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“Take Brenda with you, maybe Trevor too. It’s busy and crowded this time of year.”
“It’s Manhattan, it’s busy and crowded all the time.”
“Finish your hot chocolate. I’d like to go home and have you all to myself.”
“You really are a homebody,” I teased, leaning into him.
“I spend all day talking to people and shaking hands. I want to relax and take it easy. Maybe we can have some more of that red wine from last night.”
“That sounds good. Pizza and red wine.”
“And you?” he asked.
“And me.”
He squeezed my hand, his eyes softening. “I love you, Ryleigh.”
He was about to kiss my hand when a voice pierced the moment.
“Ollie?”
Oliver turned, his expression shifting from affectionate to surprised. A stunning woman with fiery red hair and striking green eyes approached us. Her confident stride and radiant beauty instantly set me on edge.
“Ollie?” I mouthed, incredulous. Oliver shook his head slightly, standing to greet the woman. She kissed his cheek, leaving a red lipstick stain that she casually wiped away with her fingers. The familiarity in her touch made my stomach churn.
“How are you, Lara? Let me introduce you to my fiancée,” he said, his tone a bit stiffer than before.
Lara’s eyebrows shot up. “I thought you said you weren’t the marrying type?”
“At the time I knew you, I wasn’t,” he replied coolly. “Lara Harvin, this is Ryleigh Stewart.”
I extended my hand, trying to mask my irritation. Lara ignored it, nodding at me instead. I clenched my jaw, fighting to keep my composure. Her dismissive attitude was infuriating.
“I thought you were supposed to give me a call for drinks,” she said, her eyes flicking to me for a moment.
“I’ve been busy,” Oliver replied, his discomfort palpable.
“I bet you have,” she said, her gaze lingering on me before turning back to Oliver. “We can talk another time.”
Then, as if I weren’t even there, she reached up and stroked his face, her eyes locked on mine as she pressed her lips to his. Oliver looked momentarily helpless before quickly pulling back.
“Lara, that’s enough,” he said firmly, stepping away from her.
She shrugged, a sly smile playing on her lips.
“Call me. I miss spending time with you. See you later Eileen,” she said as she sauntered away, joining a group of people she’d been sitting with. I was seething with anger and Oliver gave me a sheepish look.
“What the fuck was that?” I hissed.
“Nothing. She’s a friend.”
“You could’ve fooled me. I’m tired. Let’s go home.”
Oliver signaled for the check as I pulled on my navy blue down coat. I was in no mood to hear his explanations and was happy that Brenda and Trevor were in the limo with us. If they weren’t, I would’ve exploded. I sat there simmering, hoping I could hold my tongue until I got into the penthouse.
“You’re angry, I get it.”
I yanked off my coat, shoving it on a hanger and putting it in the foyer closet.
