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

yet. Please, can we maybe... talk

Jess snapped, "No."

Let me explain.

"You

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

the opening. "Yes.

her eyes.

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

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

though, looked like she was being dragged through a

never thought I'd see you again after Italy. And now, here you are

both blinked. "Your loft?" I

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

the one organizing

He nodded.

introduce me to

have a choice. After that day, I tried reaching out, but it seemed

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

actually a friend who helps me find good art collections," Brian said quickly. "I really

"You let me walk into that

didn't know me... like

toward me.

stayed put. "No, we're

Jess's eyes narrowed. "Claire_"

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

back into her seat,

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

a mock glare, like finally, you're asking

glanced at her, then back at me. "What happened... I made a mistake. A big

leaned back, folding my

his thighs. "We met in Italy,

morning,

But

at the hotel, I

onto him, burning with quiet

Doesn't want me seen with women who don't

mold?"

not art-and

03 Outl

that life."

that's my problem. You and your

Date whichever heiress

know how it sounds.