Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 209: The Set Up

Clairessa's POV

At a closer look, the mystery man was tall and lean, with sun-kissed blond hair that brushed his shoulders and a clean jawline. Striking bone structure-surfer- model attractive.

An effortless charm played across his face, and his eyes brightened the moment they landed on Jess.

He stepped back with practiced ease, meeting both our gazes. "Jess. I thought that was you."

I smiled, slow and knowing. "Yes. It is definitely Jess."

Jess shot me a daggered look that could've sliced the champagne glass in my hand.

I grinned back.

"How do you know my friend?"

He extended a hand, his voice calm and laced with amusement. "I'm Brian. We

met at an art exhibition in Florence. Brief... but memorable."

Jess muttered under her breath, "An experience I'd like to forget."

Brian tilted his head. "Sorry, I missed that?"

"She said she's surprised to see you. That's all," I cut in sweetly, flashing a casual smile.

"I hope it's a good surprise, then." He held out his hand again. "Forgive my manners. I'm Brian."

I shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, Brian. I'm Clairessa-Jess's best friend."

I savored every second. For once, I wasn't the one being blindsided by some smooth-talking guy. Jess-usually so carefree, so untouchable-was the one squirming now. And honestly? It was oddly therapeutic watching her stumble into the kind of messy, tangled encounter she always teased me about.

Brian turned to Jess again. "It's really good to see you again. I'm glad you came."

Jess folded her arms. "Can't say the feeling's mutual."

Okay. Yep. Something definitely happened between them.

Then Brian-still somehow oblivious to the irritation in Jess's tone-added with a

smile as his eyes swept over her, "You look beautiful, by the way."

When Jess didn't respond, he grinned. "You too, Claire."

I took a slow sip of champagne. "Thanks. But honestly, I think my friend here is

the one who looks exceptionally stunning."

Brian laughed, a little too nervously. "You're absolutely right."

tugging at

yet. Please, can we

Jess snapped, "No."

me explain. I never got

back, "You had

in, resting a light hand on Jess's arm. "Jess, I know you're upset-and honestly, I don't even know why, because someone's been pretty tight-lipped about it—but maybe we should just sit down and

at the opening.

rolled her eyes.

the loft like he owned it-past glass doors and low

and finger foods. I took a plate. I was hungry-

though, looked like she was being dragged through

finally broke the silence. "I never thought I'd see you again after Italy. And now, here you are

both blinked. "Your

his neck. "Well... technically, it's one of my dad's

the one organizing this

He nodded.

he'd introduce me to some supposed investor to sell my

After that day, I tried

your brilliant idea was to trick me into coming here? To use my work just to get me

me find good art collections," Brian said quickly. "I really am interested in your art. I just-God, Jess,

let me

you didn't know

abruptly, spinning toward

stayed put.

Jess's eyes narrowed. "Claire_"

let's just hear him out first.

back into her

to Brian. "I don't really know you, but I've been trying to put in a good word. It's getting harder,

shot me a mock glare, like finally, you're asking the right

at me. "What happened... I made a mistake. A big

back, folding my

palms on his thighs. "We met in Italy, at a club. Things just clicked.

morning,

together. But the next

up at the hotel, I was there with

eyes locked onto him, burning with quiet

a coward. My dad-he's old money, part of that socialite crowd. Doesn't want me seen with women who don't fit a certain mold. I know

frowned. "A certain mold?"

hear me out. My father's all about appearances. That day was business, not art-and art is my thing, not his. He

03 Outl

that life."

that's my problem. You and your

Date whichever

it sounds. But that's the world