Chapter 118
Blake’s POV
Thalia noticed me first, her eyes widening before she nudged Laurel,
“Blake darling!” She abandoned my sister and cousin, rushing to my side and grabbing my arm.
“When did you get here?”
I didn’t answer, my attention fixed on Audrey, she stood perfectly still, her gaze shifting between Alex and me, confusion evident in her expression. Had she come here looking for me?
Thalia didn’t waste the opportunity to twist the knife. “Still claiming you’re not here to reconcile with my brother? You just called him right in front of
Olivia jumped in. “Audrey, begging Blake to take you back isn’t that shameful, but why lie about
“Saying you’re not here to get back together while calling him… pretty sad,” Thalia added.
Audrey ignored them completely, her brow furrowed as she glanced between Alex and me.
The ringing continued. I turned to Alex, whose phone vibrated in his hand as he stared at it like it might explode.
“Aren’t you going to answer that?” I asked sharply.
Alex shifted his weight, sweat beading on his forehead as everyone watched him.
“Yeah, why aren’t you picking up?” Laurel teased. “Alex, is that your girlfriend calling?”
Alex quickly hit a button, and the ringing stopped. From where I stood, I heard the automated voice from Audrey’s phone: “The person you are calling is currently busy, please try again later…”
I watched Audrey put her phone away, her expression shifting to one of hesitation.
The pieces clicked into place. Audrey had been calling Alex, not me. For some reason, that revelation didn’t improve my mood. I asked, “Is this the single beautiful model you mentioned?”
Alex looked like he wanted to disappear. ‘I had no idea it was her… If I’d known, I wouldn’t have
asked her to return the car right now…”
“Alex, what car are you talking about?” Laurel asked, peering around me.
“That car, that car…” Alex stammered, eyes darting toward the street.
Laurel followed his gaze and saw the red sports car parked across from the club. Her eyes
lit up.
1/3
Chapter 118
“Wow, what a beautiful cart
She released my arm and hurried toward the vehicle, her previous claims of weakness forgotten In her excitement. Her sudden movement sent her directly into Audrey’s path.
In an instant, Laurel’s shoulder collided forcefully with Audrey’s. Whether It was deliberate or not, the impact nearly sent Audrey sprawling. She staggered backward, her hand reaching out for
support.
My body reacted before my brain could catch up. One leg stepped forward, muscles tensed.
Felix had the same instinct. He started to move, but his buddy grabbed his arm.
“Bad idea,” his friend muttered. “Stay out of it.”
Felix froze, then settled back into place with a frown.
While I was still debating whether to help, a guy in a black server uniform shot past me.
Ethan Davies.
Audrey managed to catch the lamppost, steadying herself, but Ethan reached her anyway. He gripped her shoulders, helping her balance.
“Miss Sinclair, you okay?” Real concern in his voice.
Something hot and sharp twisted in my chest. I pulled back my half–extended leg, hoping nobody
noticed.
“What are you
you doing here?” Audrey asked, surprise replacing the strain on her face.
“Bartending. Ethan tapped his uniform. “The owner needed extra hands for some big party tonight. Hired a bunch of us college kids with experience.”
He flashed a smile that showed his dimples. “Pays double the usual rate. Couldn’t pass that up.”
Then he leaned in, his voice dropping as he said something just for her. She actually smiled.
The temperature around me:
to drop ten degrees.
Alex caught the change and cleared his throat loudly.
Audrey blinked, then stepped back from Ethan, putting proper distance between them.
