NEVER YOURS

Seven

"So, what do we do now?"

"Freeze to death?" Kane suggests, and I make a face at him.

"Why don't you call a mechanic?"

"I would, if I knew one. I'll just call the driver to come and get us."

"How long do you think that will take?"

"Considering he'll need to get another car from the hotel first?" He shrugs. "Maybe an hour or two."

"What the hell will we be doing for two hours, Kane?"

"You tell me. We could sit in the car and talk, go back inside the restaurant and have that bottle of wine, or we could get you a cab back home; you know, like you wanted to do all along."

"Call the driver. Georgia thinks taking a cab would be stupid."

"I agree with her. You live with Georgia, then?"

"I do."

"So your brother didn't cut off ties with her when he got a girlfriend?"

"Why would he? Georgia is very pleasant."

"Pleasant? That's all?"

"What do you want, Kane?"

"I'm genuinely shocked that Marcus is dating a different girl."

"That's life. Fairy tales belong to books."

"Considering the fact that we're not together despite what we had ten years ago, I'm inclined to agree."

"Please just call the driver."

He shakes his head at me before he obliges.

I suck in a deep breath as I watch Kane fumble around for his phone. I'm itching to thread my fingers through his hair and kiss that hell out of him.

God, what am I even thinking?!

He quickly makes the call, and I heave a sigh of relief when the driver says he'll be right on his way. When Kane asks him if he could get a mechanic for the car, the cool driver eagerly promises to call one right away.

"Allison? Is that you?"

I turn, squinting at the newcomer, and I feel a smile stretching my cheeks when I recognize Charlotte.

She just stepped out of a car and she's approaching us, grinning from ear to ear while Heidi talks to their driver.

The two girls are simply gorgeous. They're wearing little dresses and high heeled sandals, and their make up is better than my life will ever be.

They look ravishing; but then it's not everyday you turn twenty five. I'm glad they went all out tonight. My twenty fifth birthday was uneventful just like the rest since I turned eighteen, so it's such a pleasure to see them doing this for themselves.

"I didn't think your birthday party would be here." I smile at Charlotte when she gets to us.

"I didn't think your date would be here. You look amazing."

I frown at my jeans.

"You're too nice, Charlotte."

"You're just going to recycle my own line on me? Impressive." She looks over at Kane who's busy poking around the car's hood. "Your date is hot."

"He is, right?"

"I can't believe there's single guys that look like that. That shouldn't be legal. Where did you find him?"

"I can hear you." Kane says, making Charlotte burst out laughing.

"I know. Don't mind me. I had a shot of tequila before we left the house so I'm a little bit lightheaded."

Kane raises an eyebrow.

"That's one shot?"

"Okay, I had two shots. Maybe three. Maybe more. My sister wouldn't let me leave the house sober."

"I like your sister."

"Makes one of us. She's terrible." She shakes his hand when he walks over to us. "I'm Charlotte, by the way. I'd ask you to call me Charli but then my sister would kill me."

"She's the jealous type, huh?"

"You have no idea. She thinks I'm cheating on her with a new sibling whenever I let anyone call me Charli."

Kane's eyes sparkle with humour.

"I'm Kane. Nice to meet you, Charli."

"If you call her that again, you're gonna lose a body part that you actually need." Heidi comments lightly as she walks up to us just as the car they came in speeds away. She grins at me, her expression alive with laughter and mischief, and I'm instantly grateful that I met both her and Charlotte.

It's been a long while since I had smiley and warm people around me.

Marcus exempted.

He's a ray of sunshine most days.

"Nice to meet you too, I guess." Kane spares Heidi a polite nod. "You must be Charli's sister."

"The name's Heidi, but I'll take Charli's sister any day." She turns back to me with a sly smile. "Oh my God, Allison, he's gorgeous!"

I can't believe I'm getting jealous.

"You girls look amazing. I hope tonight will be epic for you."

"You can bet on it, now that Cameron and Ace are coming."

I stare at Heidi.

"They are?"

"Yeah. Cameron texted a few minutes ago to confirm attendance. Ace is coming too 'cause Cameron said he has company. According to Charli, the two are always together."

"If Ace will be there, I want in. Can I come?"

"Of course you can come. We have the entire VIP lounge to ourselves."

Kane frowns at me.

"Ace?"

Oh no.

"He's just some guy-"

Charlotte cuts me off.

"He's our boss, Allison. I bet he'd be offended by 'some guy'."

"And what's so special about your boss?" Kane asks me, his expression far from nonchalant.

"It's just that..." I clear my throat, wondering how long I'll keep walking on eggshells and crafting lies. "I haven't met him yet. He was kind enough to give me a job over the phone just because I was desperate. I want to see him and maybe thank him."

"You were desperate?"

"Kane, I'm new here. I needed some sort of income to survive."

"And you couldn't get a job the normal way? Without 'some guy' doing you a favour?"

"I couldn't."

