I couldn't watch anymore

Genevieve’s POV

“I’m here for tonight, which means I can watch over Jasper,” she said.

“No,” I shook my head firmly. “I feel it’s a waste of time. Why start a friendship when it wouldn’t lead anywhere?”

“Oh, sweetheart.” Lara reached for my hands, giving them a gentle squeeze.

“I know you’re really avoiding falling in love again, but don’t deprive yourself of the good things life has to offer.”

I bit my lip, but she continued, her voice soft yet insistent. “Not only do you deserve a good relationship, my dear. You also deserve good friendships too.”

“You don’t understand me, Lara,” I replied, exhaling sharply. “I really don’t want to lead anyone on.”

She shook her head. “You’re leading no one on. You obviously need a break from being a mom and work, so you’re going on the date.”

“No…” I protested, shaking my head again, but she wasn’t letting up.

“Why are you scared? What’s the worst thing that can happen?”

I shrugged. “I just… I don’t want to do this.”

“Let’s get you all dressed up,” she announced, standing up as if it was already decided.

“I’m going nowhere,” I mumbled.

“Right,” she said with a smirk, “take your phone and text him that you’ll meet him in an hour.”

“Wait, where are we even supposed to meet?” I asked, crossing my arms.

“I have no idea,” she admitted with a grin.

I groaned. “You cannot be serious. I just want to get drunk, sleep, and go to bed.”

“You cannot be boring while I’m here,” Lara declared, practically dragging me to my closet. “Let’s find you something to wear!”

“Noooo…” I grumbled, dragging my feet behind her.

******************

I had no idea how Lara managed it, but somehow, she convinced me to go on the date. Before I could protest further, she picked out an outfit, styled my hair, added a touch of makeup, and practically shoved me out of the house.

After driving for about twenty minutes, I arrived at the restaurant. It was an upscale place, known for catering to the elite, and the prices reflected that exclusivity. I handed my car keys to the valet and took a deep breath before stepping inside.

I hadn’t even had the chance to look around when a waiter approached me with a polite smile. “Please come with me, Ma’am.”

I followed him, assuming he was leading me to Jamie. Sure enough, as we neared the VIP area, I spotted him. He was seated and already smiling at me. I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Two glasses of champagne, please,” Jamie said, standing as soon as we reached the table.

“Right away, sir,” the waiter replied and left us.

“You look stunning,” Jamie murmured, his eyes fixed on me.

I smiled, trying to suppress a blush. “Thank you. You don’t look bad yourself.”

“Nah, I’m just me,” he said with a grin. “But you… you’re absolutely gorgeous. I’m so used to seeing you in corporate wear, but right now, you look breathtaking.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I just smiled. “Thank you.”

I was wearing a simple tube dress, matching heels, and some jewelry, with my hair neatly styled. Nothing extravagant, but his compliments made me feel like I’d gone all out.

Jamie pulled out a chair for me. “Thank you,” I mumbled as I sat down, and he took his seat across from me.

“Sorry if I kept you waiting,” I said, feeling a little awkward.

“It’s fine. What matters is that you’re here,” he replied smoothly.

I raised an eyebrow. “You don’t have to act all cool with me. I hate it when people keep me waiting.”

He chuckled. “I hate it too. But this is different. I know what I want, and I’m the one pursuing you.”

“Jamie…” I started, unsure of what to say.

“It’s fine,” he interrupted gently. “You don’t need to apologize or say anything else. I understand you said we could only be friends, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I won’t misuse it.”

He paused, his gaze softening. “Honestly, I was crushed when I called your number earlier, and it wasn’t going through. I thought you were going to stand me up again, so I called Lucy.”

I winced. “I’m not a bad person, I promise. I just… I’m not into mingling anymore. It irks me.”

“I know you’re not a bad person,” he said, smiling. “You probably have your reasons for the excuses you gave, but I’m really glad you showed up tonight.”

