Page 50 of Champagne Nights

“He told me that it was nothing more than sex and that all he does is fuck and leave. I made the mistake of telling him that I felt it was more than that by the way he touched me, and he said that’s how he does it to all the women he sleeps with. He basically told me that I was nothing special.”

“Aw, sweetie.” She hugged me tight and led me to the couch. “I warned you about him, and now do you understand why?”

“Yes, and I was so stupid to let my guard down. I thought he was different. Do you know what he did for me today?”

“What?”

“He took me to Bloomingdales, and I had my makeup done, and then he bought me a dress to wear to his parents’ house. Who just does that for someone they don’t care about?”

“Unfortunately, a lot of loser men with big egos. He wanted something in return for his kindness, and you gave it to him.”

“His sister told me that his ex-girlfriend, Sophia, died in a tragic accident nine years ago, and ever since then, he hasn’t been the same. They barely see him anymore.”

“Did she say how she died?”

“No, and they aren’t allowed to talk about it. In fact, she told me not to tell him that she told me, but I sort of did.” I bit down on my bottom lip.

“Oh no. What did you say to him?”

“I just told him that I thought he was guarding himself because of her.”

“And what did he say?”

“He instantly became angry and told me never to speak of her again.”

“Wow. So apparently, Sophia is the reason he is the way he is.”

“I guess so.”

“Then you have to stay away from him, Aubrey. He’s not the type of man you need to become involved with. You’ve only known him for a week or two, and he’s already said some pretty bad things to you. Those are what are called ‘red flags,’ and believe me; they’re flying high for you right now.”

“I can’t forget him and the time we spent together.”

“Let me ask you this. Did he kiss you on the lips yet?”

“No.”

“There you go. Drop him like a hot potato. He’s toxic, Aubrey, and you don’t need that in your life. You’ll meet someone without all the baggage who will love you because he can’t help but love you. A man like Ethan Klein isn’t capable of love, especially if he’s damaged from a past relationship. If it’s been nine years like you said, and he still isn’t over it, then he never will be.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“I know I am. Now, come on. You can sleep with me in my bed.”

“Why were you sleeping earlier? You never go to bed that early.”

“I wasn’t exactly sleeping.”

“Oh God. Was he over?”

“Yeah. After you called, I kicked him out.”

“You didn’t have to do that. I could have just gone somewhere else.”

“Don’t be silly. You’re my best friend, and you come before any guy.”

“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll sleep on the couch,” I smirked.

“I just want you to know that I’m rolling my eyes at you. I’ll go get you a pillow, blanket, and a nightshirt to wear.”

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