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."

at my wrist. "Can we go

overheard and pleaded, "Not yet. Please, can we maybe...

Jess snapped, "No."

me explain. I never

"You had your

"Jess, I know you're upset-and honestly, I don't even know why, because someone's been pretty tight-lipped about it—but

the opening. "Yes.

her

doors and low music- until we reached a

a plate. I was hungry- and nothing helped me survive emotional drama

she was being dragged through a haunted

never thought I'd see you again after Italy. And

blinked. "Your loft?"

technically, it's one of my dad's lofts.

the one organizing

He nodded.

this party, saying he'd introduce me to some supposed investor to sell my

After that day, I tried reaching out, but it seemed like you

me into coming here? To use my work

all a game. Marco is actually a friend who helps me find good art collections," Brian said quickly. "I really am interested in your art. I just-God, Jess, I

me," Jess hissed. "You let me walk into that

you didn't know me... like I was

spinning toward

put. "No,

Jess's eyes narrowed. "Claire_"

"Jess, let's just hear him out

into her seat, folding her

to put in a good word. It's getting harder,

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

then back at me. "What happened... I made a mistake.

my arms.

"We met in Italy, at a club. Things just clicked.

morning,

But the next

up at the hotel, I was there with him-and I panicked.

locked onto him,

that socialite crowd. Doesn't want me

mold?" I repeated,

business, not art-and art is my thing, not his. He wants me to fun the

03 Outl

that life."

"None of that's my problem.

Date whichever heiress he picks for

sounds. But that's the