This one's younger. He smiles when she introduces him to Adam, but soon her attention trails to where Adam keeps glancing: me. Carol's eyes widen before she kisses Adam's cheek and saunters toward me.I catch Adam shooting me an apologetic look-a silent message that he didn't mean for her to be here. Then Carol's blocking my view of him as she plants herself in front of me, a wry smile on her face."My, my. First, I wasn't told there would be a party, then I wasn't told who would be here. How long has it been, Luke?"Her casual tone and carefree attitude make me wary, but I match her energy and answer casually."I don't remember. I haven't really thought about it."I don't mean it as sarcasm because it's true. I realize I haven't thought about her in a long time. In fact, there's no prick in my heart at the sight of her like there used to be as if she's just a stranger now-or a longtime acquaintance who doesn't matter that much anymore.Carol, however, takes it as sarcasm and laughs,
OliviaI’m beside myself as soon as Luke takes his ex somewhere more private, aware that she saw me and Riley—and that Luke took her out of the equation to spare me, especially Riley, the embarrassment of a confrontation. But being aware of it doesn’t ease my worry, and I find myself glancing at Adam from time to time. He’s busy trying to distract his guests, so I try my best to focus on distracting Riley.It’s easier said than done, though, especially when Riley keeps asking where her dad went.“I don’t know where he went, sweetie. But he saw an old friend, so they’re probably catching up.”It’s the best answer I can come up with.After a while, Nila approaches us. “Hey, does Riley want to get back in the pool with me? I got some snacks in this little floating tray and we can just eat in the shallow area.”I hesitate. “Well…”Nila leans closer. “Listen, I don’t know what the story is, but I know you came here with Luke and that woman seems like a vengeful ex or something. Trust me, I
LukeIstand in silence, the words that spilled out of me hanging between us like a cloud. I could have kept it in and continued the easygoing flow with Olivia, but it's unfair. I've been unfair to Carol, too, putting all the blame on her shoulders, and I guess I don't want to be unfair to Olivia and repeat the same mistake.I brace myself for her judgment-for the shift from compassion to disgust, for her to step back from whatever this is between us. It will hurt like hell, but it's something I have to accept once I show her the real me..."People change."The quiet statement has confusion settling in as I search her gaze and realize there's no disgust."What?"I still wait for it to come, but instead, Olivia steps forward and reaches out to cup my cheek."Just because you were like that before doesn't mean you're like that now." Her thumb traces my cheek, a soft movement that leaves me breathless-and vulnerable. "So she doesn't have any right to judge you now.""Liv...""Listen, I wa
JadeI groaned as Kelis' iconic lyrics blasted from my phone, interrupting the monotony of stock-taking. My coworkers chuckled at the unexpected ringtone, courtesy of my best friend Tammie's sense of humor. I smiled, locating my phone beneath the cluttered papers on my desk."Rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, aren't you?" I teased, answering the call.Tammie's flat response instantly wiped the grin off my face. "Hey, Jade.""Tamz, what's wrong?" Concern crept into my voice. We'd been inseparable since middle school, and her unusual tone unsettled me."Grandma Rose is in the hospital," Tammie replied, her voice cracking.My heart sank. Grandma Rose had been a surrogate grandmother to me, too. "Oh, Tammie, I'm so sorry! Which hospital?""St. Joseph's. And I need a favor." Tammie's words were laced with desperation. "I need you to fill in for me at the auction."I hesitated, confused. "But it's an emergency. They'll understand, won't they?""I could breach my contract, and I re
Michael I watched as the beautiful woman disappeared behind the curtain, her earlier stumble still etched in my mind. Her confident yet erratic demeanor intrigued me. As I turned to leave, something caught my eye – a glinting pin on the floor.I picked it up, admiring the blue and green jewels sparkling in the light. It likely belonged to the beautiful woman, but returning it now was impossible. Our reunion would have to wait.I joined my mother, who looked impatient, her eyes scanning the room. "This is why you should have let me help with the organization," I teased, taking my seat beside her.She laughed, playfully punching my arm. "Fundraising doesn't work that way, Michael. People need to see the impact of their donations.""I know, I know. But sometimes I think you enjoy torturing me with these events."Her stern expression softened. "I appreciate your support, dear. It means a lot to me."As the auction began, I bid on a few items, my mind drifting back to Miss Two Left Feet.
