Page 18 of Kayla's List

“I bet their salty asses will try to come next year.” Brady and I nod.

If there is one thing I know about my friends, once they miss out on something once, they’ll never do it again.

“I see a sweet thing by the bar. I’ll be back,” Brady says, fixing his clothes and heading toward the bar.

I’m settled into the vibe when Monique and Pearson arrive. I admire them as they greet everyone. I have to admit they make a very nice looking couple. It makes my mind drift back to how Kayla and I would look.

Kayla is about a foot shorter than my six-foot-two-inch frame, but she fits perfectly tucked underneath my arm, just like Monique is with Pearson right now. His arm is possessively wrapped around her, and I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. I want to feel that affection with a beautiful woman,with Kayla.

“Hey, Anderson. Why are you sitting over here by yourself?” Bethany flops down beside me on the large sofa, and I smile at her.

“Just taking everything in. It’s still hard to believe that we’re here, ya know? Pearson Grant is a big deal,” I reply.

“I know! A&M is about to be bigger than anyone ever imagined. You ready?” she questions. Her bright eyes are sparkling with excitement.

I nod my head because I’ve been ready for this day since Brady and I started our company. I’ve been ready since my parents disowned me for not following in my father’s footsteps and becoming CEO of Nouveau Capital Investments. I’ve been ready since my father told me I would never amount to anything without his backing.I’ve. Been. Ready.

“You have no idea how ready I am,” I finally respond.

Bethany’s smile grows wide, and she bounces her head up and down. Her blonde hair swings into her face, and for the first time, I notice that she’s not wearing a ponytail. Bethany looks completely different. Her hair is in big bouncy curls, and her face is packed with makeup. I give her a quick once over and notice she’s wearing a tight-fitting red sparkly dress that matches her red painted lips.

“You look nice, Bethany,” I comment.

I’ve never seen her so dolled up before. Even at our company Christmas parties or client dinners, she doesn’t dress up this much. I can only assume it’s because we’re rubbing elbows with billionaires in Vegas that she made an extra effort.

“Thanks, Anderson.” Bethany blushes as she looks down at the floor. I tilt my head to the side and study her a little longer. I’m not sure what’s up with her, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bethany act demure.

Bethany is the outgoing, outspoken, life of the party type of woman. I’ve never seen her in club attire because she’s usually in a power suit and heels. She’s always the epitome of “career woman” chic.

“I didn’t think you would notice.” Bethany begins, but she cuts off her words when Monique waves and starts making her way over to us.

“Hey, you two. Are you guys having a nice time?” I can hear the genuine excitement in Monique’s voice and I smile at her.

“Yeah, of course! Thanks again for invitingus,” Bethany responds, but the way she says the word us, has me quirking an eyebrow at her.

“My team and I appreciate the hospitality,” I add.

Monique’s eyebrows raise, but she simply smiles and nods. “Well, I’m glad that you all were able to make it. I wanted to introduce you to my cousin. She’s from Dallas as well. Now, where did… Oh, there she is.”

Monique waves and my jaw drops as I see Shelby sauntering in our direction. I can’t believe she’s here.

“Shelby?” I say when she’s standing in front of us.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Andy.” Shelby smirks as her brown eyes dance with mischief.

“You two know each other?” Monique questions, but I’m too busy looking around to answer her question.

“Sort of.”

“Is Kayla with you?”

Shelby and I both speak simultaneously, and it would be funny if I weren’t so worked up.

My heart is beating fast at the possibility of being able to see Kayla again so soon. I thought I wouldn’t be able to see her again until next weekend at the earliest. If she’s here, then I’ll take that as a sign. There’s no way a woman I’mnotsupposed to be with keeps popping up in my life unexpectantly.

“Who’s Kayla?” Bethany asks, but I ignore her as I continue to look for the woman of my dreams.

“Calm down, Andy. She’s right… Oh shit!”