Chapter 20
Irrational Obsession
Kazimir
As we enter The Hudson Lounge, I reach for my collar to loosen my tie, only to be reminded I’m not wearing one.
Answering reporters’ questions gives me hives.
Holding Harley’s hand, I march to an area where I can have a private conversation with her.
“I think we sold it,” I say.
She stares up at me.
“No?”
She blinks.
“Did I fuck it up?”
She opens her mouth, but closes it.
“Talk to me.”
She twists her lips. “I thought we agreed, no statements.”
I frown. “I didn’t make one.”
“‘My girl deserves Bvlgari’.” Her hands go flying in the air before landing on her thighs in a thump.
“The jewelry you so generously bought me is the equivalent of a down payment on a house. The idea was for us to say ‘Hello, world’. Instead, that statement was like lighting up an abandoned building filled floor to ceiling with firecrackers.”
I take her in, my eyes roaming over her movie star dress, stopping at her bare shoulders.
Her hand rubs up and down her other arm, as if seeking comfort.
I reach out and brush her hair, styled in loose waves, behind her back. “You do deserve that and so much more.”
I can’t read her expression.
Her captivating green eyes are more pronounced from the makeup, her dark lashes accentuating how big they are. Since reconnecting with her, she’s always been fresh-faced. Dolled up or natural, this woman is beauty personified.
She lowers her head and shakes it.
I place two fingers under her chin and lift her head until our eyes lock. “Why don’t you agree with me?”
She presses her red lips together, forcing my attention to them.
“You don’t know me.” Her rigid demeanor bears no resemblance to the soft, pliable woman I was holding in my arms a few minutes ago.
“The plan tonight was for us to change the headlines when it comes to you. Not create expectations we can’t live up to. Baby steps, Kaz. Baby steps.”
My irrational obsession for this woman caused me to jump the gun.
I take a step back. “Okay, we’ll do it your way. Let’s go find Erik and have a drink.” I might have to double fist the first round. And the second.
The Hudson Lounge has been transformed into a Greek village––complete with faux-palm trees, a large aquarium where colorful fish swim, and two long bars, each decorated in one of the theme colors.
I spot Erik near the blue bar. He lifts a tumbler containing an amber liquid.
I weave my way through the crowd of guests huddled in groups shooting the shit as I head his way, nodding here and there at people I recognize.
I order a drink and join him.
“Don’t tell me your sunshiny personality scared off your date,” Erik says.
“Fuck off.” I shake my head. “She’s in the bathroom.”
He nods, a sly smile curving his lips. “When she’s done, she might make a run for it.”
“Why would you say that?” I take a long gulp of my gin and tonic.
“I guess you haven’t bumped into Chett yet?”
I choke on the swallow. I cough. “Chett is here?”
Erik arches a brow. “Harley didn’t tell you?”
“She didn’t.” My talk with Harley resulted in me being frustrated as hell and I’m pretty certain it was written all over my face. No wonder she didn’t drop that bomb.
“Well, you and your ex-stepson will have to share the same playground for the rest of the evening.” He scoffs. “That should be interesting.”
Fuck. “Devlyn usually attends this event. What the hell is her privileged brat doing here?”
“While I was waiting for you to make your appearance, I was chatting with two of our former teammates and their wives. One of them mentioned that the internet vilified your ex-wife for complaining about having it rough right after stepping out of an expensive vegan restaurant most will never be able to afford. Rumor has it Devlyn decided to keep a low profile and sent her spawn to attend in her place.”
“Speaking of the little shit, where is he?”
“I haven’t seen him since Harley and I spotted him as he was about to walk the red carpet.”
“As long as he keeps his distance, I won’t have to deck him.”
Erik chuckles. “I feel the love.”
“With a little luck, this evening won’t be his speed, and he’s already left.”
“It would be his MO.”
I scan the room in an attempt to spot Chett.
“From the little I know about her, Harley is the perfect candidate,” Erik says.
I divert my attention to him. “What?”
“I was too far away to hear the questions the reporters were throwing at you, but I didn’t miss the way you smiled at your girlfriend—”
“I didn’t smile.”
“You did. Saw it with my own two eyes.”
I shoot him an unimpressed stare. “What are we, twelve?”
“At first, I thought it was a mirage, but judging from the stunned expressions from the reporters and photographers, I know I wasn’t the only one who witnessed that miracle.”
“Manning two businesses isn’t enough for you? You have time to be a fucking poet?”
“Keep lying to yourself, Romeo.”