Page 13 of Mister Rival

“Oh, there’s going to be fireworks,Ali Archer. I hope you’re ready to wear your victory march.”

I give him a withering look. “Fine. I’ll play your stupid game, Lucas, but I won’t forget this.”

“I would be disappointed if you did.” He nods to the patient server. “A bottle of your finest.”

“Certainly, Mr. Lucas.” She takes off again as my eyes drift back to his. He’s looking part contrite and part satisfied with himself.

“Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?” he says.

I roll my eyes. “You know, I’m sure you never used to be this annoying,” I sigh. “Must be a thing as men get older.”

He raises an eyebrow and chuckles, actually freaking chuckles. “You’re very attractive when you’re mad. And for the record, we’re the same age.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“Speaking of which, are you going to the reunion?”

I’m usually very quick on my feet, but it seems Tristan Lucas and his annoying try-hard charm, fake smile, and constant change of subject are giving me whiplash. “The reunion?”

“Yeah, Palm Springs next weekend. I’m sure you must’ve got an invite?”

“I doubt I’ll be going.”Especially since there’s a good chance my ex-husband will be there flaunting his twenty-something-year-old receptionist for all to see.“I don’t enjoy those kinds of gatherings.” I’m still eyeing the envelope, which I know he’s dangling like a carrot in my face. My clients went all in, I know he wants the deal as much as I do.

“That’s a shame.”

“Are you?” I open the menu, not that I care, but I may as well read the shrimp appetizer again, just to have a distraction while I’m sitting here humoring him.

“My assistant confirmed this afternoon.”

“Oh.” I don’t know why that surprises me, but it does. I didn’t take him for a reunion kind of guy. I have never seen him at any of them in the past.

“Mason thinks it’s good for business, my sons do, too.”

“Of course, I’m sure your mind is always on the job.”

He quirks a smile. “You better believe it. You know, if you played your cards right, we could team up and go together.”

I balk at such an absurd idea. “Why the hell would I want to do that? And why would you?”

“Ah, there’s nothing like stirring up some publicity, even at a high school reunion. Could be fun. My sons keep telling me I need to get out more.”

“I don’t think I need to be seen as the next Ms.-Right-Now on your arm.”

He smirks. “Ooh, burn.”

“Are you admitting you don’t have a date for the reunion?” I watch his face for a reaction, slightly annoyed at myself that I want to know. I mean, he wouldn’t be asking me to go with him if he did, surely.

“Ah, you know me, I don’t date all that often, or that well.” He shrugs ruefully and it’s the first time I’ve probably heard him say something that isn’t smart assed or laced with sarcasm.

“Come on now, Tristan. You have a bevy of women at your disposal over the years. Why not ask one of them?”

He sighs and opens the menu, though clearly doesn’t read it because his eyes are still glued to mine. “Because I’m asking you. You never know, you could have fun.”

There’s that F word again.

I roll my eyes and laugh haughtily. “I think the champagne has gone to your head already, Lucas.”

Chapter Seven

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