Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 209

Clairessa’s POV

At a closer look, the mystery man was tall and lean, with sun-kissed blond hair that brushed his shoulders and a clean jawline. Striking bone structure—surfer-model attractive.

An effortless charm played across his face, and his eyes brightened the moment they landed on Jess.

He stepped back with practiced ease, meeting both our gazes. “Jess. I thought that was you.”

I smiled, slow and knowing. “Yes. It is definitely Jess.”

Jess shot me a daggered look that could've sliced the champagne glass in my hand.

I grinned back.

“How do you know my friend?”

He extended a hand, his voice calm and laced with amusement. “I’m Brian. We met at an art exhibition in Florence. Brief... but memorable.”

Jess muttered under her breath, “An experience I’d like to forget.”

Brian tilted his head. “Sorry, I missed that?”

“She said she’s surprised to see you. That’s all,” I cut in sweetly, flashing a casual smile.

“I hope it’s a good surprise, then.” He held out his hand again. “Forgive my manners. I’m Brian.”

I shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Brian. I’m Clairessa—Jess’s best friend.”

I savored every second. For once, I wasn’t the one being blindsided by some smooth-talking guy. Jess—usually so carefree, so untouchable—was the one squirming now. And honestly? It was oddly therapeutic watching her stumble into the kind of messy, tangled encounter she always teased me about.

Brian turned to Jess again. “It’s really good to see you again. I’m glad you came.”

Jess folded her arms. “Can’t say the feeling’s mutual.”

Okay. Yep. Something definitely happened between them.

Then Brian—still somehow oblivious to the irritation in Jess’s tone—added with a smile as his eyes swept over her, “You look beautiful, by the way.”

When Jess didn’t respond, he grinned. “You too, Claire.”

I took a slow sip of champagne. “Thanks. But honestly, I think my friend here is the one who looks exceptionally stunning.”

Brian laughed, a little too nervously. “You’re absolutely right.”

Jess hissed under her breath, tugging at my wrist. “Can we go now?”

Brian overheard and pleaded, “Not yet. Please, can we maybe… talk somewhere else?”

Jess snapped, “No.”

He tried again. “Please, Jess. Let me explain. I never got the chance.”

She bit back, “You had your chance.”

I stepped in, resting a light hand on Jess’s arm. “Jess, I know you’re upset—and honestly, I don’t even know why, because someone’s been pretty tight-lipped about it—but maybe we should just sit down and let him explain?”

Brian jumped at the opening. “Yes. Please.”

Jess rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

Brian led us through the loft like he owned it—past glass doors and low music—until we reached a private lounge: dimly lit, cozy.

Waiters reappeared with drinks and finger foods. I took a plate. I was hungry—and nothing helped me survive emotional drama like carbs and expensive cheese.

Jess, though, looked like she was being dragged through a haunted house.

Brian finally broke the silence. “I never thought I’d see you again after Italy. And now, here you are in my loft.”

We both blinked. “Your loft?” I asked.

He smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well... technically, it’s one of my dad’s lofts. But yeah, I live here.”

Jess nearly choked. “You’re the one organizing this party?”

He nodded.

“So the Marco guy pretending to be a client—inviting me to this party, saying he’d introduce me to some supposed investor to sell my art—this whole thing was a setup planned by you?”

Brian looked guilty. “I didn’t have a choice. After that day, I tried reaching out, but it seemed like you blocked me.”

Jess stood up. “So your brilliant idea was to trick me into coming here? To use my work just to get me here?”

“It’s not all a game. Marco is actually a friend who helps me find good art collections,” Brian said quickly. “I really am interested in your art. I just—God, Jess, I just wanted to see you.”

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