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“You need to grow up, Christian," Tristan said, his voice tinged with frustration. "You can't just claim ownership over someone you barely know."
"I care about her," I said, my voice shaking with anger. "And I can't believe that you would even try to go there."
Tristan rolled his eyes. "I don't know what you want me to say, Christian. I'm sorry if I caused any trouble between you and Alex. But you can't blame me for your own insecurities."
I could feel my blood boiling, and I knew that I needed to get out of there before I did something I would regret.
"I need some time to think," I said, my voice low and even. "I'm going to go for a drive."
And with that, I stormed out of my house too, leaving Tristan behind. This was their fault, both of them. They couldn’t just slip back together and create another mess I had to clean up. I needed a break from both of them.
But as I lay in bed that night, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd messed up something that could have been really special. I knew I needed to find a way to make it up to Alex and show her how much she really did mean to me. It would be difficult. She probably wouldn’t want to talk to me after my behavior this evening. We'd barely gotten over the engagement party fiasco and now this.
Chapter Seven
Alex's POV
I will always remember the day Christian came to apologize after the terrible scene with me and him and Tristan. It was an overcast afternoon, and I'd been sitting on the steps of my front porch, lost in thought. I heard footsteps approaching, and I looked up to see Christian walking toward me. I hadn't even heard his car pull up.
"Hey," he said softly, his hands shoved in his pockets.
I didn't respond. I wasn't sure what to say to him after everything that had happened. Christian took a deep breath before coming out with it.
"I wanted to apologize. Again. This time did not trust you and Tristan. I should have listened to you both, but I let my pride get in the way."
I looked at him, surprised by his honesty. I could see the sincerity in his eyes, and for the first time, I knew he meant what he was saying. Plus there was still the bet to win, and I needed his help with that.
"Great," I finally replied. “We can pick up with the bet, get Sophie and Nathan married, and move on with our lives. It's okay, Christian.”
"I know it's not really okay. But I hope you can forgive me anyway," Christian said, taking a step closer to me. "I'll help you with the bet, or anything else you want or need," he said.
I nodded, unsure of what else to say next. Apparently, I didn't need to say anything. Christian was in a talking mood.
"I've been thinking about you a lot lately. And I know I messed things up, but I care about you, Alex. I want to make things right."
I had no idea what he was getting at.
"I know this might sound crazy, but would you be my plus one to the Sanchester Annual Charity Ball? My parents are of course hosting it, and I would really like for you to be there with me."
I didn't know what to say. What if Tristan was there? I wasn't sure if I was ready to face him and Christian together again. Not after Christian’s reaction the last time. But Christian had apologized, and there was the bet to consider, and he seemed genuinely sorry for what had happened.
"Okay," I finally said, surprising myself.
He smiled, relief was evident on his face.
"Thank you, Alex. I promise I won't let you down."
That was two days ago, and tonight was the night of the ball.
I was still brewing my coffee, contemplating whether a shopping trip was in order when I heard the bell. It was a little early in the day to start preparing for the ball but I hadn’t settled on anything to wear yet. The Sanchester ball was one of the social events of our circle, and I couldn’t look good. I walked toward the door, and there was a deliveryman, holding out a long, narrow package wrapped in silver paper, tied with a red bow.
“Miss Alex Grey?” he asked handing me an envelope and a clipboard.
“Yes?” I said, not sure why he was here, my brain still foggy from lack of coffee. "I didn't order anything."
“Package for you from Mr. Christian Sanchester,” he said.
“Oh,” I said, suddenly wide awake but needing the coffee more than ever.
