AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Don’t mention this to my father. I didn’t want you to devote additional resources to a pursuit that’s destined tofail.”
I hand back his phone and head inside, making a beeline to the bathroom. I press a damp towel to the back of myneck.
This business I’ve been building for my team and myself will suffer. My clients have alreadysuffered.
It’s crashing down aroundme.
Not only that, but without the deal with Vane on the table, Ben and I never would’ve had to pretend to date. I wouldn’t be standing here, in love with my best friend who looked at me as if I’d destroyedhim.
When I steady myself enough to go back out there, Tris catches my eye from thebar.
I look past him to where Ben’s talking with some other men in suits, his mom at hisside.
“Want me to fuck him up foryou?”
I swipe my face, finding the single tear that snuck through. “No.”
I didn’t want you to devote additional resources to a pursuit that’s destined tofail.
Is that what it’s always been with Ben? Destined tofail?
Tris shifts into my line of sight. “When he told me you were dating, I called bullshit. My brother’s a smart guy, but he’s too stupid to see what you’ve always hadtogether.”
“Which iswhat?”
“Something better than alabel.”
His thoughtfulness would be touching if I were capable of appreciatingit.
“We were friends, Tris. And I always wanted more, but now I don’t even know if we’rethat.”
The awards have concluded and there’s music starting. When I look back toward Ben, he’s watching us. Not just watching—he’s headed thisway.
Tris follows my gaze before stepping closer, his mouth close to my ear. “I hope not. For hissake.”
As he leaves, I can’t find it in me to be grateful. I’m toowrecked.
I told Ben about our one night together because I wanted to be honest, thinking he’d understand. hoping hewould.
When he told me he loved me, my heart expanded so much, I thought it would crack my chest. The next second, everything wentdark.
Ben stops in front of me and holds out a hand. “Everyone wants to see us together. Let’s not disappointthem.”
The last part of me that held out hope that he’d see my earnestnessdies.
This is for show. I realize it as he leads me to the dance floor where a dozen couples are swaying to themusic.
He takes my hand and I reach for his shoulder. My gaze cuts to his, and it’s full of so manythings.
Betrayal.
Confusion.
Love.
It’s that one that slaysme.
“I know you’re hurt,” I say as he starts to move, and I follow his lead. “But the way I feel about you has never been a lie. I love you. I’ve always lovedyou.”
