Page 20 of Mister Rival

“We’re supposed to hate each other,” she sighs. “But that’s exhausting.”

I wave it off as I knock down the last of my drink and signal for another. “Hate is such a strong response. We both have a competitive edge, that’s all it is. I like this playful side to you, even if it is champagne and ex-husband induced.”

“Hey, I can be more playful than you think. I was just shocked to see him, that’s all.” She twirls a finger around the rim of her glass. “But really, thank you, Tristan. I couldn’t face that bastard alone.”

“You don’t have to keep thanking me. It’s just good to see you let your hair down.”

“Well, the night is still young.” Her lips twitch. “And we’ve already given some of our spectators something to gossip about.”

“That we have.” I raise my new glass to hers. “Bottoms up.”

She laughs as a little of the pink bubbly liquid tips over the side of her glass as she raises it to mine. “I’ll drink to that.”

Chapter Ten

ALISON

I know I’m getting tipsy. It could have something to do with the two glasses of bubbles I tipped down my neck earlier. There’s also a strong possibility I should have kept theJellyfish Juliecomment to myself, but here we are. And to add to the drama, Tristan Lucas is looking dashing in his tux, his hair gelled back, and that sexy, spicy cologne that lingers all over me after our embrace.

I never thought he could be a person I’d feel comfortable with, or that he’d swoop in like that. But I’ve gotta hand it to him, it was well played.

Okay, I probably shouldn’t have just kissed him like that, but getting under Gareth’s skin was a small victory I’ll cherish for years to come.

“What made you decide to come?” he asks. His voice is low, soft and velvety, and not for the first time tonight, it has a calming effect.

I purse my lips, thinking for a second before I answer. “A few factors. For one, Gareth said he wasn’t coming. And an old friend of mine, Amanda — she’s not someone we went to school with — needs some advice on selling her house. I’m meeting up with her tomorrow. And Lexi thought it would be a good idea toget out of town for the weekend while Clementine spends some time with her grandparents.”

“All good reasons. I know you’re a workaholic like me. My kids are always telling me to get out more.”

“Do you ever listen to them?”

He cocks his head and laughs quietly to himself. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

“I guess so.” I take another sip of bubbles, knowing I need to slow down, or perhaps eat something soon to soak up all the alcohol. “And it’s just as well you were here.”

“Do you see me complaining?”

“Well one thing’s for sure, Gareth didn’t know where to look.”

“The guy is a douchebag through and through.” He takes another sip of his drink, my eyes dipping to his throat.

“You look insane tonight,” I blurt out. “You weren’t kidding about the tux.”

He almost chokes on his drink to give me a side eye. “I scrub up alright, so I’ve been told.”

I laugh a little. Tristan always looks immaculate, but tonight is off the charts. “More than alright, if I’m being honest.”

He leans in, and his sexy scent is heady, just like the rest of him. “And you’re a hot mama in that dress, Alison Archer. I think I like seeing you in a hot little number at my mercy. By the way, that slit up your thigh should be illegal.”

A shiver runs up my spine with his breath so close to my neck. “I’m sure you say that to all the girls.”

A light chuckle leaves his throat. “Women, Ali. And actually, I haven’t said it to anyone in a long time.”

“I’ll consider myself lucky then.”

He shrugs indifferently. “I didn’t like seeing you looking upset, and when I saw your ex, I made a beeline for you. I wanted to punch that asshole. It was clear what his intentions were.”

“He makes me sick.” I pull a face like I tasted something bad. “To fall out of love with someone is one thing, but to lie and cheat behind their backs is quite another.” I would never normally say this out loud, but the bubbles are definitely going to my head and I’m not thinking straight. It’s like my filter has taken a leave of absence.

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