Chapter 16

Lauren

Gage and I had spent the last week working out our releases on the phone and through the camera. I had even sent him a few provocative photos that showed much more than I’d ever shown anyone in a photograph before, but he’d done the same for me.

While it had been fun, I couldn’t wait to have him with me, and with the New Year’s Eve party just hours away, I was on pins and needles with anticipation.

Chloe was excited for me, too, and had stopped by to visit. “I can’t believe he’s driving all that way. He could have been here by now, and the two of you could be getting it on.”

“True, but then I wouldn’t have gotten to see you before your big date.” Chloe had met someone at work, and the two of them were making their first date their company party.

“I hope it goes okay. We’ve talked at work, and it all seems like it will, but I know after, he’s going to want to come home, and honestly, I’m not ready for that kind of relationship. I think the first date is a little soon, don’t you?”

“I can’t say. Gage and I ended up back at my cabin on ours, and we’ve ended up horizontal every time I’ve even talked to him since.”

“You two have known each other your entire lives, so that makes a difference. But you are moving a little fast, considering that you’ve just upped your friendship to the relationship level.” She was right. Gage and I had gone from zero to sixty in no time, but it couldn’t be helped. I had never felt that strong of attraction with another person, and after the things we’d shared on the phone, I couldn’t wait for what we’d do next.

“I’m just hoping he’s on time. I have a feeling Craig will be there with his wife, and after what happened between us, I don’t think I could look her in the eye.”

“You didn’t know, Lauren. He’s the jerk that didn’t tell you the truth, and he’s the one who cheated. He used you.”

“I know, and do you know he called me when I was with Gage? I ended up spilling the beans to him about the whole thing, too. That made me feel like a complete idiot and a total tramp. He was super pissed.”

“You don’t think he’ll want to fight Craig, do you?”

“Fight? In a roomful of lawyers? Not a good idea. But no, I don’t think he’d do that.” Suddenly, I was a bit nervous, wondering if he’d be that way or not. My brother was the type who would break out in a brawl anytime, anywhere, but I didn’t think that Gage would, although I’d love to see someone put Craig in his place.

My phone sounded out Gage’s tone, and I answered. “Hey, are you still on the road?” I hoped he hadn’t had a flat or had to make another stop. He should be on the last leg of his trip.

“Yeah, but don’t worry. I’ll be a little late, but I’m going to be there. Aside from Ollie not getting picked up on time, I had a blowout.”

I closed my eyes, thinking that he could have had an accident. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, but maybe you should just meet me there. I know you didn’t want to miss the introductions, and I can go straight there.”

I didn’t want to look like I’d shown up without a date, but I had to be there at the start, per my boss’s request. Being new in the firm, I needed to make sure I was present. “Fine, if you don’t think it’ll take you too long.”

“I’ll be there about ten minutes in, but I think it should save me the drive time to your place. I looked it up before I called. I’m really sorry, baby. You know there’s not much I could do.”

“I know. I’m just glad you’re okay. I’ll wait for you close to the front entrance.” He gave another apology and hung up.

“Well, what did he say? He’s not coming?”

“No, he’s coming, but he’s going to be late, so he’s going to meet me there.” I glanced at the clock. It was time for me to get ready.

“Oh no.”

“Yeah, maybe Craig won’t approach me. I’m just hoping his wife comes with him, and then there shouldn’t be any problems.

Chloe helped me with my hair, and then I fixed a little makeup, mostly playing up my eyes for the evening. When I was done, I felt sultry and sexy and hoped that with Gage on my arm, we would make an impression, or at least send the impression that I didn’t care about Craig in the slightest; I’d moved on.

I got a ride instead of driving myself, and the Uber driver complimented my dress. She was really sweet, and her car smelled like apples, which thankfully didn’t mess with my perfume too much.

She let me out in front of the building, and I went inside to find that Craig hadn’t yet shown. I was sure the egotistical asshole was trying to make a grand entrance, and sure enough, just after the introductions were made, he showed up alone. I looked all over, hoping his wife was somewhere in the room, but he’d probably left her at home solely so he could pick up some poor unknowing victim and take her home.

I stood at the front and waited for Gage. I kept myself hidden near a tall plant, but it didn’t stop Craig from spotting me. He had the nerve to approach and pin me into the corner. “There’s the hottest woman here.”

I gave him a glance, but only so he could see my anger, and then I turned my eyes back to the window where I watched, hoping Gage would appear. On second thought, it was probably better if he didn’t see Craig talking to me. Not after the way he’d reacted to him hurting me.

