Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
I grinned. “Noted.”
I headed to the bar and ordered us both wine—a prosecco for him and a Riesling for me because it was a bit sweeter-tasting and went down better.
I watched as Rowan was approached by two handsome guys, one of whom I recognized immediately from my early internet searches. Brett. Though his hair was now ultra-blond and twisted in a man bun.
Rowan’s features were strained as they exchanged pleasantries, and I implored the bartender to hurry with my order so I could save him. Or at least try.
He seemed relieved when someone else stepped up to chat with them, and just as I was headed their way with our drinks, the small group dispersed.
“Looks like I missed all the fun.” I handed him his drink.
“If that’s what you want to call it,” he muttered.
I cast my gaze across the room, searching for his ex. “Brett, right?”
His eyes sprang to mine. “How do you—I don’t even want to know.”
My neck felt hot. Hopefully, he only thought I’d heard gossip and not searched out the information. Still, I wasn’t going to feel ashamed.
“Why do you still come to this thing if you know he’ll be here?”
He frowned. “It’s a charity that means a lot to both of us.”
So far, the fundraising event was indeed impressive.
“Is that how your father died? Of colon cancer?” I gulped and looked away, hoping I didn’t just ruin the night. “I’m sorry if I’m making an assumption or being too…”
“I’m surprised you don’t already know the answer to that, but yes,” he replied, and I breathed out, relieved we were finding common ground.
“I’m sorry.”
He gave a curt nod. “Brett also had a relative die of the disease. Sometimes it’s better to keep the peace rather than to try and avoid seeing him in the same small circles.”
He obviously didn’t know what a small circle was, having lived all his life in a large metropolis, but I understood his point. “That’s mighty high road of you.”
“I try.” He daintily sipped from his flute.
“Color me surprised.”
“Why?”
“I dunno. I thought you’d tell him off.”
“I pick my battles, and this is not one I’m interested in winning anymore.”
I wanted to push for more, but I knew better. He’d likely reached his limit for heart-to-hearts between us.
Glancing into the crowd, I noticed Brett watching us with interest as his date yammered in his ear. “Does Brett think you’re here with anyone?”
His cheeks colored. “I…um…sort of said…”
“I have an idea.” Or I’d lost my mind, but still, I leaned over and bussed a quick kiss on his cheek. “Just act cool.”
He pulled back, eyes wide, but tamed his reaction. “What in the world are you doing?”
“It’s called a favor.” I avoided glancing back to see if we still had an audience. “You’ll thank me later.” My hands were shaking, though, so I didn’t know if I believed that.
“And what kind of favor is that?” he asked, his fingers gliding along his cheek as if my barely there brush of lips had burned him.
“He’s rubbing in your face that he’s here with someone, so maybe you should do the same.” No way I’d admit I overheard their argument.
“He’ll eventually figure out you’re my assistant, so it doesn’t make any sense.”
“Has he ever met me?” I asked, and he shook his head. “So why not piss him off for one night? Make him think you’re not bothered in the least and that you’ve moved on.”
He stared at me. “You sound pretty invested in this idea.”
My chest squeezed tight, wondering if I’d made a mistake. “I just…don’t like entitled assholes like him. And from what I’ve heard, he was a horrible boyfriend.”
“Heard from whom?”
My laugh was shaky. “You know there’s plenty of gossip at work.”
“Obviously.” He sniffed. “You sure this isn’t about you overhearing my phone call with Brett the other night?”
“I didn’t…” My cheeks colored. “Okay, fine. And he sounded like a real winner.”
“Look, I appreciate the effort. But I’m afraid this might backfire on me.”
“Is that a possibility?”
“Brett can be frustrating…and petty. I wish I’d realized it early on.” There was regret in his eyes, and that sent a jolt of concern through me.
“I’m sorry. It was a foolish, impulsive decision.”
“Maybe not.” Rowan paused, seeming to work through something before reaching for my hand. I went still, marveling at how strange it felt to have our hands intertwined. “The idea is growing on me.”
“Yeah?” My palm started to tingle, but I didn’t pull away. Only readjusted my grip.
“Hurry before I change my mind,” he said as we stood facing each other.
“All right, then. Play along.” My lips found his ear, and I said something that was utter gibberish. “Now pretend to laugh.”
Rowan threw his head back, but the movement seemed forced. He was definitely not one to be easily amused, so maybe I should’ve chosen a reaction more in line with his personality. Still, it could’ve shown that he, in fact, did have a playful side—with someone else.