Chapter 19

**Angela's POV**

What in God's name was wrong with the women of this world? Why was Brad such a catch? No—That wasn't the right question. Why was I married to a man who attracted women of all ages? That was more fitting a question. It's a good thing I wasn't in love with him or I'd go crazy with jealousy not to mention the trust issues I'd develop. Amidst the ones I already had.

I turned the door handle and was greeted by very familiar black eyes. My mood changed instantly. "Scott, I hadn't expected to see you here." I smiled and I walked into his open arms for a familiarly warm embrace.

"Well, I do believe this is a business party, and all business owners involved with Brad's company is invited. I couldn't pass up the opportunity at seeing you now could I?" his voice like silk. I blushed lightly and pushed out of his grasp. Scott never changed. I knew him for years and he was a flirtatious one. I am talking anything that moves flirtatious. He just carried that sort of charm but it was hard not to like him.

I stared over his shoulder and again met the eyes of someone I knew...but unable to be rid of apparently.

Scott saw my expression and briefly glanced over his shoulder. "You know I don't parade women around me. They might harbor the idea that I want to be taken off the market. That's why I brought my sister."

Of course, he brought Rose. After all what kind of best friend would he be if he didn't supply Brad with his mistress?

I smiled up at him weakly. "Of course. Please come in." I led them in and excused myself. I saw Scott's puzzled expression as I turned away. I passed by Brad too and his expression mirrored Scott's.

Safely in the kitchen, I slumped against a wall. This was exhausting! I hadn't seen Rose since our last unfortunate argument but her name was one that was constantly sounding in my head. Every time I thought about Brad cheating on me...I'd see her face in my mind and now she was here. In the same room with him.

I had never been around them both when they were in each other's company. I don't think I would be able to bear seeing them mentally removing each other's clothing!

My stomach churned and I felt the bile rising up. I walked over to the sink and opened the tap. Allowing the sound of the flowing water to calm me. I closed my eyes and steadied my breathing.

I shouldn't be worried or jealous...jealous? I was not jealous. Was I? Was that the dark feeling strangling me?

I sighed deeply. If Brad wanted her then there was nothing I could do about that. Or you could prove you're worth more than her. Take him up on his offer. Warm his bed for a while.

Once again my sub-conscious found it fitting to make a comment. One I didn't particularly like. I couldn't upstage Rose. She was beautiful and men adored her, despite her attitude. As much as I hate to admit it, she was fun to be around and men saw that I, on the other hand, was more controlled in my behavior which I suppose would not be attractive.

Besides, I would never use Brad's want of my body to try and secure our marriage. We didn't care about each other. So what was the sense in wanting him to steer clear of Rose? If he wanted her then what right did I have to object?

I straightened, turned off the tap, and composed myself. No right indeed. I just had to remember that. It was unfair of me to ask for his fidelity, right?

If not then that's what I had to believe. For tonight at least or else I would burn with anger. I think you mean jealousy.

Fine! Jealousy. I conceded to my sub-conscious for once and moved to where the gathering was.

I stood inconspicuously. Associates of Brad approached me once in a while to give their greetings. Other than that I stood alone. Pretty much the same way I felt. And it hit me. This is what I had to look forward to. A life of loneliness might as well grow comfortable with it.

I tried my hardest not to search out Brad—or Rose. It was better if I didn't know where they were...or if they were together. I kept my head down and prayed for the night to go by quickly.

"A pretty girl such as yourself should not be standing all alone. Are you waiting for someone?" the corner of my lips quirked up and I gazed at Scott. His flirtatiousness always warmed me, weird right? But I guess it's because of our history.

"Perhaps the man of my dreams," I replied, taking on the expression of a novice. He laughed and I smiled.

"Well then. I assure you, you need not look any further." He moved closer until we were inches apart. But his closeness didn't affect me. Don't get me wrong. Scott broke a lot of hearts and I was sure he still did. He was beautiful and had that easy charisma that would make any girl swoon. But he was still no Brad.

I mentally punched myself. No more thinking about Brad!

"Really?" I responded. Clearly, this conversation was bordering on some weird sort of role play.

"Just tell me what you need and I will do a bang-up job." He paused, "No pun intended." He laughed and I was drawn in.

"I never thought it was possible for your flirting addiction to grow worse," I spoke between laughs.

"And I never thought that you could look any better. Clearly, we were both wrong." He stared at me as if I was the only woman he had eyes for. But I was no fool. Like I said I have known him for years.

"Why thank you." I accepted his compliment and he bowed slightly then his eyes caught mine.

"What?" I asked. Clearly, he was waiting for me to say something.

He leaned in further and whispered. "You're supposed to compliment my looks now."

"Oh, I am sorry," I whispered back and he nodded. I cleared my throat and started to respond. "You are not so bad yourself." I stifled back my laughter.

His eyes widened, "That's it?"

I nodded and he frowned.

"Now I am not so sure I want to be the man of your dreams. I need to feel appreciated too you know." He responded with a dangerous glint in his eyes and this time I did laugh. He always appeared boy-like when he behaved in such a manner and it only added to his appeal. As if he needed help.

My eyes scanned the room involuntarily and I saw Rose. I did a double-take and noticed she stood within a circle of people...one of them Brad. My eyes snapped to Scott's. Noting my change he glanced to where I was studiously trying to avoid.

My eyes were downcast now. I felt a familiar sting in them and vowed I would hate myself eternally if I dared cry.

"You alright?" I felt Scott's hand on my shoulder and I blinked back the beginnings of tears and smiled half-heartedly at him.

"Is there a reason I shouldn't be?" I responded with my own question. Yet he didn't appear to be convinced at all.

"You know about them huh?" He questioned and I would have to be stupid if I didn't know who he was referring to.

"It's been thrown in my face a couple of times." I responded with a smile I did not feel. It was astounding how his mood changed to concern so quickly.

"I guess it doesn't surprise me Rose did that. I have never understood why Brad keeps her around." He mused.

I laughed. "She's your sister. You'rere not supposed to understand what men adore in her."

"It's because she's my sister I don't understand. I know her better than most people." He added.

I smiled. "Well, it's not our choice now, is it? If they want to be together we don't have the right to stop them." I mirrored my earlier conclusion.

Scott didn't seem convinced. "You're saying that to me but you sound as if you're trying to convince yourself. Besides, Brad may be my best friend but that does not mean I agree with his actions." He paused and when he realized I had nothing verbal to offer he continued. "On the bright side of things, I am pretty sure I am in a much better situation than Brad."

"Really? How so?" I looked up at him incredulously.

"I am the one standing alone with the most beautiful woman in the room." His voice grew husky and he winked at me. I couldn't stop myself. I burst out in laughter, so much that my eyes began to water.

"Hey!" Scott interrupted, feigning hurt. "It wasn't that cheesy."

"Oh yes, it was. But points for the tone and wink." This caught him and he laughed along with me.