Faking Forever (First Wives #4)(59)

“Now that she and Victor are speaking again, it’s only a matter of time before they patch up this little dip in the road. When they do, you’ll be the first to hear that your efforts to break them up were in vain.” Beverly tapped the toe of her foot against one of the boxes on the floor. “I hope you don’t plan on going into business for yourself again. I’m sure my daughter and Victor will shut you down the second you think of opening shop. And if they don’t . . . I will.”

Every muscle in Shannon’s body tensed. How much of what she was hearing was truth or fabrication?

“Thank you for the warning, Beverly. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Shannon indicated the door.

“I’m watching you.”

“Is that meant as a threat?”

Beverly lifted one corner of her lips. “If it was a threat, my dear, you’d know it.”

And with that, the woman left.



Victor relinquished the keys to his car to the pimple-nosed kid driving the valet at the high-rise condominium complex in downtown Los Angeles.

Through the glass doors, he was told to tell the doorman he was a guest of the Barnums, not that Victor knew Reed and Lori, but those were the names that Liam told Victor to drop.

James, the doorman, escorted him to the elevators and used a special key to buzz Victor to the requested floor.

His palms were sweaty; his heart was more active than normal. Shannon was only a few feet away.

He hesitated at the door, brushed his hands against his jacket, and knocked. He glanced at his watch: 6:53. He was early.

So why was there so much noise behind the door?

He knocked again.

The door swung open to a tall blonde wearing a pencil skirt and blouse. She paused and then broke into a grin. “You must be Victor!”

He offered a single nod. “I am.”

Her grin grew. “I’m Lori. Come in.” She ushered him through the door.

Inside, several people he didn’t know mingled. “Thank you for having me.”

“My pleasure. Let me introduce you to . . .”

Victor grazed the room with his eyes and found her.

She wore white. A jumpsuit. Her back was to him as she stood beside a baby grand piano and looked out over the city. The back of the outfit dipped low, giving everyone a glimpse of her slender waistline, hips, and Tulum tan. Her hair was up in a messy bun, and her long, sleek neck had him sucking in a breath.

Since when did necks turn him on?

She was laughing at something someone next to her was saying when her animated features slowly turned his way.

Her playful grin faded and surprise took over.

Voices in the room faded with her smile. They didn’t really, but Victor tuned out whatever Lori was saying and just stared.

Good Lord, she was stunning. Poised and elegant.

She said something briefly to whomever it was she was talking to and started walking his way.

“. . . my husband, Reed.”

Victor heard part of what Lori said as the man at her side reached out to shake Victor’s hand.

“I’m sorry . . . what was your name again?”

“Reed,” he said, a slight laugh on his lips.

Victor gripped the man’s palm. “Right.”

Shannon stepped up beside them, the scent of her perfume made sweeter by the woman wearing it. “Victor. What a surprise.”

He turned to her, wanted to kiss her hello, and settled with leaning in and placing his lips on the side of her face. “You’re gorgeous,” he whispered in her ear.

“What are you doing here?” she whispered in his.

“Victor! You came.” Avery swept in, dressed in hot pink with a skirt that didn’t reach her knees. It matched her blonde hair and bubbly personality.

Shannon stepped back. “I see.”

He greeted Avery much the same way he did Shannon. “You look much better than the last time we saw each other.”

“Don’t remind me.” She turned to the man standing next to her. He had to be twice her size, bulky, but not from too many burgers, probably hard work or maybe a few too many hours at the gym. Hard to tell with the dress coat he wore. “This is my husband, Liam.”

They shook hands. “You’re the one who called me.” Victor made sure he said it loud enough for Shannon to catch.

“I am. So glad you could make it.”

Avery flashed her teeth with a cheeky grin. “Look who’s here, Shannon.”

“I can see that. You should have told me you invited him.”

Avery squished her smile. “Oh, hell, no. It’s much more fun this way.”

Those who stood close enough to hear her words started to laugh.

Shannon turned to him. “Then you should have told me.”

Victor shrugged. “It’s only day fifty-six, and you gave me direct instructions to avoid calling you. I’m doing my best to stay within the parameters of our agreement.”

Shannon narrowed her smiling eyes.

“You’re counting the days?” Avery asked, laughing.

Victor pointed at Shannon. “She started it.”

“Oh, God, that’s rich.”

Reed caught his attention. “What are you drinking, Victor?”



He cleaned up really well.

And what was he wearing? Every time Victor was close by, the scent of the man lingered in her brain like a fog over the shoreline. She couldn’t get enough.