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."

hissed under her breath, tugging at my wrist.

"Not yet. Please, can

Jess snapped, "No."

tried again. "Please, Jess. Let me explain.

"You

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 let him

jumped at the opening. "Yes.

her

he owned it-past glass doors and low music- until we reached a private

and finger foods. I took a plate. I was hungry- and nothing helped me survive emotional drama like

she was being dragged through

you again

both blinked. "Your

rubbing the back of his neck. "Well... technically, it's one of

the

He nodded.

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

guilty. "I didn't have a choice. After that day, I tried reaching out, but it

trick me into coming here? To use my

collections," Brian said quickly. "I really am

humiliated me," Jess hissed. "You let

didn't know me... like I

toward me. "Claire, we're

put. "No,

Jess's eyes narrowed. "Claire_"

"Jess, let's just hear

back into her seat, folding her

but I've been trying to put in a good word. It's getting harder, though because you clearly

like finally, you're asking the

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

my arms. "Then

met in Italy, at

morning,

But the next

for a business meeting with my father. When Jess showed up at the hotel, I was there with him-and I panicked. I pretended not to know

onto him, burning with quiet

that socialite crowd. Doesn't want me seen with women who don't fit a certain mold. I know how

mold?" I repeated,

know, I know. Just... please hear me out. My father's all about appearances. That day was business, not art-and art is my thing, not his. He wants me to fun the family

03 Outl

that life."

went flat. "None of that's my problem. You and

Date whichever

"I know how it sounds. But that's the world