CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

PAYTON

––––––––

“Are you joking, oris this for real?”

“It’s real. He invited me and a friend to his party this weekend.”

“And he’s Knox’s brother. A Montgomery. Invited us to his party. At his house.”

I chuckle.

“For the third time, yes.”

“Oh, my god,” Molly says. “Please tell me we’re going. We are going, right?”

I bite the inside of my mouth.

“I don’t know. I said yes, but is it really a good idea?”

“Yes. It’s a very, very good idea,” Molly says, then she’s quiet. “Don’t you want to see Knox outside of work?”

No.

Hell no.

“Nothing is happening between us. We just have chemistry. He’s my client.”

“Which you can explore after a couple of drinks,” she presses. “No one needs to know. Or just flirt and have fun.”

“I can’t. It’s outlined in my contract. I could lose my job.”

“Okay, so what about Atlas?” she asks.

I smile.

“He’s adorable. Funny. Gorgeous. But I thought you might like him.”

“I’m already pregnant with his child, just looking at his images on Instagram.” Molly giggles and I join her. “Who knows, Knox might not even be going. He might have a date. Can we go?”

I don’t date.

Was he lying? Or does he really not date women and only sleep with them? I hate the idea of seeing him with another woman on his arm.

I more than hate it.

My jaw tenses and now I want to know if he will take someone. He wouldn’t dare, would he? Not after what we did together.

He knows I’m invited, so if he turns up with a date, I will be furious.

“Yes. But we have to behave because this is my client,” I say.

“Yes! Oh my god, what am I going to wear? I need to go and shave my bits and put on a face mask,” Molly says, and I swear I can hear her dancing on the spot.

Looks like we are going to one of the Montgomery brothers’ parties.

Words I never thought I’d say.

––––––––

SATURDAY NIGHT ARRIVESslowly. I’ve gone over how this evening could unfold a million different ways.

I hope Knox is here on his own.

I also hope he brings someone.

Being angry at him is a lot safer than wishing he would kiss me. Which I do constantly.

So my plan is to keep a distance. Show indifference. Focus on meeting new people and who knows what other nice men there might be here.

The elevator opens, and we both step out into the lobby of a very impressive penthouse.

“Holy cow,” Molly breathes.

The low-lit room is full of people, but that doesn’t take away from the incredible view in front of us.

Both the inside and outside.

Philly, in all its glory, is on display with the glittering lights of the harbor and city, and a clear dark sky. Inside the décor is a soft black and white with subtle pops of beige and hints of green.

It’s so sophisticated.

Then again, Atlas is a designer.

A few faces turn and I’m immediately conscious that we aren’t exactly in the same social circle as everyone. Or income bracket.

Molly has on a Kate Spade dress she put on her credit card last night. It’s red with a low V-neck and looks super sexy on her.

I opted for something softer.

It’s white and slightly shimmery, with an asymmetrical line and only one shoulder. It was on sale at Ralph Lauren.

These people are draped in real designers. I don’t need to check their labels to know that.

“Ladies.” Atlas walks over to greet us, and Molly draws in a sharp breath.

He does look amazing.

With a powder blue shirt rolled up his arms and a pair of navy pants, he looks every inch the billionaire. Just like his brother.

“Thanks for inviting us,” I say as he kisses my cheek.

I’m not sure he’s even paying attention to me as his eyes drop immediately down to Molly.

“You didn’t tell me you were bringing the most beautiful girl in Philadelphia, Payton.”

I roll my eyes.

Molly smirks and the blush on her cheeks tells me she is not unhappy about the attention.

“Molly Mathews,” she says, holding out her hand.

“Father of your future children,” Atlas says, shaking it.

She giggles and I need pain medication from my eyes rolling so hard.

“Come and meet everyone.” Atlas wraps his arm around Molly and leads us further inside.

Music fills the room, and all the beautiful people have glasses in hand and are chatting animatedly. We came a little later after having a few drinks at a bar nearby. Coming sober was never an option. We needed some liquid courage.

“Wow, you came,” a younger version of Atlas and Knox says as we walk over.

“Levis meet Payton and Molly,” Atlas introduces us.

“My god, how many of you are there?” Molly says and I start to cough.

“More. If you count our cousins, but they aren’t here tonight.” Levis winks.

She’s right, despite my reaction. And it’s like they were all born with charm and good looks.

Sucks to be any other men walking the earth.

A server stops and offers us some drinks. I take a champagne flute and Molly selects vodka.

That’s when I see a table full of gifts.

“Atlas.” I frown, glancing up at him. “Is it your birthday?”

He holds up his hand. “Guilty.”

“Happy birthday. Oh my god, you should have said.” I feel terrible, but then again, what do you buy for a billionaire who likely has everything you could ever desire?

“Don’t,” a deep voice says behind me, and I turn, my heart pounding inside my chest.

“Knox,” I whisper.

“Payton.” His eyes lock with mine as he peers down at me.

The entire universe disappears as our chemistry explodes to life. I could be on the moon for all I know. I’m so lost in his blue eyes.

I hear Molly let out a woah as my eyes roam his gorgeous face and wish that he would pull me into his arms.

“Trust me, you being here is the best gift ever.” Atlas laughs. “Molly, you little hottie, come and help me select some music.”

Knox still hasn’t looked away.

“What does he mean by that?” I ask Knox.

“Don’t ask,” Knox says, and his eyes dip to take in my body. I shudder under his gaze and move my purse in front of me, about to cross my hands in a protective barrier.

“Don’t.” Knox reaches out and stills my movement. “You look beautiful.”

I want to preen under his gaze. After all, I put a lot of effort into looking nice tonight, so he would notice.

Pretending I didn’t care.

I do.

I like this man way too much. I want to stand here all night and just talk to him. I want to dance with him again. I want to ask him a million questions and find out who he is and what he cares about.

Or just kiss him.

I’m not fussy.

I wonder if we have anything in common or if this lust would be doused in one night.

I take in his crisp white shirt and dark jeans, and where our hands are connected, I spot his gold watch.

God damn, it looks sexy against his dark olive skin.

I can’t.

I know what my contract says and I’m sure it’s just as forbidden for him to be involved with the people he works with, but we’ve been dancing around this attraction for weeks.

I’m beginning to think it’s more than just desire.

Did you get me the dress, too? Why?

You know why.

Knox has bought me two outfits which I know cost more than I dare to imagine. Men don’t do that for women they just want to fuck. I’m not imagining it.

And he’s here alone—

“Knox.” A gorgeous petite brunette sidles up beside him and takes hold of his arm.

His eyes drop to hers and there’s no hiding the love and affection within them.

My heart drops and I step back.

“What’s wrong?” He turns away from me to her as if I never existed.

This beautiful woman has his full attention and his touch. His hand slides up her bare arm and her big emotional eyes lift to his.

Love.

They love one another.

Shame blasts through me as I glance around. How could I have been so stupid to think a man like him would be interested and that I could fit into this world?

Knox Montgomery is only interested in fucking me.

I’ve been na?ve to consider there was something between us, and that potentially we could navigate our career restrictions.

Well, that stupid little girl within me just died a quick, painful death.