Perfect Bastard (by Mary D. Sant) novel Chapter 36

ELLIE

Traffic was a mess as I drove to meet Zara for lunch on Thursday.

Why does my life feel like such a mess? I have a great job that I actually enjoy, real friends who care about me, and I even managed to sort things out with

my ex.

I’m finally getting over him and moving on. My life isn’t actually a mess–maybe it’s just my feelings.

But I refuse to admit that Ethan is the reason behind this confusion. I’ll admit that he’s been taking up too much space in my thoughts–and even in my

dreams–but that’s just desire.

I can acknowledge my desire. My entire body craves him, heating up just at the memory of what he can do to me.

Now, I can barely close my eyes at night without picturing his perfect face between my legs. Those brown eyes staring up at me, those lips on me.

Hell! I was already wet just thinking about him.

Why do I feel so conflicted when I know Ethan isn’t the right kind of man for me?

Whatever his reasons are, he doesn’t want a relationship–and that’s exactly what I do.

There’s no hope here, and I need to forget about him. I can’t let my actions be guided by desire.

And as if everything that’s happened wasn’t already enough, we’ll have to spend an entire week together–if he agrees to come on this trip.

I was hoping he’d say no. And if he agreed, maybe I’d have to come up with an excuse not to go.

The car behind me started honking, pulling me out of my thoughts and making me realize the light had turned green.

I parked near the restaurant where Zara was waiting for me. It was easy to spot her when I walked in–her red hair stood out anywhere.

“Hey! Traffic is a nightmare,” I grumbled, approaching the table where she was sitting.

I kissed her cheek before taking my seat.

“Hey! How are you?” she asked, narrowing her brown eyes as if trying to gauge my mood.

“I’m fine,” I lied, shrugging.

“Don’t lie. I can practically see smoke coming out of your head–and you also look like you haven’t slept well.”

“Oh, thanks for making it clear that I look like crap. Well, that’s exactly how I feel.”

“I’m sorry,” she said with a sympathetic smile. “Is this because of what Zoe said last night?”

“We both know she made that up out of nowhere. I don’t know what she’s plotting, but she’s driving me insane. I love her, but I really wish she’d leave me

alone.”

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12:48 am PMM

Chapter 36: Why Not?

“It’s just Zoe being Zoe. She thinks you and Ethan have a chance.”

“Tell me you don’t agree with her.”

“No, I don’t. That’s actually why I wanted to talk to you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Okay. First of all, feel free to say no.”

I nodded, confused.

“There’s a friend of Jack’s who’s been single for a while…”

“Oh, no!” I sighed, wishing I could disappear.

“Let me finish… His name is Anthony, he’s a lawyer, successful, and I personally find him very interesting and charming. And the bonus? He’s looking for

something serious.”

“Why is everyone suddenly so determined to set me up with someone?”

“It’s just an opportunity to meet someone interesting. And actually, it was Jack’s idea.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Why not? You could use this to show Zoe that you’re not interested in Ethan. And it would also be a way to keep Todd away.”

“Okay, you make a good point, but…”

“Before you say no, let me show you a picture of him,” she said, a playful smile on her lips. “Then you can decide.”

“Fine,” I sighed.

She grabbed her phone and started searching, then turned the screen toward me. I leaned in to get a better look.

“This is Anthony,” she said, pointing to the man in the photo standing next to Jack, about the same height as him.

Anthony had dark, wavy hair, striking blue eyes, and a well–groomed beard. He was wearing a suit and had a serious yet elegant demeanor.

He was really handsome, the kind of man who would probably catch any woman’s attention. Not because he was playful, but because he was mysterious.

When I looked up, Zara was studying me closely, waiting for a reaction.

“So?”

“Okay. He’s handsome.”

She smiled, making me smile too.

“But?” she raised an eyebrow.

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12:48 am PM M

Chapter 36: Why Not?

“I don’t think there’s a but,”

“So, is that a yes?”

“Maybe,”

“You have to say yes or no, Ellie.”

“Do you think he’d like me?”

“Since when are you insecure? You know you’re beautiful–and smarter than most people.”

“You know what… maybe this is exactly what I need. So, yes.”

Maybe meeting someone new would help me stop dreaming about Ethan. Maybe it would help me forget him.

“Great! We were thinking of inviting him to dinner tomorrow.”

“Oh, that’s fast.”

“Do you not want to?”

“I guess it’s fine.”

“Oh, Jack invited Ethan.”

“What?”

“He wants him to meet Sophia.”

Morgan likes kids? Now, that was a surprise.

“So, can we invite Anthony?”

If I said yes, I could prove to Zoe that I wasn’t interested in Ethan. But I’d also have to deal with his presence while trying to get to know another man.

At least it would make it clear that I wasn’t available to be his little sex toy.

This might actually turn out to be fun.

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