Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 39: Blowing Off Steam

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The bass pounded through the club, shaking the floor beneath me, as neon lights painted the crowd in vibrant colours. Jess leaned in, shouting over the deafening music, “I can’t believe you have to work with that bitch Nicole!”

I rolled my eyes, the tequila shot I’d just taken warming me from the inside. “I can’t believe it either,” I replied, scanning the packed club. Jess had suggested we come to Club Fire to blow off some steam. It was nice, but nothing like the exclusive billionaire’s club.

“Here, another round!” Jess shoved two more tequila shots toward me.

I shook my head and pushed them back. “No more for now.”

“Don’t ruin the night,” she pouted, trying to persuade me.

“I won’t, promise,” I reassured her. “I just don’t want to get drunk too early. The night’s still young.”

Tonight, I wasn’t looking to get wasted. I wanted to get tipsy–just enough to make me feel bold–but I needed to stay sober enough to make smart decisions. I needed to choose a man who would help me forget Gabriel… and Adrian. I wanted to be done with the Storm men, but my heart hadn’t gotten the memo. It still raced for Gabriel, and Adrian wouldn’t stop calling and texting. He had the audacity to leave countless messages asking why I hadn’t shown up at his restaurant. He thought I was a fool, and I wouldn’t find out about him and Nicole still seeing each other.

“I’m thinking maybe working with Nicole isn’t so bad…” Jess shouted over the loud music, interrupting my thoughts.

I glared at her. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

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Chapter 39: Blowing Off Steam

“Well, you wanted closure with Adrian. Now you’ve got a chance to get close to Nicole. You could go through her phone and maybe find out more about their relationship. See if he’s still talking to her.”

“Jess, I saw them together at his restaurant. That’s all the closure I need.”

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“You said they were just talking, though. Maybe that’s all It was,” she shrugged. “But working with Nicole could give you clarity. Adrian still wants you back, and honestly, It doesn’t seem like you’re over him.”

“I’m done with Adrian,” I insisted, though doubt lingered in my tone. “Let’s not talk about Adrian, Nicole, or Gabriel tonight. I just want to have fun.” To punctuate my point, I downed another shot, the fiery burn of tequila grounding me.

“Now that, I support!” Jess cheered, throwing back two shots of her own before grabbing my arm and dragging me toward the dance floor.

We danced, losing ourselves in the music, letting the thumping rhythm drown out everything else. For a moment, I was free–until I spun around and bumped into someone, nearly losing my balance.

“Oh my God, I’m sorry!” I gasped, looking up. My eyes widened when I recognized him–Daniel. From the conference.

town.”

“Clairessa?” He seemed just as surprised as I was. “What are you doing here?”

didn’t expect to see you either,” I replied, raising my voice to be heard

near my ear. “My friend owns

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Blowing Off

He was tall, with

introduced. “James, this is Clairessa.”

James

James with interest. “And this is my friend, Jess,”

with a smile.

James replied, his tone flirtatious. Jess

flashed him a coy smile. “Likewise.”

and James were deep in conversation, leaving me alone with Daniel. He leaned in again, his hand brushing my arm. “Why don’t we head

she was fully absorbed in James’s charm. “Sure,” I agreed, and Daniel led the way through

uncomfortable.

noise of the club was reduced to a muffled sound. Plush seats and dim

drink?” Daniel

thanks. I’m pacing

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39: Blowing Off

ordering a whiskey for himself. As we sat down, his expression shifted, becoming more

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going with Jess and James. I wasn’t surprised to see them fully engrossed in each other. Jess always found it easy to connect with guys, unlike me, who was hardly attracted to anyone. Sometimes, I wondered what it would feel like to live

smile softened. “I’m glad she did.” He paused, then asked, “I don’t mean to invade your personal life, but I have to ask–what’s your relationship with Gabriel,

simply work for him,”

he pulled you out of lunch the other day… it looked like more than just work.”

to suppress my discomfort at

cut in wearing a sly grin. “Possessive. Controlling. Overbearing?”

to use those words exactly,” I

and I were once friends. We went to the

obvious rift between them and why Gabriel had been so angry about me having lunch

his expression shifted again, softening. “But tonight’s not about Gabriel. It’s about you and

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39: Blowing