Page 85 of The Billionaire Mismatch

I love the dress. I love the way I feel in it, and I love the memory of Luca’s face when he saw it. As Sadie flirts, I simply smile and swirl my Chardonnay.

“Where are you at?” she asks.

“What do you mean?” I ask. “I’m right here. With you. Enjoying a girl’s night out.”

“In body maybe, but your brain is very clearly a million miles away,” she says.

“I had a good day off,” I tell her.

“Any particular reason why?” she prods.

“I got coffee. Went to a couple shops. Found this dress,” I say, showing it off a little with an exaggerated hair toss. “And now I’m sipping wine with my best friend. I’m happy.”

“Well, I love that for you, but you shouldn’t be sipping wine. We should be doing shots. Partying it up. We’re going to be thirty soon, you know,” she says.

“Are we not allowed to have fun after thirty?” I ask, and Sadie rolls her eyes.

“You know what I mean,” she says, and I just laugh. I love giving her a hard time.

Suddenly, the three poodle-headed blonde guys are standing at our table. Both of us perk up, Sadie so she can showcase her tits and me so I can make it obvious that I don’t love being circled at a bar.

“Ladies, it has come to our attention that your shot glasses are empty,” one of them, who has a thick Boston accent, says.

“That tends to happen when you’re done shooting it,” I say, and Sadie shoots me a look with her eyes all while smiling at the guys.

“What she meant was, how observant of you,” Sadie says.

“Would you mind if we did something about it?” he asks.

“I’m fine with wine,” I state with a smile and just enough spice for him to get the hint.

Sadie laughs. “She means she’d love a shot. Right Olivia?”

“I guess I’m bad with words. Silly me,” I say, and her smile falters a little.

The guys ignore me and order a round for us and them. Everyone tosses them back, but I leave mine sitting. Sadie grabs it and drinks it too, without salt or lime.

“Well, look at you riding the bike without training wheels,” one of them says.

“I like to take chances,” she purrs, and he grins.

“How would you feel about taking a chance on me?” he asks, and I have to simultaneously avoid the urge to throw up in my mouth and roll my eyes.

“If you’re asking me to dance, the answer is yes,” she says, and he holds out a hand. “After I freshen up,” she says, hopping off the stool. Then she snags my hand and pulls me with her. I grab my wine glass with my free hand. I may not be a partier, but I know better than to leave an unattended glass on the table.

Once we are in the bathroom, Sadie stands in front of the mirror to primp.

“They’re cute,” she says.

“They’re alright,” I tell her. “A little young.”

“Oh, that’s right, you prefer older men,” she says, and I’m not sure if it’s a jab about Luca or just her normal sass.

“I mean, I prefer men who spend more money on their mortgage than they do on hair gel, yes,” I say.

“What is it with you lately, Livv?” she asks.

“What do you mean?”