JadeI rushed to change, my mind racing with thoughts of Michael. As I entered the main hall, I spotted him waiting, his gaze locked onto me. My heart skipped a beat.He flashed that devastating smile, and I smiled back, feeling a flutter."That was more than fifteen minutes," he said, standing up."You were counting?" I teased.Michael's smirk hinted that he wasn't the type to wait for anyone, making me feel flattered."Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm.We walked to the parking lot, where a sleek black Mercedes awaited, complete with a driver.As we settled in, Michael patted the space between us. "I don't bite."You're not the problem, I thought. I needed space to keep my head clear."I'm pretty sure I could take you," Michael said, his eyes scanning me.I suppressed a shiver. This intense attraction was uncharted territory."What makes you sure that I don't?" I asked.Michael's reply sent a spark through me: "I'm pretty sure you'd let me."The driver's presence was a timely re
Michael I woke up feeling refreshed, a rare sensation in my hectic life. My mother often joked that I was twenty-eight going on sixty. But last night had been different. Jade was witty and charming, and our connection was undeniable. I hadn't planned on skipping dessert, but I couldn't resist her. And now, she'd invaded my dreams. I smiled, expecting to see her beside me. Instead, I found an empty bed. I frowned, scanning the suite. The silence confirmed my fears. No note, no explanation. I cursed myself for not getting her number. "Damn it!" I muttered. I'd never been on the receiving end of a disappearing act. Who did Jade think she was? I replayed our night, searching for signs of miscommunication. But Jade had enjoyed it as much as I had. She'd left a mark, and I hated that. Why hadn't she said goodbye? Was that too much to ask? I thought about our conversation, trying to recall any hints. But Jade had seemed just as invested. I grabbed my phone and dialed
JadeI closed my eyes and let Ed Sheeran's voice soothe my soul, knowing fully well that I was moping but didn't care. I promised myself just a few more days, and then I would stop thinking about Michael. It was proving to be extremely difficult to forget about the man when I dreamt of him every time I closed my eyes. We'd had the perfect night together, and my mind couldn't stop replaying it, which was both satisfying and torturous. I heard my bedroom door open, and I opened my eyes to see Tammie narrowing her eyes at me."You know that listening to heartbreak songs makes you feel like crap, right?"I sat up and paused the song playing on my phone. "Joke's on you. That was actually a love song."Tammie rolled her eyes. "You need to get out more, and I mean just getting out into the sun. Have you seen how pale you look?""I had that stomach bug all weekend, remember?""Yeah, but I thought you were feeling better now?""I am. Maybe my complexion is just taking time to catch up."Stayin
LukeIstand in silence, the words that spilled out of me hanging between us like a cloud. I could have kept it in and continued the easygoing flow with Olivia, but it's unfair. I've been unfair to Carol, too, putting all the blame on her shoulders, and I guess I don't want to be unfair to Olivia and repeat the same mistake.I brace myself for her judgment-for the shift from compassion to disgust, for her to step back from whatever this is between us. It will hurt like hell, but it's something I have to accept once I show her the real me..."People change."The quiet statement has confusion settling in as I search her gaze and realize there's no disgust."What?"I still wait for it to come, but instead, Olivia steps forward and reaches out to cup my cheek."Just because you were like that before doesn't mean you're like that now." Her thumb traces my cheek, a soft movement that leaves me breathless-and vulnerable. "So she doesn't have any right to judge you now.""Liv...""Listen, I wa
OliviaI’m beside myself as soon as Luke takes his ex somewhere more private, aware that she saw me and Riley—and that Luke took her out of the equation to spare me, especially Riley, the embarrassment of a confrontation. But being aware of it doesn’t ease my worry, and I find myself glancing at Adam from time to time. He’s busy trying to distract his guests, so I try my best to focus on distracting Riley.It’s easier said than done, though, especially when Riley keeps asking where her dad went.“I don’t know where he went, sweetie. But he saw an old friend, so they’re probably catching up.”It’s the best answer I can come up with.After a while, Nila approaches us. “Hey, does Riley want to get back in the pool with me? I got some snacks in this little floating tray and we can just eat in the shallow area.”I hesitate. “Well…”Nila leans closer. “Listen, I don’t know what the story is, but I know you came here with Luke and that woman seems like a vengeful ex or something. Trust me, I
This one's younger. He smiles when she introduces him to Adam, but soon her attention trails to where Adam keeps glancing: me. Carol's eyes widen before she kisses Adam's cheek and saunters toward me.I catch Adam shooting me an apologetic look-a silent message that he didn't mean for her to be here. Then Carol's blocking my view of him as she plants herself in front of me, a wry smile on her face."My, my. First, I wasn't told there would be a party, then I wasn't told who would be here. How long has it been, Luke?"Her casual tone and carefree attitude make me wary, but I match her energy and answer casually."I don't remember. I haven't really thought about it."I don't mean it as sarcasm because it's true. I realize I haven't thought about her in a long time. In fact, there's no prick in my heart at the sight of her like there used to be as if she's just a stranger now-or a longtime acquaintance who doesn't matter that much anymore.Carol, however, takes it as sarcasm and laughs,
