Page 114 of The Heart You Kept

“Come now.” He smirks sarcastically as he takes a sip of water. “We’re basically family, Alora. You’re like an annoying little sister.”

Nel laughs on cue. “Haha, that’s hilarious.”

The sky turns red….

Okay. Fuck. You.

I don’t know anyone who jerks off for their annoying little sister.

“So, Alora, do you have someone special in your life?” Nel asks.

“Recently single,” Edward answers before I get a chance.

My eyes flick to him, I’ll answer my own questions, asshole.

“I would like to know more about you, Nel,” Edward says. “Are you with someone?”

“No, very single.” Her eyes light up as she stares at Edward for a beat longer than necessary.

Ugh…this woman is getting annoying.

“I find it hard to believe that someone hasn’t snapped you up.” Edward smirks into his coffee as his eyes hold hers.

“Just waiting for the right man to show up.” She smiles as she runs her hand through her hair.

They’re flirting.

I get a vision of myself flipping the table upside down.

“Aren’t we here to talk about the refurb?” I open my notepad with a sharp snap.

“Yes, let’s do that,” Edward replies. “Nel, why don’t you run Alora through the brief.”

“Sure.” She retrieves a folder and begins to flick through the pages while she explains in great detail what the design plan is. And I wish I could tell you I am listening to every word, but I can’t even think when I’m this close to him.

His aftershave dances around the table like a tangible force, bringing with it memories of spas in Switzerland and legs over shoulders and pulling himself in my back room…and he’s here to see fucking Nel.

“And here in this room…” Nel continues, bringing me back to the present.

I watch the two of them flirt in a detached state. Edward Prescott takes what he wants and to hell with the consequences; if he wants Nel, I’m positive he’ll have his wicked way with her.

Not that it’s anything to me. I don’t care about him, he’s made it crystal clear where his interests lie with me.

Wait…. Have they slept together before? My eyes flick between them as I look for evidence, I mean she is beautiful.

“So, Alora….” More muffled voices.

What do I care anyway?

“Are you listening at all?” Edward says. “Alora?”

Huh?

I glance up to see them both looking at me as if waiting for an answer.

“Excuse me?”

Edward puts his hands up in question. “What are you doing?”