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?”

expect to see you either,” I replied, raising my voice to be heard over the music.

his lips near my ear. “My friend owns the club. I come here sometimes

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39: Blowing Off Steam

another man approached us, clapping Daniel on the shoulder. He was tall, with blond hair and a playful

James,” Daniel introduced. “James,

you!” James grinned, extending

interest. “And this is my friend, Jess,” I added,

with a smile.

James replied, his tone flirtatious. Jess grinned

a

alone with Daniel. He leaned in again, his hand

led the way

uncomfortable.

a muffled sound. Plush seats and dim lighting gave the room a more intimate, relaxed feel.

I get you a drink?” Daniel asked, signaling

thanks. I’m pacing myself tonight.”

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Blowing

down, his expression shifted, becoming

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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 life like Jess, vicariously bold and

did.” He paused, then asked, “I don’t mean to invade

“I simply work for him,” I replied, careful not

asked, raising an eyebrow. “The way he pulled you out of lunch the other day… it looked like more than just

discomfort at his probing questions.

a sly grin. “Possessive. Controlling. Overbearing?”

those words exactly,” I countered, feeling the need

seem to forget that Gabriel and I were once friends. We went to the same

them and why

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

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39: Blowing Off