Page 34 of Just Desserts

"Oh, I'm sure I'll be seeing you again sooner than you expect." He said mysteriously, laughing as he got into his truck. I shook my head and got into my own car. It had been a good day, but I was excited to get home. I had to wake up early tomorrow to sit and stare at my phone, hoping Isla would invite me to go furniture shopping with her. Yep. I was smitten, and slightly pathetic.

Chapter 27

Jonathan

The night of the office party was already here and I was a complete wreck. It was the end of March and the spring weather had me sweating through my dress shirt before I even got into the building. I had made absolutely no headway when it came to Isla, but I had Alyssa breathing down my neck like the hounds of hell.

After seeing Isla with that man the other night, a new sense of urgency was alive within me. There wasn't much I could do tonight though, I had to focus on getting through this party. Thankfully Alyssa hadn't arrived yet and I was able to calmly schmooze with some of the senior partners and other employees.

Nearly an hour into the party I felt my shoulders lowering and my muscles loosening, some of my anxiety had finally waned. I was in my element, the last few weeks may have kicked me off my game but that didn't change who I was. Wheeling, dealing and charming people was the real Jonathan.

The booze was top shelf and I was holding court with some of the big fish of the company who had even invited me to join them for a golf game. Dodging questions about Isla were a bit more difficult. I told them she was helping out her elderly grandmother which seemed to sufficiently explain her absence, for now. I was in the middle of bragging about a recent case I had won when I saw Alyssa enter the party from the corner of my eye.

I had to stop myself from physically responding when she came into view. She was wearing a bright red coat, making her stand out in the sea of suits and black dresses. I exhaled a sigh of relief when she removed the coat only to avert my gaze and clench my jaw to contain the scream I was holding in. The dress she was wearing seemed like lingerie, something more appropriate for a Bachelorette party in Vegas.

She was lugging around a gigantic purse, the brand name splashed everywhere. As she approached I realized that wasn't the only thing that stood out about her. In addition to the bracelet I had bought her, she was covered head to toe in jewelry, familiar looking jewelry,Isla's jewelry.They were anniversary gifts I had bought her, Isla deliberately left them behind when she moved out. How did Alyssa get them?

As she prowled closer to the group, I catalogued her appearance from head to toe. She had done something different with her hair as well. It took me a few minutes to figure it out but once she made it over to our small group it all came together. She had her curls flattened, her hair straightened in such a way that it vaguely resembled Isla's natural hair style.

She had on Isla's jewelry, and the purse hanging aggressively in the crook of Alyssa's arm was a gift from my parents to Isla. Isla hated that bag and refused to wear it. What had Isla called it?"Ludicrously capacious."I didn't have time to think about that as Alyssa slid up to me, there was no ignoring her predatory gaze.

"Good evening Gentlemen, Mr. Conner." She looked up at me seductively.

I tried to take a step away from her but I had a serving table at my back. The partners standing around me eyed Alyssa with open discomfort, unsure of where to look. The front of herdress was so low cut, it felt like one wrong move and her chest would pop out.

I'm sure that was Alyssa's intention, but goddamn was this the wrong time. I could feel the whispers that sprung up behind my back, at how close she was standing and what she was wearing. She put a hand on my arm before addressing the group again.

"I hope you all are enjoying the party. Jonathan and I spent ages making sure everything was perfect, only the best for DeMatteo and Shaw."

I closed my eyes to try and school my features. Why was she acting like we were a happy couple hosting a party at our house? She was a fucking paralegal here, she had no business standing next to me, in the spot Isla should have been in. I froze as I felt her hand on my chest, looking down at the red tipped claws laying possessively over my suit jacket. I non too subtly shook her off me and tried to engage the judge on the other side of me in conversation.

The tension at the party continued to increase as any good cheer rapidly deteriorated. It felt like time wasn't moving and I was stuck in this awkward circle I couldn't break free from. I don't know how many drinks I had, but my hand always seemed to hold a fresh glass. I saw several people reaching different levels of inebriation.

I had tactfully ignored and dismissed Alyssa since she came in. As a result, Alyssa had turned that venomous focus on Harold Turner, one of the senior partners, who was happily married with two young kids and a very pregnant wife waiting for him at home. I saw Alyssa hanging off his arm, running her fingers over him and trying to whisper seductively in his ear. Even my alcohol soaked brain could register how sloppy her movements were getting as well as Harry's increasingdiscomfort.

I forced myself not to intervene as I watched his repeated attempts to untangle himself from Alyssa's tentacles. With a stern look, Harry managed to get himself loose from Alyssa's grasp and made an excuse to leave the group. An awkward silence came over us until Marty, my boss and one of the founders of the firm, joined the group with his wife Rachel.

"Hey Jonathan! It's so good to see you! Where's Isla? I've been looking for her all night!" Rachel exclaimed as she leaned over to kiss my cheek. Alyssa visibly stiffened at the mention of Isla's name. I watched warily as she grabbed another flute of champagne and chugged it before I even had a moment to reply.

"Hey Rachel, you're looking as gorgeous as ever. Isla couldn't make it, she's taking care of her grandmother. She's recovering from a surgery. I'll be sure to let her know you were looking for her though." I replied with a smile plastered on my face. Rachel put a hand to her chest before replying.

"Oh dear! I'm so sorry to hear that. Alyssa darling, is your Grandmother alright? What surgery did she have?"

All eyes turned to Alyssa and who in turn looked like a deer in headlights.

"What do you mean? Why would I know?" Alyssa asked suspiciously. Rachel was visibly taken aback by Alyssa's bratty response. Looking between me and Alyssa she continued.

"Well I know that you're Isla's cousin right? We had lunch shortly before you started here and she told me all about you. She was so proud of you for graduating and was excited for you to start working here. I just assumed since you guys are cousins, it would be your grandmother too? I'm sorry if Imisunderstood."

I stiffened, I didn't realize people were aware that Alyssa and Isla were related. With their different last names and vastly contrasting appearances I never thought people would realize the family connection.

There were enough whispers around the office regarding my relationship with Alyssa, this was going to just add fuel to the fire. I closed my eyes wishing I could disappear, or more appropriately, wishing Alyssa would disappear.

When I opened my eyes, it was to find Alyssa staring daggers at me, as if I could answer for her. My nostrils flared and I was grinding my teeth so hard I'm surprised enamel wasn't rubbing off. I stared Alyssa down, raising my chin at her, mutely demanding she answer.

"It's her Grandma from her dad's side, I'm not related to her."

Alyssa answered petulantly, drawing even more murmurs. As she reached for another champagne flute I decided enough was enough. I excused myself from the group and headed towards my office, knowing Alyssa would follow me.

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