The Ex Files (Ocean View #1)(59)

“I’m sorry, are you not Cassie’s father?”

“I am.” He sounds peeved by it like he’s annoyed to be reminded.

“I’m dating your daughter.” His frank words shut my father up, a feat I didn’t know was possible. “It’s serious. She wouldn’t bring me if it wasn’t. I hope you understand what I’m saying.” How he couldn’t figure that out, I don’t know, but my dad likes to hear and see what he wants to. “Now, is there a seat for us at this dinner? Otherwise, I’d be happy to take your only daughter to a fine restaurant befitting her gorgeous outfit.” A chill runs from my head to my toes.

It feels good. Having him here. Defending my honor. Having someone on my side.

“Uh, well. Yes. Of course. Clearly, there was a, uh. Mix-up. Right, Veronica?” He turns to my almost new step mommy, and she nods, looking flustered but also, possibly just a tiny bit, intrigued, like she’s wondering if maybe she can get with Luke instead of my dad before tomorrow morning. God, maybe he finally found his match.

“Great, looking forward to it.” And then we follow them in, and even though we’re placed at a dingy, dark table in the corner, I feel like we won.





When we walk back into the room, I’m feeling good.

The entire night was great, to my utter shock and delight. We were seated with the other misfits: people who were at the dinner because of work or family, people who might not have been happy about being forced to attend.

We talked and commiserated, ate and drank, and laughed. Shockingly enough, one of the couples lives not far from my apartment, and just like that day with Jordan, the woman, Sophie, asked for my number to meet up for drinks once we’re back home. It’s strange, meeting people and making plans after having my protective shield up for all of those years. Yet, for weeks now, it’s laid in tatters at my feet.

But most of all, I spent my night sitting next to the handsome Luke Dawson, every female—and a few male—eye on him, burning with interest and jealousy. Cousins that have frowned or scoffed at me as I walked past for years, who whispered under their breath about my looks, about my clothes, about the fact I don’t belong, came to our table, giving me smiling air kisses before requesting an introduction.

And each time, Luke passed with flying colors, smiling and keeping an arm tight around me. Calling me his girl, both outright to whoever asked and with his body language. Regardless of the expensive beauty filling the room, I never once found his eyes anywhere but on me.

And now we’re headed back to the room, and I’m light, not because of the two drinks I had but because of the relief. Relief for the first night being over, the first task, and the fact that, at least this once, I won. I didn’t let them get to me.

And I only have Luke to thank for it.





Twenty-Six





-Cassie-





“Tell me that’s from your sister’s wedding,” I say with a smile, remembering the application photo of the well-groomed version of him which looks curiously close to this version. He’s delicious in the perfectly tailored black tux, each edge hugging his broad shoulders and slim waist. Even his shoes are a surprise, with handsome, shiny wingtips I know will make a clicking sound to mimic my heels when he walks down the marble hallway.

“Last time I wore it was to Q’s wedding.”

“It still fits?” I ask with a smile. While the outfit hugs him, it’s not too tight. And from those photos, in the years since Quinn’s wedding, he’s definitely filled out, gotten stronger and more muscular. With my question, he blushes an adorable shade of pink, making him look boyish in his man’s suit, his dimple poking out.

“My mom helped me get it tailored.”

“Your mom!?” I let out a huge laugh, and God, it feels good. It feels good to laugh when my stomach is in knots.

“I told her we were coming here, and she told me I might need to get it fixed. This jacket was… not a good look. She took me to ‘her guy,’ and he fixed it for me. I picked it up last minute, right before I came to get you.”

“Your mom has a guy?”

“She goes to a lot of fancy events with my dad. And she and my sisters like nice things. I told you that. We just don’t—” He looks around the room, taking in the lavish details, gold and marble and velvet. “Flaunt it.” I smile, knowing what he means.

“So you really are a momma’s boy, huh?” I move a hand to the tie to straighten it.

“You’ve met my mom. Seen how she fusses over me. Imagine that times ten as a kid. I’m the youngest and the only boy. Double whammy. Quinn and Tara hated it growing up.”

“And she also makes sure your clothes are perfectly tailored?” I tease.

“Oh yeah. She also likes to drop me off cookies occasionally.”

“Well, thank her for me. You look absolutely handsome.”

“You can thank her yourself when you see her next.” The rock in my stomach has returned.

“Luke…”

“Not now. We’re not having this talk now, but soon.” I sigh, but it’s not worth the argument. “Now step back, let me see you,” he says, moving his hand from my waist, and I do as he asks, self-consciously allowing his eyes to roam my body.