"So you'll just go to the party to meet this new guy while I wait out here for the driver? No, Alli. That's not gonna happen."

"Why can't he come?" Charlotte puts me in the spot.

"Because he has things to do. I'm sure a party wasn't in his schedule tonight."

"Allison, come on. What would you do in his shoes? Stay out here and sulk?" Heidi asks me as she reaches for her sister's hand. "We'll see you both inside."

Then she makes a face at me before she drags Charlotte away.

I shift on my feet as I think of something appropriate to say. In the end, I just shrug.

"It's cold out here. If we're going to the party, this would be the time."

Kane raises the second eyebrow.

"So you want to bring me because the birthday girls vouched for me?"

"Kane, no. It's not like that. I want you to come with me. Believe me. I..don't know what I'm doing, Kane. I have no idea why I'm even here... in this town. I mean, everything's crazy and.." I shake my head to clear it. "I think I'm crazy."

"You're not crazy. We met today after ten years. You don't owe me anything. You can go to the party without me and that would be okay. It's just that I'm a little bit jealous that you're willing to go to a party at such short notice because some guy confirmed attendance."

"Kane, come on. I've never met Ace before. I just wanted to see him and thank him for the job. His workplace is amazing and my colleagues are wonderful. Working there is almost a privilege."

He nods slowly.

"I understand."

"You do? Last time I checked, you were more stubborn than that."

"Last time you checked, I was seventeen years old. I grew up."

Hell yeah he did.

I take a deep breath before I release it slowly.

"How about we go to the party and we leave as soon as your driver gets here?"

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Fine. Let's meet this Ace guy."

"You don't have to sound like that."

"Like what? Like I'm mocking him?"

"Uh huh."

"He'll get used to it."

"I really like my new job."

He smiles down at me.

"I'll be nice to your boss. You won't get fired. And if you do, I can always-"

"Yeah, that's not gonna happen."

"That's what I thought too."

He releases my hand when we get to the door, and he slips an arm around my waist instead.

I let him.

*

On the first floor of the grand restaurant is the super spacious VIP lounge.

My breath catches briefly in my throat when I step in with Kane; Heidi and her sister right ahead of us.

This looks expensive; what with the subtle blue lighting and the calming music playing from hidden speakers. The bar is laden with all sorts of cool drinks and the aroma from the buffet is mouthwatering even though I just had dinner.

Nothing appears to be extravagant but the wealth and the class is clearly apparent.

A few people from work and other faces that I don't recognize are already here. They're standing in two's and three's having not so quiet conversations and laughing at private jokes. The rest are seated on the luscious white couches drinking all sorts of drinks and looking important.

They're all dressed in nice outfits; then there's me looking completely out of place in jeans and a coat.

"I'm not dressed for this." I whisper in Kane's ear, and his fingers automatically digs into my waist as he frowns down at me.

"You look amazing."

"Do I, really? Have you seen how everyone else is dressed?"

"I doubt there's some sort of dress code that you're supposed to adhere to. You look great. Trust me."

Why do men lie about such?

I'm not complaining. I appreciate it. God knows I can't take the truth right now.

The last time Kane saw me, I was a young girl with everything that teenagers always crave. I looked okay; beautiful even, and both my hair and my skin were goals.

After all the hardships, the stress and anxiety that plugged my life, everything went downhill and now I look like a homeless young man.

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit but you get the idea.

I'm very flattered that Kane thinks I look alright.

"I wonder what we're supposed to do around here." I comment, looking around the lounge at all the people having fun.

Kane, who's been keenly watching me the entire time, releases me before he steps away.

"Why don't you find a place to sit while I get us drinks?"

"Good idea."

"What do you want to drink?"

"Surprise me."

I watch him as he leaves. God, how can a freaking human being look so good? With people like him walking around, how does my average looking self even have the audacity to exist?

"Can I take your coat, ma'am?" A smiley waiter asks me, and I gratefully tug the material from my shoulders.

*

I sit at the very back of the room. That's the only spot that's not occupied yet so it's less hectic. I choose a couch at random and I lower myself onto it.

My eyes automatically search for Kane.

I can't spot him at the bar.

Where did he go?

Deciding that he's probably in the bathroom, I lean back against the comfortable couch, watching and judging everyone in the room.

One thing I can conclude for a fact is that Ace's employees are very happy humans. Maybe it's the alcohol, but that's beyond the point. Today was the first time I didn't have grumpy or whiny colleagues. Everyone just did their job and went home.

Charlotte is going around talking to everyone and laughing her butt off while Heidi is at the counter getting herself a drink.

I keep glancing at my watch.

I literally can't wait for Ace to show up.

I can't wait to set my eyes on the man that's been raising my daughter for the last decade.

I don't have any expectations at all so I'm sure I won't be disappointed. I just feel like seeing him and maybe talking to him will set my heart at ease.

Plus, I want to know the child's name and any other information I'll be able to pull out of him.

How I'm gonna do that?

I have no idea.

We'll figure it out.

