Page 35 of Mister Rival

“How was the party?” Lexi is on speaker twenty-minutes into the drive to pick up Clementine after I stopped in to meet Amanda for a quick bite and to go over some house stuff.

“It was better than average,” I tell her. I know I need a serious SOS with my best friends immediately. Leaving Tristan was no mean feat and that is a surprise in itself. Maybe it’s because I’ve never had a one-night stand before, or maybe it’s just because he made me feel so good. But it wasn’t just me imagining that we shared something other than just pure, unadulterated, raw, raunchy sex last night.

During a very satisfying breakfast on the balcony with him, we chatted and laughed like we were old comrades and had been for years. Then, we had one last little interlude in bed where he held my hands above my head and ravaged me with sexy, unwavering rolls of his hips, missionary style. He took his time, long and slow, like he knew it would be the last time and wanted to make the most of it.

Neither of us mentioned what would happen next, or what any of it meant when we got back home.

I mean, it’s inevitable that we’ll run into each other and it isn’t like we needed to exchange numbers. I guess we both need to just get our bearings.

“Better than average?”

“Gareth showed up,” I mutter. “But aside from that, I got through it.” My God, I may go to hell for lying so candidly to my assistant about the ‘hardships’ of last night.

“What? I thought he wasn’t?—”

“Well, so did I, but he did. I’ll fill you in later.” Lexi isn’t just my amazing assistant that handles more than is probably required of her in every aspect of real estate. She’s also been my makeshift therapist on the occasion when needed, and she has very practical advice even though she’s almost half my age.

“And Tristan?” she asks. “Did you see him?”

I blow out a breath. That’s a whole new ball game in itself; one I’m not prepared for right now. “Oh, I saw him alright.”

“And you didn’t kill each other?” Even over the speaker, I hear her tentative tone.

“Nope. Not even close.”Though my lady bits are saying otherwise.

“Huh,” she ponders.

“And you know I still have a bone to pick with you over that dinner set up at Ruby’s. I haven’t forgotten about that.”

“It all worked out for the best. If you want someone to blame, take a closer look at Joshie and Mason over at Lucas Property Brothers.”

“The lot of you are in cahoots,” I say, indicating to exit the highway and veering off. “But I suppose it got the deal done.”

“I’ll be in cahoots with Joshua Lucas anytime you want.” Her giggle makes me smile, even if we are in opposition with them. I know Lexi would never offer information across enemy lines, no matter how handsome or charming the opposition may be.

“I’m sure they’re all just as charming as their dad—” I slap a hand over my mouth. It’s like I can’t stop myself when it comes toMr. Forbes. I seriously need to take a Tylenol and catch up on some sleep when we’re home and stop blurting shit out I can’t even begin to explain.

“Wait, what did you say?”

“I’ve got to go,” I quickly cut her off. I’m so not ready for this conversation. “It’s the hangover talking, that’s all!”

“Boss! Tell!”

“The line is breaking up, talk later.”

“Ali!!!”

I hit the call end button before Lexi beats me into submission. Assistants have that very clever knack of getting to the core of you after they’ve worked for you for so long.

And I know she has flirted with Joshua in the past when their paths have crossed at events and such, but I’m sure she’d never cross the line with him… But then again, I never thought I would with Tristan.

“Honeybee!” I wrap my arms around my daughter as I follow Mom into the kitchen and kiss her flame red hair, just like her mama’s. She blinks up at me with the same emerald eyes as me, and the long lashes of her father. They’re so much better deserved on her.

“Mom!” She wiggles a little and tries to escape me, but it’s mostly halfhearted. “Why are you getting all gooey?”

Mom chuckles as she switches the coffee pot on. Even if it’s getting late in the afternoon, there’s always time for the way my mom makes coffee.

Dad rounds the corner, sees me hugging Clementine, and joins us in our mini reunion. “My girls,” he chuckles, reaching over and kissing me on the side of the head. “It’s wonderful to see the three of you all here together.”

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