Page 30 of Rival Desires

“Really? That’s interesting.” A frown creased my brow. This new piece of info didn’t jive with the story I’d cooked up in my mindabout Rylee. If Bennett wasn’t recommending her, something must have happened between them.

“To celebrate this bit of good news with Nadine,” Fury continued, “I was thinking we should go check out that new club on Friday. I heard it’s awesome. You down?”

“A club? You’re kidding, right?” I retorted, my mind still whirling from the unexpected turn of events.

“Come on, don’t be such a party pooper,” Fury cajoled, nudging my arm playfully. “Let’s shake off the dust and cut loose for a change.”

“Yeah, alright, why not?” I laughed. “Let’s relive our twenties and make some bad decisions.”

I strolled back to my cubbyhole, plopped into my chair, and half-heartedly attempted to get some work done. But dang, Rylee’s laugh, the memory of her lips, just kept crashing my concentration party. Bennett’s choice to bypass her had tossed a curveball at my assumptions, leaving me with many questions.

So, maybe, just maybe, I’d been barking up the wrong tree this whole time, and Rylee wasn’t the manipulating rival I’d made her out to be.

EIGHTEEN

Rylee

I’d never been much of a drinker, but recently, I’d been craving alcohol every time Friday came around. Sure, launching a new startup is enough to drive anyone to the bottle, but that’s not why I was here with Natalie, nursing my third glass of vino at this cozy little restaurant. I tried my hardest not to think about why I was more tense than a banjo string.

Natalie flicked a golden curl from her face, eyes twinkling with mischief. “You remember senior year, right? When you went full-on rebel and dyed your hair to match that wild purple prom dress?” Her grin was all tease, practically painting that chaotic day in vivid colors.

I sighed, the memory rushing back with all its mortifying glory. “How could I possibly forget? I looked like I’d stuck my head in a grape jelly jar.”

Nat let out a laugh that was pure sunshine. “When you strutted down those stairs, Sean Ellis’s face was priceless! Hewas expecting Cinderella but got a purple-haired punk rocker instead.”

The memory coaxed a reluctant smile from me. “He was so horrified he barely spoke two words to me all night. But, strangely enough, it felt incredibly liberating to stand out in that sea of normality.”

She raised her wine glass, her smile brightening. “Here’s to standing out and make an entrance they’ll never forget!”

I clinked my glass against hers, the sound echoing crisply in the cozy place. “To unforgettable entrances, indeed. Though, I have a feeling Sean Ellis might beg to differ.”

Natalie’s laughter rang out again, her joy infectious. “Oh, I bet he’s still regaling people with the tale of his prom date with the audacious rebel.”

As our laughter faded, I took a deep, fortifying breath, gearing up for a confession. I had to spill the beans about my latest Cory encounter.

“So, speaking of disasters...” I began, my voice trailing off as I nervously nibbled on my lip. I couldn’t shake the memories – the earlier steamy encounters before I even knew who he was. It had been over a week, and I was still reeling from those intense moments with Cory. And now a kiss? Somehow, that kiss was more intimate than the sex.

Natalie raised an eyebrow. “Uh oh, I recognize that look. What’s the scoop, Palmer?”

I sighed, lowering my voice. “I might have...kind of...locked lips with Cory again at an event.”

“Cory McCrae?” Natalie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “The Cory, who’s your sworn enemy?”

“It just sort of happened!” I protested. “One minute, we were bickering, and the next…”

Natalie leaned in a pensive expression on her face. “Honey, you’ve got to get McCrae out of your head. He’s messing with you.” She took a deep breath. “You need to get laid with someonenotaffiliated with Gracen and McCrae.”

“Nat, seriously,” I said, feeling my cheeks redden. “That’s not going to fix anything.”

She shrugged. “Maybe not, but it’ll help you forget about McCrae for a while. And who knows, you might even enjoy yourself.”

I was about to say something when our waiter sauntered over, and Natalie turned on the charm. “My friend thinks you’re cute. You up for anything later?” she asked, flashing him a smile that could light up a room.

The waiter chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Aw, thanks, but I’m off the market. I just got engaged, and we expect a little bundle of joy soon.”

“Well, congratulations!” Natalie said. “That’s fantastic news!”

The waiter thanked her and scurried off to another table, leaving me to roll my eyes at Natalie. “Enough with the matchmaking. We’re here to let loose and have a blast, not plan dates.”

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