how her body language tells me something has gotten to her. Unlike moments ago when she was relaxed in my hold, her expression is pensive as she folds her arms, keeping her distance.

Carol and Eunice wait quietly for the green light, but Everleigh doesn’t say a word.

“My sister will love it. Can you email me the details, and we’ll get the invoice paid?” I reach out and grab Everleigh’s hand. “Let’s go.”