My Five Night Fling by Maci Dillon
KASSIDY
Two Months Later
“What can I get for you, handsome?”
It’s almost closing time at Maximum when Jarett walks in. Monday nights are the quietest evening shift of the week, and Max prefers me to close while she catches up on administrative tasks.
“Depends, beautiful. What are you offering?” He grins widely and winks as he pulls up a stool at the bar.
Over the past month or so, Jarett has stuck to his promise of staying out of my work life, including my casual work at the speakeasy and my assignment with Lugreno.
Jarett’s work, on the other hand, I have very much become a part of. Lazing around his apartment in the nude is all the inspiration he needs to set up his easel and paint. His joy when creating art is permeable, and the accomplishment once a new canvas is complete makes every moment worth being his muse.
Setting his whiskey on the bar, I lean over and plant a kiss on his lips. Yeah, he still takes it upon himself to meet me here for a drink while I close up and see that I get home safely, but I’m not complaining about my guy being a gentleman.
Since my return from Australia, Jarett and I have settled into a comfortable routine.
“We staying at your place or mine tonight, love?” he asks over his glass.
“Yours, I’m out of coffee.” I chuckle. We only spend a few nights together each week now as opposed to every night. We both agree on taking things slow because so much has changed for each of us in a short amount of time.
“I might have to buy shares in coffee pods, love. I’ve never known anyone to consume coffee the way you do.” He laughs, shaking his head.
Throwing him a smile over my shoulder as I finish wiping down the bar, I know there’s nothing he won’t do for me. Once I let go of the fear and false belief that I can only have a career or a man in my life, my days are blessed with happiness, friendship, and laughter again.
And love.
I am unequivocally in love with Jarett Evans, secret billionaire and art extraordinaire. He is my person, and I refuse to consider what my life will look like as I near the end of my contract with Lugreno. I choose to believe fate has us covered, and we’ll get through any obstacles together.
Half an hour later, I’m locking up, and Jarett helps drag me up the stairs. I recently started back at the gym, and my spin instructor is an evil bitch. My legs are so tight, I wince with each step I take, but I won’t miss a class for anything. Besides needing to work through the pain, I have come to enjoy seeing a special group of ladies regularly.
Life in London is made for me. The summer nights are beautiful, a vast contrast to when I first arrived. I especially love that we commute most places on foot or a short trip on the subway where necessary.
“Let’s get you home and into bed, love.” Jarett laughs at my pained grin and wraps his arms around my shoulders.
JARETT
“I was starting to think you weren’t going to make it,” Sophia greets us both with a peck on the cheek. Stunning as always in her evening gown and perfectly styled updo, I’m positive she lives for these gala events. Me, I can do without them, but she’s a warrior at heart, and I will always support her.
“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” I tell her and shake Roman’s hand once he’s finished greeting my woman.
Kassidy and Sophia exchange pleasantries and compliments as I chat with Roman and scope out the ballroom. For years now, Sophia has been a huge advocate of human trafficking, and she runs an annual charity auction to raise funds for the foundation she personally funded.
A waitress swings past and offers a flute of bubbly. “Thank you,” Kassidy swoons, taking a glass for her and Sophia while Roman and I both glance over at the bar.
“Why don’t we go get us some real drinks, bro?”
Nodding, Roman starts on his way before I can let go of Kassidy’s hand.
“A few whiskeys to get us through the auction, and we can escape before the dancing begins, yeah?”
I glance over at him as we brush through the crowd. “Unfortunately for me, I think Kassidy will want to stay and support our sister through to the end.”
Roman chuckles. “Pussy-whipped fucker.”
As we approach the ladies with our tumblers of whiskey, I spot Gabe Lugreno. “The fuck is he doing here?”
“I never did get much detail from Sophia as to how he ended up as her date for her birthday. Did you?” Roman’s question reminds me of the night which could have ruined everything for Kassidy and me.
“No, I had more pressing matters to deal with following that night.”
Kassidy is speaking with Gabe as we join them. “I didn't realize you were in town. Are we set to start on the contract?”
Gabe’s eyes flicker to mine, and I nod in acknowledgment, lacing my arm around Kassidy’s waist. Sophia appears nervous and avoids eye contact with any of us as if she’s busy searching the room for somebody of importance or a valid reason to escape the conversation.
“Ah no, this trip is all pleasure.” Gabe grins and nestles closer to Sophia, his arm around her back, hand positioned protectively on her hip. “We met at this event last year, your sister and I. Seems we have many things in common.”
Seeing my sister with a date is unusual at best. For a woman who spends her life creating perfect matches and setting up dates that often lead to weddings and more, she’s not one for relationships of her own. At least not publicly. But when she smiles up at Gabe, her emotion surprises me. I knock back a sip of whiskey, my gaze narrowing in on the multi-billionaire and his perfect hair, who has an undeniable attraction to my sister. I missed all of this at her birthday.
Clearing my throat, I do my best to remain neutral. “So, you two have been dating for a whole year?” The fact I am in business with this guy, and he’s been banging my sister for fuck knows how long, grates on my nerves.
“Yes,” Gabe answers at the same time Sophia says, “No.”
“Okay, well, this has been lovely. When do the auctions begin, Sophia?” Kassidy chimes in with a change of subject and pinches my ass. I stare down at her tucked into my shoulder, and she returns my gaze with a pointed look.
Not now.
“Yes, I should get a move on. This event won’t run itself. Thank you all for being here.” She smiles, and I’m left wondering what the fuck when she pulls Gabe in for a heated kiss. Seconds later, she floats toward the stage while the four of us are left staring at each other.
“I trust this won’t be awkward for you, Jarett, with us being in business together. Or for you Kassidy,” Gabe turns in her direction.
“You mean the fact you’re fucking my sister?” The words fall from my lips louder than expected, bringing his attention back to me.
A pointed smirk pulls at his lips. “Expect to be seeing a lot more of me.”
Kassidy takes the bait immediately. “Oh, is the timeline moving up on our project?”
He shakes his head back and forth slowly, his eyes never leave mine. “No, this is strictly personal.”
“Sophia’s not the dating type, so whatever you’re thinking, don’t.”
Gabe chuckles as he lifts his glass to his lips and Kassidy places her hand in mine. A subtle reminder to keep myself in check.
“I meet a lot of women on my travels, but none who have affected me like Sophia. She may not realize it yet, but we’re meant to be together.”
Roman and I roar with laughter and Kassidy tenses beside me.
Gabe remains silent, his glare thick with dislike.
“Mark my words… I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine.”
NEXT IN THE SERIES:
My Billionaire Fling: Gabe and Sophia’s Story
(London Nights Book 2)
Click Here
OTHER BOOKS:
UNREQUITED LOVE SERIES
Fail To Fight: A Second Chance At Forever Romance
(Unrequited Love Series Book 1)
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Fail to Love: A Frenemies To Lovers Romance
(Unrequited Love Series Book 2)
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STANDALONES
Twice Unwrapped: A Quickie Christmas Menage
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Crude Possession: Crude Souls MC Book 1
Maci Dillon and Kathleen Kelly
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