Page 41 of Always Beth
‘I don’t know why I’m telling you this, you must be used to frequenting places like this on the regular, this probably isn’t even that exciting for you.’
‘Not as often as you would think. It’s amazing.’ My hand settles on his arm and he visibly relaxes.
Letting out a slow breath, he turns and points towards the bar. ‘Drink?’
ChapterTwelve
James
No matter how many times I study the London skyline, the sight never fails to capture my interest. Glancing across at Beth, she seems equally engaged, with her nose inches from the glass. I can’t understand why her sorry excuse of an ex-husband never treated her to nights in places like this. After the low-key restaurant, I wanted to pull out all the stops.
‘I can’t believe you’ve never been here before,’ I say finally.
‘My life was pretty uneventful. I’m surprised you frequent these places to be honest.’
God.She shouldn’t be surprised about anything when it comes to me.
‘I’m a bit of a dark horse,’ I mutter.
The longer I keep my bachelor lifestyle from her the better, otherwise she’ll probably put me in the same category as her husband. One-night stands, lunchtime liaisons, threesomes, you name it, I’ve probably done it.
‘How dark?’
‘Well, that would be telling.’
Oh fuck.Something telling is walking right this way. This was not in the plan for tonight, or any night for that matter.
‘James, so lovely to see you.’ Her perfectly manicured hand slides across my chest as she presses her lips against my cheek.
‘Melanie, what a pleasant surprise. This is Beth.’ I turn and glance starkly in her direction, hoping she can read my thoughts.This isn’t what it looks like.
Melanie reaches out and pulls Beth into her embrace, her eyes rolling as she’s sandwiched over Melanie’s shoulder.
‘I haven’t seen you in like, forever.’ She purrs at me in that way I used to find enticing, but today it makes every last one of my nerves grate.
‘No, I’ve been busy.’
Raising her glass to her lips, Beth holds my gaze. ‘You’re on a career break. You’re not that busy.’
My eyes widen immediately.Thanks for that…
‘A career break? That sounds fun,’ Melanie chirps.
‘It isn’t. Trust me.’It’s the worst time of my life.
‘Well, it was lovely seeing you again. Don’t forget me.’ I force a smile as she wanders off. That could have been so much worse.
‘Don’t forget me,’ Beth mimics in her best baby-like voice before downing the rest of her champagne.
There’s something quite exciting about seeing her squirm uncomfortably in front of me. We said this was casual, but since she took a while to warm to me, the fact she’s jealous is a downright turn-on.
Catching my smirk, she rolls her eyes. ‘What?’
‘You threw me under the bus there. You’re jealous,’ I say, my champagne flute hovering in front of my face.
‘Jealous. Of her?’ she cries.
‘Uh-huh.’ I nod.
