A Mess of a Man (Cruel & Beautiful #2)(21)

She pats my back. “Don’t worry. I’m a great teacher. And I’ll always have your back.”

We finish up our beers and I tell her I have to hit the pillow. I can barely keep my eyelids from slamming shut on me.

The next day, the phone at work rings nonstop. But a surprise shows up at lunch, in the form of a Cru Café delivery from Trevor, with a note telling me he can’t wait to see me tonight. Just what I need. Shoving all thoughts of our upcoming date aside, I dig into my lunch with a voracious appetite. I’m starved.

After lunch, I start the search process of finding someone new to hire. Checking the calendar for the next week, I make sure everything is completed for our Monday luncheon for two hundred at the aquarium. I call and make the final arrangements. When I notice the time, I realize Trevor will be at the house in less than an hour to pick me up.

My social butterfly of a roommate also has a date, so we cross paths in the living room as we run in from work. After a brief shower, I throw on a sundress and reapply my makeup, then check my hair. Not too bad for the crazy day I had. I finger comb it, going for the messy look, and decide to leave it down tonight. Then I add a touch of gloss to my lips and call it mission accomplished. I grab a small clutch to toss my phone, keys, ID, and some extra cash in just in case, and consider myself ready. When I walk out of my bedroom, Lauren is already in the living room.

“You look great,” she says.

“So do you.” She’s wearing dark skinny jeans, a glittery tank, and strappy stilettos. Her long blond hair is straightened, making her look even taller than her five feet ten inches. “You look like you stepped out of Vogue. So who’s the special guy? I haven’t had the chance to get the scoop.”

She waves her hand, saying, “Please. I barely had time to do my makeup.” She tells me his name before quickly adding, “And he’s just someone I met through work. Nobody special, if you want to know the truth. But someone to have fun and hang out with.”

“At least you don’t have to worry or be on guard. And like I’ve told you a hundred times, you don’t need any makeup. You’re gorgeous without it.”

Two bright spots of pink appear high on her cheeks. Lauren is many things, but she doesn’t handle compliments well. She has no idea how beautiful she is. “I’m actually looking forward to tonight. And I love your dress by the way,” she says, changing the topic.

“Thanks. I have no idea where we’re going so I figured this would suit almost anywhere.”

She nods. “Good choice.”

The doorbell chimes and we look at each other. “I’ll get it,” I say.

Trevor stands on the porch looking more than mildly sexy. He’s wearing a black button down shirt with black pants. There’s something about a guy dressed in solid black that I love.

“Hey Trevor. Come in.”

We all chat a few minutes and then he and I head out the door.

“You look beautiful, Sam, as you always do.”

“Thank you, Trevor.”

“I hope McCrady’s is fine with you.”

“That’s perfect.”

“Great. Shall we?” We get into his car, which is crazy because it’s only about four blocks, but then again, I’d rather not give him any ideas about coming back here. He parks in the parking garage directly across the street from the restaurant.

“How was your week?” Trevor asks.

“Busy.” I explain about the golf tournament and everything else that took place.

He beams. “Sam, that’s so cool. It sounds like you’re connecting with the right people.” We toast each other’s success over a bottle of wine. Dinner couldn’t be better and we chat about everything, but most of it circles back to our respective business enterprises. Trevor seems like a different person, like he’s finally matured into a responsible adult. It’s refreshing to see.

“It’s funny, isn’t it?”

“What?” I ask.

“When we dated before, we hardly ever spoke about our work. And now look at us. I think we’ve changed.”

“Hmm. Maybe so.”

“Well, maybe I’m the one who’s changed. Grown up some. Realized that what I was doing was a little on the ridiculous side,” he says pensively.

He takes in my raised brows.

“Okay.” He lets out a little chuckle. “A major lot on the ridiculous side. I’ll be honest, Sam. I made a lot of mistakes. I don’t know how much you saw, but I wasn’t right. Not to you. You caught me at a bad moment, for sure. But I’ll confess that wasn’t the first. And truth be told, because you deserve to hear it, I slept around while we dated. I got hit on all the time. It’s like when I went out alone, it was a free for all. I was a shit and I know it. And you didn’t deserve that. My apology comes way too late, but you have it nonetheless.”

“Wow.” I expel my breath. I’m not even sure what to think. I had no idea he cheated on me and now here he is, spilling his guts. Has Trevor gone up or down in my do not trust scale? “I honestly don’t know what to say. I’m shocked and disappointed, I suppose.”

“Don’t say anything. At least not tonight. I wanted to come clean with you because I want us to have a fresh start. I don’t pound the liquor like I used to. I’m in control of things now. I realize I have what could be a huge business at stake, not to mention you. I’m not some young idiot running around anymore. I’m sure you don’t believe that, but I think on some business level you can relate to what I’m saying. I have a reputation to uphold, and I don’t mean the kind with women. I really do want to start on a clean slate with you.”