The Encounter

“I feel like I’m losing you and I hate it. You need to come stay with us, the kids will lov—” Her eyes widen as I start laughing and down the salty, sweet margarita.

“No.”

“Rude, Jax—”

The bartender interrupts her rant, his smile way less enthusiastic now that Tess is off-limits. “What can I get you?” He straightens to his full height, which is a head shorter than me.

“Yeah, can you send a Bombay Sapphire martini to the lady in black, please?”

His eyes drift to my goddess, then to Tess, his brows knit in confusion, but he nods.

“Oh, and hit us again,” Tess yells, motioning to our empty glasses. She turns her back to him. “Don’t even think about dumping me for that woman.” She stands and blatantly looks over at her.

“I wouldn’t dream of it. Sit.” I grin at her crazy. My goddess apparently does not find us funny, not that I blame her. Tess is not just beautiful; she exudes confidence that only wealth can bring you.

“Liar.” She laughs again and my phone vibrates. “God, men are so stupid.” She shakes her head and picks up the large margarita glass. “And your phone is ringing.” She rolls her eyes.

“Ignore it. I do.”

“Yes, I know,” she says dryly.

“Ahh, Tess, you’re good for me.” I take my annoying phone out of my pocket, nodding at white teeth as he puts the shots in front of us first.

Two missed calls from Reed. I’m about to put it back in my pocket when it vibrates with a text.

Reed: Where the fuck is my wife? All I see are my children.

I look up at Tess who’s thanking white teeth for the shots.

Me: If you’re insinuating you’re home, you should have told me earlier. I’m not a mind reader.

Three dots instantly appear, but Tess is handing me the tequila shot.

“To finding the one who makes you do insane things.” She laughs as we shoot them and undoes her bun, taking her hair down.

Reed: I was surprising her, DICK.

Me: Better surprise her here. She’s letting her hair down.

Reed: You better be there tomorrow 9:00 a.m. Jay is outside.

I don’t reply and pocket my phone. “Jay is outside.” I grab her bag off the bar and hand it to her.

“What the-? Oh my God. You’re really dumping me for her.” She turns to look at her. “I can’t believe you’re picking a random woman over family. Also, she looks familiar.” She takes her bag as I guide her to the door.

“That’s the tequila talking and there’s Jay.” I hold the door open for a couple walking in and gently push Tess out.

“Stop it.” She glares at me but walks over to Jay.

Shaking his head, he opens the passenger door of one of Reed’s Ferraris.

Not gonna lie. My cock is hard at the thought of being alone with this woman. I don’t even care if she speaks English or not. In fact, it might be easier that way.

What the fuck?

I look around. In those few seconds, my goddess has disappeared. Nothing but an empty glass and two drunk guys in her spot.

Ava

Jax fucking Saddington and Tess. Really? Just when I think my life can’t get worse, it does. All I wanted to do was get out of the hotel and think. Grab a drink and formulate a plan. What are the odds?

I take a deep sip of the martini he sent me and glance down at numerous threatening text messages from Phillip. They range from claiming I’m doomed, to declaring he’s finally leaving his wife, to warning me that he’s cutting me off from all money. And the latest…

Phillip: You have exactly twenty-four hours to get your ass back to New York! If you continue to act like a brat and think I’m coming to beg you, YOU ARE WRONG! I will be done. And all credit cards, clothes, apartment, and jewelry will be gone. CANCELED. Let me know when it’s a good time for me to send the plane.

I sigh. Fucking nutjob. I down the rest of my liquid courage. I’m pissed at myself. I left without at least stopping at the apartment to pack a getaway bag, even if it was only to grab my jewelry.

Rookie move. My mom would be so disappointed.

Mom.

Christ. I swallow back that piercing pain. No time to think about her. I’m fighting for my life right now.

I finally did it. I left Phillip and I’m not going back. I pick up my phone, not feeling one bit guilty about texting him.

Me: Confused, need some time to think. You should understand that.

Tossing my phone in my purse, I stand and motion for the tan bartender to bring the check. I take the last sip of my martini and try to ignore the piercing turquoise stare of the one man who has always been my secret fantasy.