Page 91 of The Trade

I nudge her with my elbow, waggling my brows. “A friend, huh?”

She snorts. “Yes, just a friend.”

“So, you’re not interested in anything more?” I ask, this time serious. “West says Cam’s a relationship kind of guy. So, he must not be a total player.”

“I figured, but I’m not really getting any vibes from him. I don’t think he sees me that way.”

“Shan, he’d be a fool not to.” I shake my head, casting her a reassuring smile. “You’re, like, everyone’s type.”

“That’s sweet.” She returns my smile, her eyes soft. “But I don’t know, I don’t think Cam’s the guy for me. Guys our age just seem so immature.”

“You’re not wrong,” I say, although West is my one and only exception. “Maybe we should find you an older guy, then? What about aprofessor?”

She visibly cringes, nose scrunching up. “Jesus. That’d be all sorts of fucked-up.”

“Okay, maybe not a professor.” I stretch my arms over the back of the couch, nudging her on the shoulder in the process. “How about a TA? They’re totally fair game.”

She gives me a noncommittal shrug. “We’ll see what happens. I’m not focused on finding a relationship right now, anyways.”

“Really? I thought you said that’s what you wanted.”

“I thought so, too.” She bites her lip, lost in thought. “Maybe my priorities have changed.”

“Well, if they have, just let me know if you need a wingwoman.” Not that she would ever need someone else’s help to secure a man. Shannon is the kind of girl who lights up the room, not only with her beauty but with her kindness and humor. She’s clever, brave, and fiercely independent. Any man she chooses will be more than lucky to have her. “I got your back.”

“Thanks, Jade. I know you do.”

* * *

As the days pass,they’re filled with an unnerving silence from West. His brief texts and clipped calls offer no clue into his thoughts, only a continuous stream of vague commitments and “last-minute agenda items.”

Whatever the hell that means.

And so, the days turn into a week. A week where the only substantial conversation we have revolves around the upcoming banquet—our outfits, the location, the expected attendees—anything but the thoughts trapped inside his head.

Even tonight, he insisted on helping Cam with the setting up, leaving Shannon and me to navigate our way to the banquet alone. It’s not that we’re helpless, but we did spend a ridiculous amount of time primping and preening for this event.

Shannon looks like a heavenly vision in white, her fiery red hair cascading in soft waves across an open back. My dress is a little more understated, black but still elegant and classic. It clings to my body in all the right places. And honestly, I’m excited for West to see me wearing it.

Admittedly, this is a much more refined version of me than he’s used to. A touch fancier than my usual jeans and well-loved sweatshirt. But somehow, no matter what I’m wearing, West still finds me irresistible.

It’s nearly six o’clock by the time Shannon and I pull up in front of the Gaia Hotel. Apparently, Cam picked this location because of the beautiful outdoor gardens. He called it a “welcome clash of green amongst a sea of black and white.”

Seems he’s taken the role of party planner quite seriously.

As Shannon hands the keys to the valet, I notice the guys waiting to greet us at the entrance. A few minutes of compliments ensue before Cam, on a mission, loops his arm through Shannon’s and leads her through the grand double doors.

And now, it’s just West and me—alone together for the first time since the scrimmage night.

“You’re gorgeous,” he breathes out, his gaze slowly dragging across my body.

“Thank you,” I murmur. “You look great, too.”

And he really, truly does.

His hair is swept back to one side, just lightly gelled in an effortless sort of way. He’s wearing a nice tailored black suit, with a matching undershirt and tie. His sun-kissed skin and dark hair perfectly complement the all-black ensemble.

“Let’s head inside,” he says, offering his elbow. “Cam did a fucking awesome job setting this all up. You gotta see it.”

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