Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 57407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
“There’s no telling,” he said wryly—but the mischievous glimmer in his eyes told her he knew exactly why Elliott had overreacted so badly.
Drew didn’t offer an explanation, and she tried to backtrack their conversation. “So, you were about to ask me something before Elliott interrupted us?”
“It was nothing,” he said, giving her a slight smile, one at odds with the warmth he’d exhibited earlier. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Georgia. I suppose I’ll see you at the Future Fast Track charity event?”
That magical moment between them was gone, and she couldn’t stem the disappointment that filled her. “Yes, I’ll be there.”
He inclined his head, their former intimacy replaced by a more reserved demeanor. Now she couldn’t imagine what had gotten into him.
“Have a good night,” he said much too cordially, then turned and walked away.
Georgia watched him go, her chest tight, feeling as though something special had just slipped through her fingers. Which was ridiculous considering she barely knew the man. But it was clear that Drew’s shift in demeanor was directly related to Elliott’s interruption. She just didn’t understand why.
With a sigh, she headed back to their table to gather her things, more than ready to leave. The evening had been winding down anyway, and she wanted to go home.
Elliott rushed up to her, a deep scowl on his flushed face. “You need to keep your distance from Drew Daniels,” he demanded.
She stopped short and stared. “Excuse me?” she asked, taking offense to him ordering her around.
“Look, Georgia, the guy is smooth, I’ll give him that. But he isn’t what he seems. He’s arrogant and cocky and more flash than substance. Not to mention, he uses people for his own gain.”
She refrained, just barely, from pointing out that Elliott had just described himself. How did her father not see this pretentious side to him?
“What do you have against Drew?” she asked instead.
A look of surprise crossed his face, his eyes wide and his mouth parted, but he remained silent, his reaction telling her she was on point. Elliott was jealous of Drew, and it wasn’t just about finding Georgia with the man. He’d begun pouting when Drew had received his award.
Elliott quickly recovered. “What do I have against him? Besides his lack of ethics and conceit?”
Drew hadn’t come across as being either of those things. In fact, he’d had every chance to bad mouth Elliott once he’d left them alone, but he hadn’t said a word—yet here Elliott was, trying to warn her off Drew.
She refused to get into a debate or argument with him. Instead, Georgia walked around Elliott to their table, grabbed her purse, and started for the exit.
She pulled out her phone and texted her mother and sister to let them know she was leaving. She didn’t want them to wait or worry about her. Then she pulled up her Uber app.
“Where are you going?” Elliott asked.
Had he really followed her? “Home,” she replied curtly. “I’m tired.” And he’d completely ruined her evening.
“Let me at least drive you,” he insisted.
She shuddered at the thought, knowing a ride from him would probably come with other expectations. “No, I’m good, and I’d like to be alone.”
He exhaled a frustrated breath but walked her out to the valet area. Thankfully, he didn’t pressure her any further. He stood by until she was safely inside her ride before striding back into the hotel.
The driver pulled away from the curb, and she slumped in her seat, wishing she was going home with Drew instead of heading to her apartment alone. But that thought was destined to be nothing more than a fantasy. Because not only had Drew left her on the dance floor—despite what she’d thought was a sizzling attraction—but good, responsible girls like Georgia didn’t indulge in one-night stands.
Chapter Three
Drew watched his brother, Tripp, make the final winning shot into the basketball hoop and groaned in annoyance—mostly at himself and his inability to focus on the game. He’d always had a competitive streak, especially when it came to his brothers, and he hated to lose. It also didn’t happen very often.
Tripp looked much too pleased with himself as he jogged off to the sidelines to retrieve the basketball, then dribbled it back toward where Drew was heading for the bench seats.
They played at an indoor court at their gym in the city. With Tripp having just turned thirty-six, and Drew thirty-four, they were both in great shape and hit the gym regularly to keep fit. Every once in a while, their youngest brother, Beck, graced them with his presence, as well.
Drew sat down and lifted the hem of his T-shirt to wipe the sweat off his face just as Tripp joined him.
“You can’t play worth a shit today,” his brother said, still gloating a bit. “What has you so distracted? A case you’re working on?”