Obsessed(22)

"How do you know? Do you know how long I've wanted him?" She's almost gasping for air now, her words running shamelessly into each other. Madeline has reached her limit in more ways than one.

I look at Jax who sits motionless in his chair, absorbing every word we're both saying.

"I think you should go for it and call him. Mark loves beautiful women. I do have somewhere I need to be," I say convincingly, even though the only place I have to be is outside the restaurant and away from these two.

"I'm having a meet and greet for Jax at my place on Thursday night." Madeline sits up straighter in her chair. "I'd like you to come and bring a date."

"She can come alone." Jax finally speaks.

"Nonsense." Madeline winks at me. "I bet she's got men lined up to be with her."

I smile. I'm beginning to enjoy this relaxed version of Ms. Veray save for her fascination with my ex.

"No." Jax's tone is more adamant now. "She's obviously still getting over Mark."

"It's time for her to move on," she states. "The past is the past. Who will you bring, Ivy?"

"Brighton." I blurt out.

Jax's jaw drops. Madeline's face radiates.

"Brighton, as in Brighton Beck?" Madeline says, obviously flustered.

"Yes." I stand to leave. "Jax's brother."

"How would you rate him compared to Mark?" Madeline giggles.

"I don't know yet, but soon I'll have more to report." I grin as I lean down to give her a quick hug. "Thank you for lunch, Madeline and for everything. You have no idea how much I've enjoyed this."

"I'll have Teresa call you with the details for Thursday."

"Perfect." I turn to Jax. "See you then."

He nods in response, his expression doing little to veil his anger.





Chapter 10




"This afternoon I may have told Madeline that Brighton was going to be my date for her meet and greet thing for Jax."

Liz bursts out laughing.

"Obviously it wouldn't be a real date." I continue, "You know I'd never run after someone you're interested in."

"Sugar, I'm not interested in Brighton, other than getting the placement."

"Really?" I'm a bit stunned by that admission. "I thought you were all hot and heavy about him."

"It was mostly about his talent. He's not my type." Liz reaches to clear both our plates from the small dinner table on her terrace.

"Do you think he'll go with me?"

"I know he will." Liz motions for me to follow her back inside her apartment. "He's talked about you more than once."

"I'm not interested in him like that though." I sigh as I settle into Liz's overstuffed sofa. "I don't want to lead him on."

Liz hands me a bowl of lemon ice cream for dessert. "He's more interested in himself than anyone else. Just ask him to go with you for Jax's sake."

"Good idea." I smile as I swallow my first taste of the cold treat.

"Did you ever get that letter to Mark?"

"Not yet." I shake my head. "I haven't wanted to call him."

"I don't think you should."

"I don't like talking to him. I know you understand what I mean."

"I do," Liz puts her dish down on the small table next to the chair she's sitting in. "It's been over a week now. It might be important. I can take it and have someone get it to him."

"That's sweet." I smile at her. "But I'll take care of it."

"Do you want some coffee?"

"Coffee would be good." I stand to follow her into the kitchen. "Do you want me to sing your artistic attributes to Brighton if he agrees to go with me to Madeline's?"

"Pretty please, yes." A huge grin takes over her face. "I can't believe he's still undecided."

"He's an artist," I tease. "You know how they can be."

"Funny." She pushes a hot cup of coffee towards me. "Now tell me what you're going to wear to make Jax seethe with jealousy."

I laugh. "His brother on my arm?"

"The perfect accessory." She winks at me before pouring cream into her mug.



***



"I was so delighted when you called." Brighton smiles as I step out of the elevator into his apartment.

"Thank you for seeing me," I reply as he reaches for my hand to bring to his lips which I've now realized is his signature move.

"You said you had a favor to ask?" He leads me into the main room, motioning for me to sit on a leather couch.

"I do, yes." I sit down, carefully adjusting my red pencil skirt to ensure its covering everything I want it to cover.

"Can I get you anything? Coffee, tea, or something stronger?"