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?”

raising my voice to be heard over the music.

his lips near my ear. “My friend owns the

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Blowing

clapping Daniel on the shoulder. He was tall, with blond hair and

is James,” Daniel introduced. “James, this

James grinned, extending

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

with a smile.

replied, his tone flirtatious. Jess grinned back, clearly enjoying

flashed him a coy smile.

time, Jess and James were deep in conversation, leaving me alone with Daniel. He leaned in again, his hand brushing

Daniel led the way through the crowd. His hand rested lightly on the small of my back, making me feel

uncomfortable.

VVIP lounge was quieter, and the noise of the club was reduced to a muffled sound. Plush seats and dim lighting gave the room a more intimate, relaxed

drink?” Daniel asked, signaling to

thanks. I’m pacing myself

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39: Blowing Off

As we sat down, his expression shifted, becoming more serious. “So,” he began, “do you come here

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wondering how things were going with Jess and James. I wasn’t surprised to see them fully engrossed in each other. Jess always found it easy to connect

mean to invade your personal life, but I have to ask–what’s your relationship with Gabriel,

body tensed at the mention of Gabriel. “I simply work for him,” I replied, careful not to give anything personal away.

you out of lunch the

to suppress my discomfort at his probing questions. “Gabriel

in wearing a sly

going to use those words exactly,” I countered, feeling the need to defend

and I were once friends. We

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

his expression shifted again, softening. “But tonight’s not about

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39: Blowing Off