“Okay, but, don’t try to sneak outta here,” Taylor warned with narrowed eyes.
“I won’t. Jack and I will be sure to say bye before we leave.”
Taylor’s eyes widened, but Victoria only laughed.
“That’s funny, Bella. How’s Donatella?” Victoria taunted.
Bella masked her anger with laughter and turned to Victoria. “Donna is doing well. I’ll tell her you asked about her.”
“You do that.” Victoria sniggered.
Bella smiled, waved to the other ladies, and went to find the restaurant manager. But, on the way, she made sure to cross paths with Jack Storm. As much as she couldn’t stand Victoria, she had to admit that the women got lucky in the man department. Jack Storm had it all; looks, brains, money, and swag. Admittedly, the man was the shit. He was standing next to Victor, and the two of them, together, were a sight to see. But, as fine as Jack and Victor were, there was only one man that tightened Bella’s core. And he was nowhere to be found.
Bella approached the two and spoke. “Governor, Mr. Storm, how are you, gentlemen?”
“I’m good, Bella. You’re looking as lovely as ever,” Victor commented.
Ever the gentleman.
“Thank you, Governor. Mr. Storm, how are you?”
Bella made sure to move closer to Jack than she normally would have. She placed her hand on his solid pec and looked into his cool blue eyes. Jack looked down at Bella and smiled, showing perfect, white teeth. He covered Bella’s hand with his own, but he didn’t move it away.
“You trying to make my wife jealous? Did you ladies have a falling out?” Jack asked with a mischievous grin. He chuckled and shook his head. “You might wanna be careful. My wife will bed you before I will.”
Bella couldn’t help but laugh.
Jack Storm couldn’t be used or rattled. She had to give it to him. He was a cool dude. Too bad his wife was such a bitch.
“Alright, now,” Jack urged. “Take your hand off of me before my wife embarrasses us both.”
Bella giggled and dropped her hand. She turned to Victor. His lips were pressed into a thin line. He was trying unsuccessfully to suppress his laughter. Victor shook his head and threw his arm over Bella’s shoulder. “Are you trying to drive my baby brother insane?”
Bella wrinkled her brow. She totally hadn’t expected that from Victor. “What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean. You can tell how he feels about you.”
Deciding to forgo the whole act of playing dumb, Bella asked, “What does Lucas want from me, Governor?”
“I don’t know exactly,” Victor answered honestly. “But I’m willing to bet that it’s much more than you assume.”
“Humph,” Bella scoffed, crossing her arms. “Your brother is used to woman chasing him.”
“And?”
“And he only wants me because I ain’t chasing his ass.”
“Oh, okay. I guess that explains why he can’t keep his eyes off you and why he’s always asking Taylor about you. It’s not because he’s really into you, it’s because you don’t chase him,” Victor retorted, sarcastically.
“Whatever,” Bella dismissed. “You gentlemen have a good evening.”
Bella walked away in search of the restaurant manager. As she headed to the hostess’ stand, she scanned the room for her disloyal ex-husband. He had made his way over to Taylor’s table.
“Can I help you?” the perky young hostess asked.
Bella showed the woman her shield and told her that she needed to speak with the manager. Her expression revealed her curiosity. Bella could tell that she wanted to know the reason for her request, but she didn’t ask. She excused herself and went to retrieve the manager.
While she waited, Bella peeped into the private dining room. Her eyes landed right on Lucas. He was laughing with Jack and Victor, baring beautiful, white teeth. Bella couldn’t deny that the man was gorgeous. Actually, he was so much more than just gorgeous. Lucas was charismatic, educated, and he had a great sense of humor.
