“Well, the invitation has been revoked. Now leave,” I say from between clenched teeth.

“Babe, what’s the matter?” she has the nerve to ask, wrapping a hand around my nape and attempting to draw me close.

I stand my ground and pull away from her because she has clearly lost her mind. “Juliet, I have no idea what game you’re playing, but you need to leave immediately. These are my work colleagues. You can’t be here, and you most certainly can’t be spreading vile rumors.”

“Rumors?” Juliet challenges, brushing back her hair. “Rumors would imply a false story. But we both know what you’ve been up to. I believe what I told your little admirer was indeed fact.”

Internally counting to five, I sneer, “What do you want?”

Juliet laughs, and the sound which once made me smile now makes me want to hurl.

“I want things to go back to the way they were. I’m not asking for a commitment, Dixon, I just want you to worship me the way you did before,” she reveals, stepping forward and cupping my balls. “I miss you. No one can make me come the way you do.”

“Stop it,” I scold, stepping out of her hold and looking from left to right to ensure no one saw.

Juliet smirks, and I know she has the power to break me. But what she’s proposing, I would rather be exposed for the pervert that I am than be held prisoner by her scheming snatch.

“No,” I say firmly.

“Why not? Did you get engaged or something while I was away?”

Her comment inspires me to answer truthfully. “Actually, yes, I met someone,” I confess, while Juliet pales.

“Who is she? Your little sleepover buddy?”

“Someone you will never know,” I say, taking great pleasure in seeing her seethe.

“I knew it,” she says, her red lips dipping into a tight frown. “What’s her name? I want to know the name of my conqueror.”

“Madison,” I reply, unable to stop myself. How I wish it were true.

When Juliet’s eyes narrow into mere slits, I almost hold my junk, afraid she’s going to take her anger out on my balls.

“Well, good luck to you. All the Madisons I know are boring as batshit,” she says with bite. “Maybe I’ll book an appointment to see you. We can reminisce about the good old days.”

“No,” I reply, wishing she’d leave, as her presence here is dangerous.

What if Madison is planning to attend tonight’s proceedings with Max? If she saw me and Juliet together, she’d know something was up. I never want to be seen in Juliet’s company ever again.

“I must have been absolutely insane to sleep with someone like you,” I state, prowling forward, while Juliet pulls back, hurt. “I was happy to leave things amicable, or at least civil, but you turning up here is completely unacceptable.”

This is the second time I have actually seen any humanity in Juliet, and I intend to take full advantage of it.

“You were just a fuck, Juliet—one I sincerely regret. So if you have any pride, you’ll leave with your head held high, and leave me the fuck alone. Do not call me, message me, or turn up unannounced. You got it? We’re done.”

Her confidence diminishes and her poise is replaced with fury. “You’ll be back, and when you do, you’ll be begging for a second chance.”

“No, I really won’t,” I state, shaking my head. “Goodbye, Juliet. I so hope our paths don’t ever cross again.”

For once, Juliet Harte is speechless, and it’s a sight I’ll never forget.

28

Maybe in Another Lifetime

DIXON

Golf on a Saturday morning is as pretentious as it sounds, but it’s my one and only chance to talk to Chad and bond over hitting a small ball into a hole. After last night, however, I don’t want to think about any balls going into any holes.

With that thought in mind, I decide to steer clear of Rebecca the man-eater, and play the quickest round of golf—ever.

Sadly, my plans of a short game turned to shit when she decided she wanted to learn how to play. Eighteen holes never looked so daunting.

Thankfully, she has gone upstairs to change for lunch, and probably to fuck to the caddy. Her promiscuity, however, has left me alone with Chad. We haven’t had a chance to discuss politics, and now that the piranha is gone, it’s all business.

We’re sitting in the club restaurant, surrounded by rich snobs who have way too much money and time on their hands. If it weren’t for my curiosity and scotch, I would be upstairs watching ESPN.

“So, Dixon, I’ve been thinking about your research.”

I casually nod while taking a bite of my club sandwich.

“When you’re finished with it, I would be happy to present it to the board on your behalf, and maybe sway them into backing your findings. Their support opens up many doors for you. You don’t have to only practice, you could teach, and being a recognized, board-endorsed doctor really looks good on the résumé,” he says with a wink. “I know you’ve worked hard to get where you are, but something like this moves you from amateur to pro in months. Next year,” he leans close, cupping his mouth, “it’ll be your name they’re calling out as the winner of the award.”

Chad is the devil, and I want in.

“Thank you, Chad. Your faith in me is something I don’t take lightly. This offer is really too much, but I would be a fool to decline. Thank you again,” I say, trying to remain composed.

Chad waves me off. “Thank yourself, Dr. Mathews. No one got you here but you alone. You should be proud of yourself.”

I smile, as his comment means a lot. “Regardless, I appreciate your support. If I can do anything to return the favor, please let me know.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” he replies with a chuckle as he takes a sip of water.

Sadly, our pleasant conversation is interrupted by Rebecca. “Miss me, boys?” she says, and I nod with a stiff upper lip.

“Always,” Chad gushes.

“Muffin, your cell was constantly ringing when I was upstairs. I didn’t bring it down here as I knew you boys were probably catching up.”

“Oh?” Chad says, scratching his chin. “I wonder who that could be. All my colleagues are either here, or know I’m indisposed for the weekend.”

“Maybe it’s your ex-wife,” Rebecca sneers, cocking a daring brow.

“Now, darling,” he counters, but Rebecca blows him off by snapping open her compact and applying a coat of lipstick.

Chad sighs and looks to me for help, but I merely shrug, as he’s totally alone on this.

“I’d best see who that was,” he says after a moment of silence. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Before I can scream “take me with you” he’s off, leaving me alone with the gold digger.

The moment he’s gone, she shifts closer and runs a fingernail down my arm. “So…”

“So,” I parrot, moving my arm, as I’m surrounded by colleagues.

“Thought about my offer?” she asks, not at all discouraged by my rejection.

“There’s nothing to think about. The answer is, and always will be, no.”

When she makes an attempt to touch my leg under the table, I grab her wrist and push her hand away. “Stop it, Rebecca. I’m not interested. You are engaged to my friend, someone I respect, and your behavior is completely unacceptable.”

“If you don’t fuck me, I’ll tell Chad you came onto me,” she suddenly unveils, and I pull back, stunned.

“You can’t be serious?” I shake my head, but I knew she would use this tactic sooner or later.

“I’m very serious,” she affirms, her gray eyes widening. “All I want is one night, and then I’ll leave you alone. If not, well, Chad might not be so willing to help you out.”