Wild Nights With My Brother’s Ex-Best Friend novel Chapter 42

NICOLE

I’m the first to look away, and by the time I return to my senses, Sebastian is several feet in front of me, and he hasn’t even noticed that I stayed behind.

Shame colors my cheeks because I’ve allowed myself to react to Roman’s presence, and of course, he would’ve noticed that. How embarrassing.

My life’s been reduced to a humiliation ritual since I saw Roman that night.

And it hasn’t been the same since. God, when will I catch a break?

I rejoin Sebastian’s side and he says something to me that I completely miss because there’s a storm in my mind now, and it’s making so much noise that it’s drowning everything out.

But I won’t look at Roman again. I’ll put in the effort and do whatever is necessary.

Won’t. Look.

From where I’m standing, the bastard has a good view of me. And I can just feel his eyes on me. It’s so tempting to return the look and shoot daggers his way with my eyes, but I made a promise to myself and I have to at least try to keep it.

*Sounds great, doesn’t it?” Sebastian asks me in a low voice as his eyes scan my face. “What do you think?”

Shit. I have to focus. He’s referring to the pamphlet in his hand-an association supporting children with disabilities. I answer quickly. “Yes. I think it’s amazing. I definitely would’ve made a donation.”

Sebastian nods and tucks the pamphlet in the inner pocket of his blazer. Thankfully, we move on, and the more distance I put between myself and Roman, the better I feel.

God, did he really have to be here?

Is this a test of some kind?

“Does this place make you feel like home?” he asks. “You know, considering you’re in your element here?”

“Absolutely, I reveal, smiling for the first time since my eyes landed on that pile of shit standing somewhere behind us. “I miss everything about fundraising, you know? The countless hours spent planning events. Hoping. The fulfillment that came after changing someone’s life. It’s…”

I inhale and let out a breath slowly. My eyes fill with damn tears. I’ve been feeling so emotional lately. I don’t know if it’s the fuckedupress that is my life or the raging hormones from the pregnancy.

I wipe my tears away quickly and turn to face him. I’m sorry. I’m just being very silly.”

‘Don’t apologize to me, Nicole, he claims softly. His voice is so gentle that it feels like a caress. “I think it’s beautiful and inspiring that you cared about others. You were selfless and brave”

That’s the irony, isn’t it? I cared about others and wanted to help them, but stabbed my own brother in the back.

I feel like such a fraud.

I manage to calm myself down and smile at him. He asks me, “Would you ever go back to it?”

“I don’t know. Right now, I’m focusing on other things. But yes, once everything is stable, I’ll definitely try to give back in any way that I can.”

Someone walks past me and their shoulder bumps into mine painfully to the point where I hiss and rub it.

Sebastian places a hand over my left shoulder-the uninjured one-and says to the waiter, “Hey, watch it!”

My eyes widen when I realize who the waiter is. Fucking Dan? He mumbles an apology, his eyes on me, then walks away like nothing happened.

I’m in shock right now.

What’s actually going on?

“Are you alright?” Sebastian asks once I’ve whirled around to face him. There’s a furrow between his brows and he looks genuinely upset. “You sounded like it hurt.”

I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that Dan is here and that he was so aggressive toward me. Honestly? I’m a little concerned. I haven’t thought about him in so long, so for him to pop back into my life in the most random way imaginable makes me wonder if I should have worried about him more. “I was just shocked by the impact. It doesn’t hurt too bad.”

Nervousness takes over his features. He runs a hand through the back of his hair, parts his lips to speak, and is then interrupted by his coworkers. The moment comes to an abrupt end, and I wake up to my reality. My eyes dart across the room and I ignore Roman, who’s in the periphery of my vision like a haunting figure, and they suddenly land on Dan. He’s standing across the room, the tray stuck under his arm, and he waves me over subtly.

I shake my head at him, frowning and annoyed that he’d even try to talk to me after what he just did, but he waves at me again. I ignore him and turn my attention to Sebastian and my other bosses. We don’t interact much, but I’m surprised they know my name.

“Nicole, Philip Hartmann begins, his eyes searching my face. He has an arm over Sebastian’s neck, and he’s leaning toward me. “How are you enjoying this event?”

“It’s great,” I reply. “I’m happy to be here.”

Sebastian’s watching me intently. I meet his gaze and blush. Philip adds, “I heard that this event is all for you. In your honor.”

Did I hear him correctly? “Excuse me?”

Sebastian turns to him and pulls him away suddenly. Philip is laughing. I tear my attention away from them when my phone starts ringing loudly in my clutch. Dammit. I should’ve muted it.

It’s Dan.

I never blocked him because he never called.

I look at him as I decline the call. He then types furiously on his phone before I receive the threatening message.

If you don’t come now, I’m going to make a scene, Nicole. Everyone will know what you did to me.

I take a deep breath. I know this is a bad idea. I look over at Sebastian, who’s still distracted, and start toward my damn ex with the intention of getting this done and over with.

This ends tonight.

I don’t care what it takes.