Chapter 8

“I take it you didn't like any of the gifts I sent.” He said as he straightened to his full height.

I looked at him without changing my expression. “Like I told you over the phone earlier, I don't want anything from you. Stop sending me gifts.” I said.

Instead of leaving, he took another step toward me, closing the distance between us.

“If you don't want anything from me, then why did you tell me you would need my services for the next two months and that I should be at your beck and call?” He said. “I have been waiting for your call ever since, wondering what it is you actually want from me.”

I instinctively took a step back, putting a little space between us.

“David, if I need you, I'll call you.” I said firmly. “I don't need you right now, and I certainly don't need you showing up at my workplace or sending me worthless gifts. I don't need your kindness, and I have far better things to do with my time.”

I turned to leave, hoping to end the conversation, but before I could take more than a step, he reached out, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me back toward him.

“I know you're still angry about everything that happened in the past, but you can't possibly hate me.” He said, a confident smile spreading across his face. “You loved me too much back then, and you were always fascinated by me. I don't believe you hate me as much as you're pretending to. You are only acting hard to get because you think it will make me want you even more.”

I immediately yanked my hand out of his grip, disgust washing over me.

“I don't give a damn about your stupid ass. I got over you five years ago, and you aren't worth a piece of shit to me.” I snapped. “I'm not Tamara. I don't care about your ridiculous, egocentric nonsense.”

He stared at me in complete disbelief. David Lockwood had probably never imagined that the day would come when I would tell him he meant absolutely nothing to me. Ever since we were children, my entire world had revolved around him. Every decision I made, every dream I had, somehow included him. He knew that, which was probably why he couldn't believe I had truly moved on.

The sound of someone clearing his throat broke the tense silence between us. I turned around and saw a young man standing a few feet away. He was undeniably handsome. Although he couldn't quite compare to David in looks, he had a calm confidence about him that made him stand out.

"Is everything okay?" He asked, his eyes fixed on David with a hard glare that suggested the two of them weren't exactly on good terms.

Before I could think it through, my brain completely stopped working. Acting on pure impulse, I walked straight over to him, wrapped my arms around him, and pressed my lips against his.

"Baby, you didn't tell me you were coming to pick me up." I said.

For a brief second, confusion flashed across his face, but he caught on almost immediately.

"I wanted to surprise my baby. I even planned a surprise dinner for tonight..." He said before pretending to sigh. "Well, I guess I just ruined the surprise."

We both let out awkward laughs, trying our best to make the act look convincing.

When I looked back at David, his face had darkened. His jaw was clenched so tightly that I thought he might crack a tooth. The murderous glare he was directing at the man beside me was enough to make anyone uncomfortable.

"You know David Lockwood?" The young man asked. "I mean, who doesn't? I'm just surprised you know him well enough to be out here arguing with him."

"It's none of your business what I'm discussing with my woman, Andre." David said through gritted teeth.

I blinked, so they knew each other. Judging by the hostility in their eyes, there was clearly bad blood between them.

I folded my arms across my chest and looked directly at David. "Ex-wife," I corrected coldly. "Not your woman."

“And she's my woman now, and that's not going to change.” Andre said before leaning down to kiss my cheek.

David's jaw tightened. His hands curled into fists at his sides, and for a second, I thought he was actually going to throw a punch.

"Come on, honey. Let me take you home." Andre said as he gently guided me away from David. I didn't dare look back until we were a good distance from him.

We walked toward the parking lot in silence. Once I was sure David was nowhere near us, I stopped walking and turned to Andre.

"Thank you so much." I said sincerely. "I really didn't mean to... I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry."

"For using me?" He asked, the corner of his lips lifting into a grin.

I nodded awkwardly.

"You can use me anytime, any day." He said with a chuckle. "Especially if it's against David Lockwood. I'm more than happy to help."

He stretched out his hand. "Andre Andrew." I shook his hand, but my mind was racing.

Holy shit, out of everyone I could have randomly kissed, it had to be David's biggest rival. Andre was one of the most successful businessmen in the city, just like David. The two of them had been rivals for years. They could barely stand being in the same room without trying to outdo or sabotage each other.

I knew exactly who Andre was, but this was the first time we had actually met. David had never taken me to any of his business dinners or corporate events, so our paths had never crossed.

If there was one person guaranteed to get under David's skin, it was Andre. What a perfect way to drive him crazy—standing beside the one man he hated most.

"I mean..." Andre began, rubbing the back of his neck. "We could actually have that dinner I mentioned earlier, if you don't mind."

I smiled apologetically. "I have had a really long day at work. How about another time?" I said. 

"That's fair." He replied with a smile. Before we parted ways, we exchanged phone numbers. He promised to call me later, and after saying goodbye, I headed home.

Later that night, I was sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee in my hands when my phone vibrated.

A message from Andre.

"Do you mind being my plus-one to Mrs. Lockwood's birthday? My mom got an invitation, but she can't make it, so I have to attend in her place."

I didn't even hesitate, I smiled to myself and immediately typed one word.

Yes.