LukeI don’t know why I’m nervous about showing off my property in the Hamptons when I’ve been showing it off for as long as I can remember. But then again, I’ve been showing it off to childhood friends who have properties sprinkled around the area and are used to this kind of lifestyle. And I’ve never taken my dates here, deeming them too casual to bring somewhere this personal.Olivia and Riley are a different matter because…well, they’re different. I can sense their awe the moment I give them a tour of the mansion, with Riley bouncing around with barely-contained energy and Olivia acting more subdued. When I finally show Riley her bedroom, her face lights up and she runs into my arms so I can lift her in the air.“This is so neat! I get this room for the weekend?”I bite back a grin and nuzzle her neck. “Yes, sweetie. It’s yours for the weekend. And it’s officially yours whenever we visit this place.”I brace for Olivia’s warning look for promising things like that, but she’s fight
Olivia“This is completely unprofessional. We’ve scheduled this checkup for days, and he should be here on time.”Bryan Wells looks at me like it’s my fault, his scowl darkening his features. I don’t know what to say. I’ve already informed him that Luke’s in the middle of an emergency surgery and it’s running longer than anticipated due to some complications—and we already informed Bryan this morning, too, which makes this the second time.I clear my throat and try again.“I’m sorry about this, Mr. Wells. We didn’t expect Dr. Jennings to handle a surgery today, but it can’t be postponed. Rest assured, though, that he will cater to you first thing as soon as the new appointment is set. If you could kindly tell me when you are available again?—”“I’m available now. I came here expecting the checkup now.”I pause. “This morning, we sent you an email informing you about the situation and?—”“Are you his secretary?”I blink, not missing the condescending tone. My shoulders stiffen, but I k
I nod, not about to tell her that I'm confident there will be. I can see the clear enjoyment on her face as we stroll toward the flowers, which are even more beautiful up close. When the breeze picks up and she shivers, I remove my coat and place it over her shoulders, then openly appreciate her dress."You know what my new favorite is?"Olivia sends me a curious look. "What?"I wink. "Black dresses. Specifically, you in them."She laughs hard, and it's the most melodic sound there is. I rub her shoulders to add an extra layer of warmth, but really, it's just an excuse to pull her closer to me.And when she doesn't protest, I can't think of a more perfect date than this.When I walk Olivia to her doorstep, I thank her for spending the night with me and for giving me a chance. Her smile turns shy."I should be the one thanking you, Luke. You made so much effort and I like how we spent the date.""You do?""Yeah. It was pretty amazing."I can't help but agree. Then I can't help looking
Luke"I'm not going to lie, I was expecting you to go a different route. You know, the typical fancy dinner in a fancy restaurant, with you showing off your knowledge of wines and some menu that I can't even pronounce."Olivia's tone is laced with humor, and I can't help but laugh. Then I shake my head as I guide her inside the movie theater, where the carpets are lush, and the most lit area is the concession stand."To be fair, I've taken most of my dates to fancy restaurants, but I want it to be different for us."Curiosity shines in her eyes as she looks around before we stop at the concession stand. It's a long area filled with glass displays of goods and a menu on the wall. I wait for her to read everything."Wait...shouldn't they just offer stuff like popcorn, candies, and soda? They have quite a variety of food." She then glances from side to side. "And where is everyone?"I bite back a grin. "Don't be mad, but I kind of rented the whole place for the night so we could have it
My skin buzzes at the sound of his deep voice. I have a second to wonder if it's my imagination before I glance toward the door where Luke is standing.In the flesh. Looking so good that it hurts.At my lack of response, he cautiously slips in and closes the door with a lock clicking, shutting us out from the rest of the world. My heart picks up speed as his gaze roams over me, then settles on my face. I swallow and finally push down my speechlessness."Luke...what are you doing here?"He's silent for a while as he just looks at me. Then he clears his throat."I saw you earlier. Wearing that...looking like that. You took my breath away, but you were gone just as quickly."The way he says it...I can hear his longing. The smile from earlier is gone, replaced by a desire glimmering deep in his gaze. There's a triumphant feeling inside me that he never looked at the gorgeous woman in white this way, but it's immediately smothered by the knowledge that they're still a much better pairing t
Olivia"Hey, Liv! I'm glad you could make it!"I grin at Wanda, who's already with Maria and Jasper when I find her. The three make a beeline toward me, giving me hugs before they take in what I'm wearing. A round of oohs and aahs come, and my cheeks heat up."Come on, guys. I just got this from a thrift shop. And it's basic black."The event was announced long ago: a small charity party with the doctors, the staff, and some of the hospital's major sponsors in attendance, held at the largest conference room. It didn't sink into my mind that it would be a semi-formal event or that it would fall on my day off until yesterday, but the black dress that has always been in my closet is a lifesaver.Medical assistants are not obligated to go, but the director wants us to. Nurses don't have to, but Maria and Jasper are free and said they wouldn't miss getting all glamoured up for the world.Maria rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "Sweetheart, if I looked like that in black, I would wear it every