Part 24 (1/2)

”Where to?” Ethan asked as he pulled out of the garage.

We decided on a little cafe close to the clubs. We lucked out and got a parking spot close by and walked inside. Paul put our name down and we sat on the benches and waited. Missy scooted up close to Paul and I saw him roll his eyes then look over at me. I gave him a sympathetic smile as Ethan sat down next to me. I was sitting in the middle of the two men who wanted me, and all I wanted to do was run away.

”Pierce, party of four,” the hostess called out.

We stood and followed her to our table. Missy hung on every word Paul said and even I couldn't help but roll my eyes from time to time. Ethan had a permanent grin on his face, which I suspected was partly because of Missy's domination over Paul and partly because of our new relations.h.i.+p.

We sat and looked over our menus as Missy continued to go on and on about her day. Ethan and Paul were obviously zoning her out and I gave her the polite ”Uh, huh” and ”Oh” from time to time. She didn't seem to notice that no one cared and that made me feel somewhat bad for her.

We gave our orders and sat there, all of us looking anywhere but at the company we were with. Missy had her compact out, checking out her perfect make up job and hair. I felt the tension squeezing the life right out of me. I kept repeating in my head to take it easy, but it wasn't working. Why did I not see this coming when we made the plans? Did I not realize meeting at six o'clock would mean dinner first?

”So, I hear congratulations are in order, you two,” Ethan said out of nowhere.

I jerked my gaze to him, wondering what on earth he was talking about. Paul looked at him too, raising a brow. Ethan started to laugh.

”About Mr. Halliday. It was going all around the office today. That's great news.”

I smiled. ”Oh my gos.h.!.+ I can't believe I didn't tell you, Ethan. Thank you. I honestly didn't expect him to agree to us. It made my day.”

Paul joined in. ”Yeah, man. Thank you. We fought hard and succeeded. Well, Aly did more than anything.” He looked over at me, his eyes filled with admiration. I shook my head.

”You worked hard as well, Paul. I can't take all the credit.”

He started to speak when Missy piped in. ”What happened? You guys win some big account or something?”

I burst out laughing because she sounded so funny. She gave me a look. ”I'm sorry, but no. We don't have accounts per say. A man who fought us building a home for him finally relented and will now let us. It's been something very important to me as I met his daughter and saw the horrible conditions they live in. I'm very relieved.”

Missy listened and nodded. ”Oh, well that's good then.”

Ethan scooted his chair closer to me. ”It's very good. I'm proud of you, Aly.” He set his hand over my knee and squeezed. I looked over to Paul in alarm, but he didn't seem to notice. I needed to relax. I was with Ethan and happy to be, but I had to end it with Paul before I could fully enjoy it.

Our meals finally arrived and dinner continued in the same tense fas.h.i.+on. Once in a while Missy would say something ridiculous and we'd laugh, but overall it was not a relaxing dinner. When we were finally done and the bill arrived, I couldn't be happier.

We piled back into Ethan's car and headed toward the area in town where all the good nightclubs were. The car ride stayed the same as before, quiet or Missy talking about something insignificant. When we reached the street we needed to be on, Ethan announced he'd let us all out to get in line while he found a place to park.

”I can stay with you,” I offered.

”No need,” Paul interjected. ”There's a spot right there, Baker.”

Ethan saw where Paul was pointing and pulled in. ”That was lucky,” he said, putting the car into park. We all got out and headed toward the club that was closest. I turned to look at everyone.

”Is this one okay or should we try another one?”

Missy latched onto Paul's arm. ”This one looks awesome,” she exclaimed.

I smiled and declared this to be the one. We got to the door and the bouncer immediately recognized Paul and waved us in. Sometimes it helps to know the powerful ones.

We found a table and sat down. Both Paul and Ethan looked at me and offered to get me a drink. I sat there, the anxiety creeping in, and didn't say anything.

Missy pouted. ”Um, h.e.l.lo?” she waved. ”I'd love a s.e.x on the beach if either of you two gentleman are offering me something.”

Paul nodded and walked over to the bar. I guess he was letting Ethan take care of me. My heart started beating faster and I began to twirl my hair around my finger.

Ethan smiled and sat down next to me. ”It's okay,” he whispered in my ear. ”Relax. What do you want to drink? Vodka cranberry?”

I nodded and he left to go get it. Missy and I sat there, listening to the music, not saying much. After a few minutes, she looked at me, something like annoyance in her eyes.

”I've always known Ethan has a thing for you, but c'mon, Paul too?”

Shock went through me. ”What do you mean?” I asked lamely.

”Oh don't give me that, Aly. It's so obvious. I've felt it from the first day I was here, but I can't ignore it any longer. He totally wants you and you know it.”

I glanced down to my lap. ”Well,” I said, not continuing.

”Aly,” she said sharply. ”Why didn't you tell me? What is going on with the three of you?”

I let out a sigh and looked to the bar. Paul and Ethan were still there, waiting for the drinks. Of course there were women surrounding them and I just smiled. They both were stunning, no denying it.

”What could I say? That I have two guys that want me and I wanted them both?”

Missy's mouth dropped open at that. ”What? Seriously?”

I nodded. ”I've been in love with Paul the whole time I've worked with him, but he was dating someone until recently. I've known Ethan had feelings for me, but I never did for him. Well, at least I didn't recognize I did until recently.”

Her eyes bulged at that. ”You have feelings for him now too? Wow, girl. You're dealing with some crazy s.h.i.+t here.”

”Yeah, I know. So I'm sorry I didn't say anything, but I've been trying to deal with it and figure things out.” I wasn't about to tell her that Ethan and I were together, until I'd told Paul.

She blew out a breath and sat back. ”Well, it appears to be a tough choice. I mean, look at them both. I must admit, I'm green with jealousy, and I feel really stupid too.”

I shot a look of confusion at her. ”Why?”

She rolled her eyes. ”Have you not seen how much I've been throwing myself at Paul, girl?”

I laughed. ”Oh yeah, that. I've seen it.”

She smiled. ”Yeah, it's obvious he has no interest in me, but a girl can try. I hope I haven't made you upset about it. I just can't help my attraction to the guy, he's so d.a.m.n hot.”

I smiled and shook my head. ”It's fine.”

The guys returned then and sat our drinks down in front of us. They both sat down and inched their chairs closer to me. I sat back doing my best to ignore them, and took a sip of my drink. The alcohol running down my throat felt good and I hoped the relaxation it would bring came soon.

Paul's hand brushed over mine as he leaned over. ”Dance with me,” he whispered in my ear. I immediately looked at Ethan.

”Don't worry about him, baby, just dance with me,” Paul whispered. There was no way I was going to just get up and go dance with Paul without some sort of communication with Ethan. I looked at him again and he nodded.

”It's fine, go on,” he said, giving me a warm smile. I knew that was his way of telling me not to worry about it.

Paul grabbed my hand and we headed for the dance floor. Once there, he swept me into his arms and buried his face in my hair. I cautiously wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling Ethan's gaze on us.