All I have to do is not let Kane know what's up. Hopefully, he'll just brush Ace off, then his driver will show up and they'll take me home. Tomorrow, Kane will go to his conference and attend to whatever other business he has in town, then the day after, he'll fly back home; wherever that is, and I'll never see him again.

Does that make me sad?

A little bit.

I think it's an established fact that I still have a weak spot for him.

But this is not about us. It's about our daughter that I have to find. If letting the man I've always loved go will work in my favour, then so be it.

I've lived the last ten years without him so I guess I'll be just fine.

**

I fish my phone out of my bag when it vibrates.

I have a text from Kane.

'Hey, I'll be with you in a minute.'

'Where are you?'

'Outside. I have to return an emergency work-related call. It might take a minute.'

"Where is he?"

I look up, and my eyes meet Heidi's. She's standing beside the couch with a smirk and two cocktails in hand.

"Where is who?"

I ask while accepting the cold glass that she offers me.

"Your date."

"Outside. Making a call."

"So, what's going on between you two?"

I frown, watching her as she sets herself on the adjacent couch and crosses her long legs. She's still smiling and her fingers are wrapped nicely around the stem of her crystal glass. I absently note how good her red nail polish looks on her.

"What do you mean?"

She tosses a dismissive hand.

"He's clearly into you but you're trying to play it off. I don't understand why."

"He's a handful sometimes."

"I bet." She watches me as I take a small sip of the drink she brought me. "How long have you two been together?"

"It's a very long story and I honestly don't feel like telling it at a party. The idea is to have fun, right?"

She laughs.

"Touché. Hey, Allison?"

"Hm?"

"I want to set Cameron up with my sister. She can't stop whining about him so I want to trick them into sitting together and see if he even looks her way. If he's not into her, she can finally shut up and move on with her life. Can you help me?"

"Of course. Just tell me what to do."

"Ace and Cameron should be here in a minute or two. All you have to do is sit here with Kane and Charli. I'll ask both men to sit with you guys because this corner is a bit secluded and them being the bosses, I doubt they want to fool around with their employees."

"Except me and Charlotte, you mean?"

She scoffs when I grin.

"Charlotte is basically in love with Cameron while you came here solely to see Ace. I'd say I'm doing you two a favour."

"I guess that's one way to look at it. I hope Kane doesn't flip. He's so jealous it's not even funny."

"It's kinda cute to be honest. Let's hope he strikes a friendship with the boys."

Yeah, no. That would be like all my bad dreams coming true.

I bring the cocktail to my lips and I take another small sip.

Hm. I love a good margarita.

My phone vibrates in my hands.

Speaking of Kane...

I hurriedly answer the call.

"Hey?"

"Alli, hey, I need a favour. My driver just called. The mechanic is already at the parking lot and it'll be a few minutes before I'm done here."

"He's here already? It's been less than twenty minutes."

"I know. Can you please go and deal with him? I'll be right there."

"You owe me one, Mister."

"I know."

Sighing in exasperation, I place my phone in my bag before I stand up. This better be over before Ace comes in. I can't fail to see him tonight. Talking to your boss about his daughter in a bar is easier than at the office, no?

"I'll be back in a minute." I tell Heidi who's c*****g an eyebrow at me.

"Where are you going?"

"To the parking lot. Kane's car needs to get checked and the mechanic is here already."

"Can I come with you?"

"You're leaving your party?"

"My sister wants to introduce me to everyone. That's why I was hiding here. Plus, if you're meeting some random guy in the parking lot, it only makes sense that I come with you."

"I promise I'll bore you to death."

"You'll be doing me a favour. This world sucks."

"Charli was right. You're crazy."

"I am, and it's Charlotte. You know, we are going to have so much fun together. Charli never makes friends at work so I bet she really liked working with you."

"I'm flattered."

"You should be. You get two friends at a go."

"Buy one get one free sort of deal?"

She laughs.

"Exactly."

The cold weather readily slaps me in the face the moment we step out of the restaurant. We head to Kane's car when I don't see anyone in the parking lot, and I open the driver's door while Heidi rounds it to sit shotgun.

I take a good sip of my drink before I fish out my phone to dial Kane.

A light tap on the window makes me jump.

"It's a man." I tell Heidi, who just shrugs.

"I'm sure it's the mechanic. Roll it down."

I cautiously do, and I watch him as he bends over to peek inside. A small frown crowds his features when he sees us.

"I'm sure I was told the client was a man."

"He's not here. I'm in charge."

"We are in charge." Heidi adds, and the guy just nods.

"Noted. I'm just gonna pop the hood open and see what's wrong with the car."

"Dressed like that?" Heidi asks, and he stops mid step to glance at his pristine white shirt.

"I won't mess it up. I do this all day."

"Hey, Ace, do you need a hand?"

I whip my head around when I recognize the voice, and I think I die a little when Cameron steps out of the backseat of the car parked a few feet from Kane's.

He's not alone either.

He's with a girl.