Free False Lines (Blurred Lines Volume 7) by Breena Wilde Page B

or if he and Scarlett really are happy together.
    My friends have me sit on a chair and I open presents. I get all sorts of fun random things, from lingerie to perfume to a hot pink sweat band that says Run for the TaTas along the front. When I’m done opening presents, it’s time for the shots.
    “Come on,” Jessica says. “You’ve had four. Only seventeen more to go.”
    “No problem,” I say.
    The waitress hands me a shot.
    I tip it back and swallow. “Five,” everyone yells when I slam the glass on the table.
    Cruze and Scarlett walk in just as the waitress pours me another. The room goes quiet… well, except for the ear splitting music coming from below.
    “Hey,” he says, coming over and kissing me on the cheek. I notice he’s holding Scarlett’s hand.
    I stand.
    “Everyone, say hello to John and Scarlett,” Jessica says, taking me by the elbow.
    Our friends welcome them in unison.
    “Thanks for having me.” He smirks at Jessica. “You sober, or should I lock up my lips now?”
    “Ha. Ha.” She gives Scarlett a once over. “I’ll be at the buffet table if you need backup,” she stage whispers.
    “Awesome,” I respond.
    Cruze leans down and whispers in my ear. “Hi, Cade. Way to throw yourself a party.”
    I don’t correct him. Obviously it isn’t him who did this. Instead I smile. “Hey Cruze, that’s for coming.” Then I look around him to Scarlett. “So glad you could make it, Scarlett. You look beautiful.”
    And she does. She’s wearing a form fitting white dress with a plunging neckline and jagged pieces cut out of the front. A sheer material covers the entire dress. She isn’t wearing nylons and has on pearl white shoes. Her hair is straight as a stick and hangs to her breasts, and she has on an obscene amount of makeup.
    John is in a pair of jeans, loafers, and a black tee shirt. It looks like he hasn’t showered in days. He’s rumpled and sexy as hell.
    He hands me a beautifully wrapped pink box with a big black bow. “This is from Scarlett and I.”
    “It’s just from John,” Scarlett says with a scowl.
    I chuckle. “Thank you,” I say, taking the present. I undo the ribbon and tear the paper. Inside is a Tiffany’s box. My hands are shaking. On the one hand, I’m grateful he came and that he got me a present. On the other, I hope the gift isn’t too personal. I take a deep breath and open the box. It’s a bracelet, an incredibly gorgeous fucking diamond bracelet. “Cruze,” I breathe, amazed at how thoughtful the gift is. “I don’t think I should accept this.” I glance at Scarlett. Her expression is surly. Obviously she’s not happy. Then I look at Cruze. His eyes are shining with happiness.
    “Do you like it?” he asks, taking it from the box and unhooking it.
    “Yes, but…”
    “I mean, shit, how much did you spend?” Scarlett asks, her hands on her hips. “I thought you were done with her.”
    Cruze gives Scarlett a death stare. “Don’t start, Scar. She’s a friend.”
    Scarlett stomps off and grabs a glass of champagne.
    “Hey,” I say as he puts the bracelet on my wrist. “I don’t want to make waves between you and Scarlett.” He smells like cigarettes and his cologne.
    “Don’t worry about her,” he says. He hooks it and kisses my cheek again.
    I touch it and am in shock. “This is too much.” I don’t even want to imagine how much he spent. Like thousands of dollars, I’m guessing.
    “It isn’t too much. I wish I could give you more, what you need. Maybe someday?” He grabs my hands and squeezes.
    I don’t want to get his hopes up. “I don’t know….”
    Cruze puts a hand to my lips. “No serious talk now. It’s a party, right? Let’s party!” he shouts. His demeanor changes from sweet to hard. “Bring me and the birthday girl a shot.”
    A waitress walks over with a tray filled with shots. Cruze takes one each for me and him. He clinks my shot glass. “To getting want you want,” he says and swallows down the