“I think I’m glad, too,” I admitted, surprising myself. “By the way, happy birthday. I would’ve gotten you a gift, but I didn’t know we’d actually meet tonight.”

He gave me a small, amused smile. “Who told you it’s my birthday?”

“Lucy,” I said, narrowing my eyes.

“I guess I owe her a lot,” he said, grinning.

I groaned softly. “Let me guess. Today’s not your birthday, is it?”

“No,” he admitted, his smile widening.

“I’m going to kill that girl,” I muttered.

“Please don’t,” he laughed. “She just wanted you to hang out with me, I guess.”

“She guilt-tripped me,” I confessed. “Told me you don’t celebrate your birthday and that I’d break your heart if I didn’t come.”

“Well, she wasn’t entirely wrong. I don’t celebrate my birthday, and yeah, I would’ve been heartbroken if you didn’t show up. But I’m really glad you’re here.”

Just then, the waiter arrived with our drinks, and we quickly placed our food orders.

“It’s nice to see you outside of work,” Jamie said after a sip of his champagne.

“Really?” I chuckled. “I’m still the same person.”

“No, you’re not,” he replied firmly.

“I insist,” I said, smiling playfully.

He shook his head. “At work, you’re rigid. You barely talk to anyone unless it’s about work. But now… you look relaxed. And you’re smiling more. You’ve got a beautiful smile, by the way.”

“You really know how to flatter a woman,” I said, feeling my cheeks warm.

“I’m just being honest. You deserve all the compliments.”

“Thank you,” I said softly.

“How’s Jasper, by the way?” he asked, changing the subject.

I couldn’t help but smile proudly. “It seems he has more fans in that company than I do. He’s good.”

“Why not? He’s charming,” he said with a grin.

“I know,” I said, my heart swelling. Talking about Jasper always made me happy.

*******************

Alex’s pov

After sulking, drinking, and drowning in my thoughts for nearly two hours, I found myself in the bathroom, staring blankly at the mirror. The cold water from the shower did little to wash away the frustration inside of me, but I needed the clarity. Once done, I dried off and slipped into a pair of pants and a plain tee. My wallet and keycard were the last things I grabbed before leaving the suffocating solitude of my suite.

I wasn’t sure where I was going as I stepped into the elevator. All I knew was that I couldn’t stay in that room any longer. Normally, I didn’t go anywhere without my guards, but this trip had been different. I’d told them to stay behind, handling matters back home while I sorted out my head here.

The moment I walked out of the hotel, my eyes landed on the restaurant and bar next door. I remembered hearing that it was owned by the same people as the hotel and catered exclusively to elites. Perfect. I needed a distraction, a drink, maybe even some company to take my mind off things.

I headed toward the bar, threading through the restaurant to get there. But just as I was about to continue, I froze mid-step.

There  she was and she wasn’t alone.

My eyes locked on her, seated with a different man, someone who wasn’t the guy I’d seen her with earlier at the café. She laughed easily, her smile lighting up the room as if nothing else mattered. She looked breathtaking, dressed elegantly as if she’d stepped out of some dream. Anyone could see this wasn’t just a casual meeting. This was a date.

My chest tightened as my mind spun back to the conversation I’d had with my investigator. She was supposed to be single. Single, yet surrounded by men who couldn’t seem to leave her alone.

Why was my heart burning like this? Why did it feel like someone was taking a hammer to my chest every time I saw her? I couldn’t even decide what angered me more, the fact that she was in this exclusive restaurant with a man or the fact that she was laughing so freely, her entire being at ease with him.

“Excuse me, sir.”

The waiter’s voice snapped me out of my daze. I realized I was blocking the aisle. Without a word or even an apology, I moved aside, but my feet didn’t take me toward the bar anymore.

No, they carried me straight to her.

I didn’t think, didn’t hesitate, didn’t care about the consequences. All I knew was that I couldn’t stand there and watch anymore.