NovelEnglishFitch's fingers paused on the screen, and a vivid memory flashed through his mind - the day he had found Ozzy, the scrappy little
pup hiding and trembling, trying to escape attention.
The thought of Ozzy softened his expression. Initially, his arm had hung limp at his side with no intention of offering support, but
now it instinctively wrapped around her waist, holding her close in a protective embrace.
His other hand was scrolling through his contacts. He was at a friend's low-key gathering and hadn't brought his driver. Now, he
needed to call him to get Zoey home.
Just as he called a number, a group not far approached, led by Tyler, who was laughing with someone beside him, a cigarette
dangling from his fingers. Whatever joke had been told, it had Tyler's eyes crinkling with mirth, the mole on his nose more
pronounced in his amusement.
Instinctively, Fitch enveloped Zoey in his trench coat just as the call connected.
"Head over to the Sunset Hotel to pick someone up."
No sooner had he spoken than he heard Tyler's voice.
"Fitch?"
Tyler's eyes narrowed as he saw the woman in Fitch's arms, "Who is this?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIf Tyler found out it was Zoey, he'd never hear the end of it.
"A date from a matchmaking setup."
The Haskins family had indeed been busy playing cupid for him, listing a few ladies of his age and social standing.
Tyler clapped a sympathetic hand on his shoulder, recognizing the telltale signs of a date gone sideways, looking to make an
honest man out of him.
"Tough break, but you actually seem to tolerate her - that's rare, man."
Others called out to Tyler, and he waved him off, "I'm off to dinner with sinvestors. Guess things with Wendy didn't pan out,
huh? Since you're not pushing away the lady in your arms, why not give it a shot?"
Fitch remained silent, and as Tyler stepped forward to get a better look at the woman, Fitch interjected, "Not interested in trying. If
you're into her, be my guest."
"Pass, I've had my fill of hassles lately," Tyler chuckled, stepping back and walking away.
Fitch was relaxed slightly with his arm still around Zoey. Checking his phone, he noted the driver should arrive any minute now.
Zoey's hand still rested on his lower back, sending a wave of heat through him.
The alcohol was getting to Zoey, her throat burning like fire, "Really need a drink of water."
He heard her murmur but only a voice of reply came, “Put up with it.”
Where did he look for water at the moment?
“Thirsty,” she looked up, totally tipsy, unable to figure out who the man was.
“So thirsty, want water.”
Fitch averted his face, pretending he hadn't heard.
Many people passed by, and occasionally there were srecognizing Fitch and greeting him, others boldly asking for his contact
information.
Feeling increasingly irritable, he pulled Zoey behind a column for sprivacy, making her stagger a couple of times.
Fitch's patience was wearing thin, and he was tempted to leave her there, but then he remembered the incident at the Haskins
family's place.
Looking down at her, their eyes met just as she looked up. Unable to resist, his fingertips brushed her cheek, the sspot he had
slapped that day, leaving a red mark.
Her broken look had seemed to hold a thousand words, yet she settled for a simple, "Forget it."
His fingers stroked the spot gently as he asked, "Does it hurt?"
Caught off guard by his question, he quickly pushed her away. Zoey stumbled backward against the column, her head buzzing from
the impact.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"I'll get you swater," he said abruptly before walking away.
A convenience store a few hundred meters away sold bottled water, but he left Zoey behind.
The jolt of pain from the collision helped Zoey regain sclarity. She glanced around, realizing this wasn't the restroom anymore
and wondered how she had gotten here.
Had she blacked out? Leaning on the column, she felt her stomach roiled. Nearby, after a spat with Evelyn, Murray was on his
phone, his tone icy.
"Stop making a scene, Evelyn. I've told you, she's just my secretary, started last week. How long will you keep this up? Evelyn, I've
had enough. Don't think I'm oblivious to your antics."
He ended the call, chest heaving with anger, and looked up to see Zoey leaning against the column.
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