Addicted (The Addicted Series, #1)(37)

I bit my lower lip. Everything April was saying was true. I knew it, and she knew that I knew it. "You're right," I said grudgingly.

April stopped fingering the green number and slipped it onto a hanger before hanging it on one of the clothing racks lining the room. She turned to face me, crossing her arms. "Next time you should listen to me."

I snorted. “You’re not Nostradamus, April. His past was no secret. But he seemed so sincere. So intense. But trust me, if I learned anything, it’s that I’ll always heed that annoying little voice inside my head from here on out.”

April beamed at me. “Good. I'm just relieved that it happened now and not later. I certainly didn't want to see you more hurt than you already are."

A lump was forming in my throat. I wished she would just change the subject. "Gee, thanks, April."

"No problem. Trust me, you’re so much better off without him."

"I think I’m done with relationships for now,” I muttered.

And the distant future, I thought.

“Don’t let him ruin your faith in men, though,” April warned. “There are plenty of good ones out there. You just need to find the right one.”

“For now, my career will be my man — or my pursuit of a career,” I said, grabbing a red dress that had yellow flowers emblazoned on it. Now this was one I could see myself wearing.

“Fair enough—”

“Hey bitches!” chirped a cheery voice. Gabe came walking up and elbowed his way in between us. The always-handsome young man was dressed in skinny jeans and a preppy pink sweater, his hair gelled and slicked to the side. The smell of a fruity cologne wafted to my nose.

“Gabe,” we both greeted in unison.

Gabe reared back when he looked at me, his face twisting in horror. “Sweet Jesus! What happened to you? You look like you were hit by a bus.”

Before I could reply, April supplied, “Her big shot boyfriend cheated on her.”

Gabe let out a gasp and clamped a hand over his mouth, his eyes going wide.

“April!” I protested.

“What? He would’ve found out anyway. You know he was going to hound you like hell to find out what was wrong.”

“More like you would just tell him as soon as you saw him, like now,” I accused.

April shrugged. “Same difference.”

“Don’t worry about me, Vicky,” Gabe assured me, looking extra eager to hear the sensational gossip. “You know your business is safe with me, girl.”

Right, I thought wryly. You’ll have my whole story all over the Channel Seven Evening News.

“So tell me what happened,” Gabe urged eagerly. “I want all the juicy details.”

I groaned inwardly. He’s never going to give up. Thanks, April.

I didn’t want to keep rehashing the experience. It was almost too painful. Luckily for me, or maybe not so lucky, April obliged me.

Gabe clamped a hand on my shoulder, shaking his head with sympathy when April was done with her slightly exaggerated tale of Tyler’s cheating. “I am so sorry, girl. You must feel terrible. That man was sex on legs. Too bad he couldn’t keep it in his pants.”

“Can’t we just change the subject already?” I demanded, tossing aside the red flower dress with exasperation. “I’m never going to get through the day if we don’t.”

Gabe frowned. “Okay. But can I ask a question?”

I sighed. “What?”

“How big is he?”

“Gabe!”

“What? We’re talking about important information here!”

I scowled, wishing he’d just go away.

“Please, Gabe, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t go for men. In fact, I know he doesn’t.”

Gabe raised a stern eyebrow at me. “I’ll have you know, Miss Thing, that I’ve turned a few men in my day.” Gabe crossed his arms. “But really, I do have a serious question.”

I ignored him for as long as I could before I sighed and gave in. "What is it?"

“How is he in the sack?”

I tossed a dress right into Gabe’s face, walking off and refusing to admit to him or anyone else that the sex was amazing.





Chapter 20





Charles





"I'm ready to take Tyler's place when you feel the time is right,” I proudly announced to the CEO of Armex, hardly concealing my excitement. "Just say the word."

I'd stopped by Mr. James Locklin's office to have a talk about my soon-to-be promotion. Rumors were that Tyler’s days were numbered and that I’d be his replacement. I hadn’t been given the official word from Mr. Locklin about it yet, but I had to come across as confident and willing to do the job.

Pride swelled through me as James, who was sitting at a large desk in the center of room, leaned back in his chair to regard me.

"Ah, Mr. Whitmore. As one of my best employees, I’ve always admired your enthusiasm for this company and your willingness to do what's best for our bottom line."

A feeling of dread pressed down upon my chest. The tone in his voice told me something was afoot. There was a BUT coming . . .

I smiled nervously and nodded my head. "Thank you, sir. It's my pleasure. Working for Armex has been a dream come true for me.”