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."

breath, tugging at my wrist. "Can we

"Not yet. Please, can

Jess snapped, "No."

tried again. "Please, Jess. Let me explain. I never

bit back, "You had your

don't even know

the opening.

rolled her eyes.

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

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

looked like she was being dragged through

I'd see you again after Italy.

blinked. "Your loft?" I

it's one of

the one organizing

He nodded.

me to this party, saying he'd introduce me to some supposed investor to sell my art-this whole thing

choice. After that day, I tried

to trick me into coming here? To use my

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

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

didn't know

stood abruptly, spinning toward me. "Claire, we're

stayed put. "No, we're

Jess's eyes narrowed. "Claire_"

stop her. "Jess, let's just

back into her seat,

trying to put in a good word. It's getting harder, though because you

like finally, you're asking

glanced at her, then back at me. "What happened...

my arms. "Then

his thighs. "We met in

morning,

together. But

father. When Jess showed up at

him, burning with quiet

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

"A certain mold?" I repeated, disbelief creeping

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 company, but

03 Outl

that life."

of that's my problem. You and your dad

whichever heiress he picks

it sounds.