Chapter 43
Finnegan handed Whitney’s design over to the team, but couldn’t take his eyes off her. Whitney felt his stare but played it cool, answering questions from the group like nothing was up.
“So what’s the verdict, folks?” Finnegan chimed in once the chatter simmered down. Everyone was all smiles, totally digging the design.
“Looks like we’ve got a winner,” Finnegan declared. “Let’s get moving on this, team.”
Whitney figured that was a wrap, but Finnegan hung around, giving her the hint she had to stick it out too.
Just then, Finnegan said, “Whitney, since our cooperation went so smoothly this time, and everyone has worked hard for so long, how about a dinner on me? We all deserve a little break.”
He locked eyes with Whitney, who didn’t look away this time. If it wasn’t for her brother Hayden, Finnegan’s intense vibe would totally weird her out. But Hayden gave Finnegan the thumbs–up, so Whitney labeled him a “good guy.”
“If you’re footing the bill, then we’re in! Let’s chow down to make it worth his while,” Whitney joked.
Hearing Whitney’s words, the surrounding people followed suit. Finnegan smiled and said, “Sure, eat your hearts out.”
Thus, the group of people went to the fanciest joint in town. Of course, this crowd had their own reputation, so they weren’t about to make Finnegan regret his offer.
“Grab a seat by me, Whitney. We’re the project’s leaders. Makes sense to stick together,” Finnegan said, smooth as ever, pulling out a chair for her. Whitney took the seat with a quick “thanks.”
At these kinds of dinners, you couldn’t skip the toasts and booze. Whitney was totally cool with it, going shot for shot with Finnegan. A couple of drinks? She could handle that with her eyes closed.
“You’re quite the party animal underneath that classy look, aren’t you? Finnegan teased. He held back from topping off her glass, though.
Whitney just grinned and munched on something to calm the fire in her belly.
Finnegan leaned in real close. “Don’t overdo it with the drinks,” he whispered, then went back to his dinner chatter like nothing happened. That little tip made Whitney feel unexpectedly cared for. She wouldn’t have pegged Finnegan for the thoughtful type.
Mid–meal, Whitney hit the ladies” room to freshen up her makeup. On her way out, some dude crashed into her and snagged her wrist.
With a hand on her arm like a lump of dough, this guy shouted, “Hey there, pretty lady. All alone? Let me keep you company,” as he tried to pull Whitney in for a hug. She dodged, but he wouldn’t let go of her hand.
Whitney scowled at the greasy, middle–aged cliché of a man trying to grab her. Potbelly, thinning hair, his whole vibe just screamed “yuck.” Just as Whitney was about to kick him to the curb, the guy yanked her into a private room.
She stumbled into a cold stare from a dude she knew too well. It was her ex, the one and only–hurt her bad and left her mad. And here she was, caught by Mr. Sleazy Hands in her ex’s private room.
“Come on, give me a kiss, and I’ll make it worth your while,” the greaseball panted, puckering up.
hitney wanted to slap his porky face in that instance. But Whitney’s attention was snapped away by a frosty glare that made her skin crawl
“Well, well, look how low you’ve gone. Business must be good when you’re wheeling and dealing this way. Thought you were better than that,” her ex, Thiago, sneered, chugging down his drink and looking away, as if Whitney was something dirty.
Boiling inside, Whitney thinks, ‘You arrogant jerk!‘ She decides to play it up.
“Oh Mr. Lewis, did you hear that? Such mean words! I’m so scared,” Whitney purred, clinging to the sleazeball.
“No worries, darling. I’ll take care of anyone who bothers you. But first, how about that kiss?” the guy rasped, leaning in.
Whitney popped a finger on his chin and pushed him off. “Mr. Lewis, there’s a crowd. Let’s take this back to our table.” And off they went, leaving Thiago with nothing but the sight of her back.
As Whitney walked away, Thiago’s mood sank even lower. He couldn’t figure out why he felt so messed up. He did not expect Whitney to be so determined to divorce him that she would rather be a hostess.
‘What’s missing here? Okay, I got her wrong, but who doesn’t make mistakes? Besides, the truth is out now. Why is she still acting like that? I thought she’d miss being a Mackenzie. What’s her problem?‘ he stewed, pouring another strong one.
Steven raised his glass, halfway to a joke. “Man, your ex sure is… something but even he didn’t finish that thought.
“What’s up, Thiago?” came Quincey’s voice from behind, but Thiago just kept on nursing his drink, alone in his thoughts.
