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."

her breath, tugging at my wrist. "Can we go

pleaded, "Not yet. Please, can we maybe... talk

Jess snapped, "No."

"Please, Jess. Let me explain. I never

"You

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

the opening.

her eyes.

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

was hungry- and nothing helped me survive emotional

though, looked like she was being dragged through a

I'd see you again after Italy.

both blinked. "Your

of his neck. "Well... technically, it's one of my dad's lofts. But yeah, I

the one organizing this

He nodded.

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

"I didn't have a choice. After that day,

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

not 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 just

let me

didn't know me...

spinning toward me.

put.

Jess's eyes narrowed. "Claire_"

raised a hand to stop her. "Jess, let's just hear him out first. Sit

but sank back into her seat, folding her arms

turned to Brian. "I don't really know you, but I've been trying to put in a good word. It's getting harder, though because you clearly hurt my friend. She's never this

glare, like finally, you're asking the

me. "What happened... I made

my

on his thighs. "We met in Italy, at a club.

morning,

together. But

to leave for a business meeting with my father. When Jess showed up at the hotel, I

locked onto him, burning with

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

frowned. "A certain mold?"

was business, not art-and art is my thing,

03 Outl

that life."

of that's my

Date whichever heiress he picks

it sounds. But that's the world