Want Me (Mess with Me 4)

“Crap, I have to go.”

Ari smiles. “Good luck. And I’m not being shady when I say that. I actually hope it works out for you.”

6

LAW

As I watch everyone move around the dance floor with the kind of reckless abandon that only comes with alcohol usage, I shudder internally.

God, I hate this shit.

Yeah, I know it’s a bit of a cliché, the divorced dude who hates weddings. But it’s not easy to pretend to be happy for people when you already know the dangers that await them.

Still, watching Andre and Casey move around the dance floor, I have to concede that maybe they’ll be one of the lucky few that makes it.

I hope so, anyway. I may be a miserable bastard but that doesn’t mean I’d wish it on anyone else.

Anya has been gone for a while so I send her a quick text message. We’ve been here long enough that hopefully no one will notice if we leave a little early.

“You’re supposed to at least pretend to be happy at these things.”

The voice over my shoulder sounds as bored as I feel. I glance over at the guy I recognize as the brother of the groom. He resembles Andre a little but has a thinner build and sharper features. Still, they both look like the kind of guys who belong on billboards.

Maybe men like that get a different ending.

He holds out his hand. “Philippe Lavin. I’m not sure if you remember me. I’m the brother of that sickeningly happy guy on the dance floor.”

“I remember. You’ve been to the agency a few times for meetings. James Lawson.”

“They’re ridiculously happy.” He inclines his head in Andre’s direction and then chuckles.

It’s an unfortunate moment to look since the bride and groom are currently kissing like they’ve forgotten anyone else is in the room.

“Yes, they are.”

Apparently I haven’t done a good job concealing my disgust because he raises his eyebrows. Belatedly I remember that this guy is the brother of one of my biggest clients so I can’t wear my honest face right now. I need to have on my marketing agent, wheel-and-deal face.

“Marriage isn’t for me but I wish them nothing but the best.”

He shrugs. “It’s funny, I used to feel the same way. But lately I’ve been thinking it might be nice to have someone to come home to. Someone who is happy to see me.” The look on his face is startlingly vulnerable and I clear my throat and look away.

Suddenly it feels too hot in the room and I tug at the collar of my suit. I need to get out of here before I suffocate from the weight of all the happiness and expectation in the room. It’s a familiar feeling, one that brings back memories I’d rather not relive.

Because I’ve been that groom, flush with joy and overwhelmed with hope for a bright future.

Only to have to watch it all fall apart as the woman I loved morphed into someone I didn’t recognize.

Philippe is watching me strangely now and I yank my hand away from my neck, suddenly aware I’ve been clutching my throat like I’m unable to breathe. It won’t do to lose my cool in front of him. Like it or not, I need the Lavin account to keep my agency afloat. The Mirage Agency is the only thing I have from my life before it all fell apart and I won’t let anything threaten that. Especially not ghosts from the past.

“I thought that once, but take it from me buddy. If you want someone who is happy to see you when you come home, get a dog. It’s cheaper.”

I finish my champagne in one gulp and deposit the glass on the tray of a passing waiter. It’s time to find Anya so we can dance once and then get out of here. She’s probably ready to leave, too. I smile thinking of her wearing a bridesmaid dress that she hates. We understand each other and she doesn’t like all this shit anymore than I do.

As if my thoughts have summoned her, Anya appears when a crowd of people move off the dance floor. When she sees me, her eyes light up. The joy in her expression makes me feel ten feet tall.

Watching her walk toward me calms the panic I always feel when I recall my marriage and subsequent divorce. I can’t wait to get her out of here and back to my place where I can peel off that satin dress she hates so much.

Despite all my mistakes, I already have the perfect woman. She’s smart, beautiful and has never asked for more than I can give. Just uncomplicated, no-strings fun.