Page 49 of My Ex's Best Friend

Her irritation deepens, and she crosses her arms, clearly unconvinced. "Don't play dumb, Jake. You practically dismissed the dinner invitation and acted like scheduling a meeting was beneath you."

I shrug, maintaining my composed façade. "Well, we do have a busy schedule. I had to prioritize."

"You could have been a bit more diplomatic. It's not like we're swimming in dinner invitations from wealthy art collectors."

I meet her gaze, the unspoken tension simmering between us. "Sometimes, directness is appreciated in our line of work."

Her eyes narrow, and she mutters under her breath, "Directness or arrogance?"

I start walking over to the car.

“Where do you think you’re going? We’re not done yet.”

“I think I am.” I slide inside the car.

“I don’t get it.” She shakes her head. “Why are you behaving like this?”

“I still have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I thought we were here to make connections, not rudely walk out on prospective clients.”

“Well, he was definitely not interested in buying from us, that’s for sure.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“How many times did he call you dear? I lost track after the thirtieth time.”

“Jesus, is that what you’re annoyed about?” She rolls her eyes. “He wasn’t hitting on me. He’s practically ancient.”

“Well, he was not interested in making a deal with me.” I scowl as I stare ahead. “So, there was no reason for me to stick around.”

“Jake, you’re overreacting. I don’t know what’s gotten into you.”

“I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. Maybe I overestimated our ability to work together, keeping old grudges aside. I know I can be professional, but I don’t think you can.”

She starts to walk away.

I start the engine and slowly roll the car up to her side. “Where do you think you’re going? Get into the car.”

“I don’t think I want to be anywhere near you or your stupid car.”

“Don’t be childish. You can’t walk all the way back.”

She flips her hair. “Watch me.”

I rub my hand over my face. What a disaster this day is shaping up to be. This is not what I anticipated.

“I’m sorry, okay? I don’t know what’s gotten into me.”

Actually, that is a lie. But I can’t exactly tell her that the only reason I’m cranky is because I’m sexually frustrated.

“Now get inside the car,” I say. “Please, Kiera.”

She finally looks at me before opening the door and slamming it shut behind her.

The drive back to the mansion is punctuated by an icy silence, and I can feel her seething anger beside me.

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