Page 25 of Champagne Nights

“And what if I told you that I didn’t want you to sit next to me?” She lightly touched my elbow.

I chuckled. “Then I guess I’d have to find another seat.”

I led her to the table, pulled out the chair, and then took the seat next to hers.

“I’m sorry if you disapprove, but I’m sitting next to you anyway. Can I let you in on a little secret?” I leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“Sure.” She smiled.

“Charles is going to ask Lexi to marry him tonight.”

The smile on her face grew wide as she leaned closer to me.

“I hope she says yes. It’s a good thing you’re staying. He may need you for support if things don’t go his way.”

I chuckled. “You’re right.”

Penelope took a seat next to Aubrey, but not before shooting me a nasty look. Obviously, she meant what she said about protecting her best friend. Charles and Lexi joined us with a couple of other friends and as soon as dinner was served, I noticed something Penelope did with Aubrey’s plate. She turned it.

“Chicken is at twelve o’clock, au gratin potatoes are at three o’clock, and roasted green beans are at nine o’clock.”

“Thank you,” Aubrey spoke in a soft voice as she took her napkin and placed it in her lap.

“May I get you something to drink?” I asked her.

“A glass of wine would be nice. Thank you.”

“I’ll be right back.”

Getting up from my seat, I motioned for Charles to follow me to the bar.

“What?” he asked.

“You didn’t tell me that Aubrey was going to be here,” I spoke with irritation.

“I didn’t know. I told Penelope to bring a friend. To be honest, I forgot Aubrey was her friend. I don’t understand what your problem is.”

“You know I slept with her and never called her. Seeing her here makes things awkward.” I grabbed the glass of wine the bartender set down.

He stood there and stared at me for a moment as his left eye narrowed.

“You see women all the time you sleep with and never call again. Why is Aubrey different?”

“She’s not.”

“Bullshit, Ethan. You wouldn’t have asked me about her being here if she weren't. It’s obvious that it bothers you.”

“Forget I said anything.” I walked back to the table. “Here’s your wine.” I took hold of Aubrey’s hand and placed the glass in it.

“Thank you.”

Touching her again brought back the memories of our night together. Her soft and silky skin and the way her perfectly manicured nails dug into my back as I thrust in and out of her, causing a sensation that was too much to bear. The way her hair lay over her shoulders and the soft and subtle moans of pleasure that escaped her lips. Lips that I desperately wanted to kiss for some reason.

I came back to reality and began eating my dinner. Small talk around the table was made, mostly by Charles asking Aubrey about her life, which was none of his damn business.

Chapter Eleven

Aubrey

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