Page 23 of Naughty & Nice

“And while I have you all here, I thought I’d make the most of it.” Turning to his left, he extends a hand to the blonde who approached James earlier. She’s so thin you can practically see through her. “Lizbet, you’ve stood by my side over the last few years of grueling study at MIT.” Taking her hand in his. “I’d like to ask you, here in front of all of our family and friends, if you’ll remain by my side as we build a life together. Will you be my wife?”

Again, the room erupts with cheers as he pulls out a black velvet box and opens it to reveal a stunning diamond. He did a better job with the ring than he did with that proposal. It sounded as if he was offering her a job.

“Yes, Bradley. I’d be honored to be your wife.” Lizbet’s facial muscles don’t move a millimeter. I can’t help but consider whether she’s receiving Botox or if her bun really is too tight.

As the guests descend upon the newly engaged couple, I try to figure out the easiest way to move to the head of the line to wish them well before he announces he’s running for office. “James, I’m going to congratulate them so I can sneak out. It was so nice meeting you.”

“Not so fast, Bonnie. If you’re heading out, take Clyde with you,” he jokes as he points his thumb to his chest.

“Do you have a getaway car?” I laugh.

“As a matter of fact, I do. Meet you at the front door.”

Deciding to play the little sister card, I walk up behind my parents to join them in wishing Brad and Lizbet congratulations, just as I hear the hushed tones of my mother’s voice.

“It worked out pretty well that Addison and James spent the evening together. Their entertaining each other kept me from worrying about what they might say to our guests. I honestly don’t know what June saw in him.”

It’s official. My mother is the biggest snob on the planet. How can I be related to her? I’ve had enough of this crap. Turning on my heel, I head toward where James is standing.

“That was fast, Bonnie. You okay?”

I try to focus on the generous soul who attended this party of ‘Shallow Hal’s’ out of respect for his dear wife. These attendees are half the person James is. “Yeah, Clyde. Let’s cut and run.”

CHAPTER18

Addy

“I’ll have a cosmo, please,”I say to Tony, the bartender at the Cellar Bar. It’s one thing to know you’re worth has been defined by your IQ. But it’s entirely different to hear your parents admit it so clearly.

Having not slept well, I showered and packed my things, hoping the drive back to Sycamore Mountain would change my sour mood. It wasn’t uncommon to feel glum after spending time with my family, but this dismal state seeped to my very core. Once home, I’d tried going for a run and doing yoga to recenter myself. After they failed, I consulted Ben and Jerry. Maybe a few cosmos can drown my sorrows when even ice cream can’t fix my mood.

I didn’t feel up to a loud, raucous evening at Pour Decisions. I just want a few drinks in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere so I can get a good night’s-

“Hi. This seat taken?”

Ugh. Spoke toosoon.

Turning to advise my new companion I’d prefer to drink alone this evening, my mouth goes dry as I connect with the deep blue orbs of Trevor Laurence. I’m normally not at a loss for words with anyone. But given my current state and our recent interactions, it’s probably best I not say anything.

Rotating back to my cocktail, I ignore him and begin to bring the glass to my lips when I feel a warm, muscular hand caress my cheek and jaw before rotating my head back in his direction. My cheek is sizzling from the contact.

“Addison. I’m sorry about how I behaved the other night.”

“Are you?”

“Yes. I’ve been surly with you from the start, and you didn’t deserve that.”

“At least you admit it.”

“Truce?” he asks, his hand held out for me. I’m drawn to the tattoos swirling under the sleeve of his shirt. “Addison?”

His voice awakens me from my trance. “Oh. Sure.”Get it together, Addy.

“What’s the matter, cupcake? You don’t seem like yourself.”

“I just had a tough weekend. People can be really disappointing.”

“People or a man?” he asks cautiously.

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