He stepped closer. “Oh, come on, Lauren. You know we had some good times, some fabulous sex. Besides, those days are over. She’s leaving and taking our son with her.”

“And I’m supposed to believe that?” I’d heard it from him before, not that it even mattered anymore.

“I’m serious. It’s why she didn’t come tonight. She’s seeing someone else, too. She said if I could play the field, so could she. I can’t say I blame her, but she did me a favor. I hoped that you and I could try to make up. At least be friends.” He gave me a look he used to give me when he wanted office sex. I’d slip out of my office and go to his, and we’d lock the door to make out on his desk.

At the time, his was the hottest I’d had, but that was before I’d had a taste of Gage. He’d shown me that sex could feel so much better than I’d ever expected, and he saw to my needs before his, which was the sexiest thing ever. Craig had never made me orgasm the way Gage did, and he was only good for about one to two per session. Gage had made me come multiple times in the first half hour, and hours after that, he was still going strong. He wasn’t a one and done kind of man.

“I’m not interested in a friendship, Craig. I’m not interested in anything with you. Get bent.” I lifted my chin and went back to waiting. I wasn’t going to let him get me down.

“We can make it anything you want, love. Anything. I’m open to suggestions. Maybe you’d like to make a few at my new place? I have a new king-sized bed.” There was no telling how many poor girls he’d already had in it, too. He was a deceiver, a cheat, and a filthy liar.

I was just about to tell him where he could go when I glanced over and spotted Gage’s big truck pulling into the circle. He got out and tossed his keys to the valet and then strolled to the door. I walked around Craig, practically pushing him out of the way, and he followed, grabbing me by the arm.

“Not so fast, love. Let’s talk this over.”

“Don’t touch me.” I pulled away, and about that time, Gage came in the door, glancing between us.

Craig stepped closer, trying to grab me again. “Lighten up, honey. You’re making a scene.” I hadn’t even begun to make a scene, but he was about to get one.

Gage positioned himself between us. “You should give the lady some space.” His jaw cracked as he clenched it.

Craig looked down his nose at Gage, even though he was a good two inches shorter. “This is a personal matter; you should mind your own business.” He was so cocky. He had no idea what was happening; that Gage was there for me.

“I’m with her, so it is my business.” Gage stepped toe to toe with Craig, who looked like someone had thrown ice water on him.

Craig turned and glared at me as Gage took my arm. “You can’t be serious, Lauren. You certainly wasted no time rebounding.” He patted Gage’s shoulder. “Don’t get too attached, man. It won’t last. You have no idea how she can be.”

“I think I do know her, a lot better and a lot longer than you.”

“He’s my fiancé,” I blurted out. I couldn’t believe the words had come from my mouth, but as soon as they had, I wished they hadn’t. Gage turned to give me a narrowed glance, and I looked away to the floor, pulling my lips in tight.

Craig glanced down at my hand. “Right, and too cheap to buy a ring, I see.” He was deliberately picking a fight, and I wasn’t sure if Gage was willing to play along. I had invited him for a good time, not to shove in Craig’s face, but it was sure nice that he wasn’t looking so smug all of a sudden.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but her ring is being sized. I could show you my ring if you want.” He balled his fist, and I grabbed his arm as Craig took a step back.

I leaned in close but spoke loud enough for Craig to hear. “Please, don’t, Gage. I don’t want to see blood tonight.”

“You’re lucky I like to make her happy.” He reached out and straightened Craig’s collar. “Now walk away.”

Craig turned and headed across the room. Gage stood there glaring for what seemed like minutes. I was so shaken, I held onto his hand tightly until we went to the dance floor. He took me in his arms, and we danced to a slow song. Gage gently swayed us to the music, and I looked up into his eyes, thankful that he’d been there to get rid of Craig. There was no telling what kind of scene he would have made. People had seen what happened, no doubt, but at least I’d had Gage to defend my honor instead of Craig embarrassing me again.

“Thank you for that.”

“Don’t thank me. Every man here should have stood up for you. He had no right to put his hands on you, especially once you told him to leave you alone.”

“He was such a nice guy when we met, I swear. He really played his part well. I can’t believe I fell for it.” I wiped a stray tear that had perched itself in the corner of my eye and then sniffled.

“Don’t cry. I’ll hunt that fucker down and pound his face, I swear to God.” He looked around, his eyes hard with anger as if he was searching for him.

I hoped to the heavens he didn’t see him again.