Free A Package Deal by Alexa Bond Page B

know she’s the woman for us.”
    “Yeah? Did you suddenly discover some hidden psychic powers tonight? So how about you tell me how our stocks are going to fare tomorrow.”
    “Fuck the market. I’m only sure about one thing. And that’s Ella. Just wait and see.”
    The music stopped playing and someone walked out on stage, but Brad hardly noticed what the guy was talking about. He was too busy scanning the crowd for Ella.  
    Spotting her near the bar with a couple of her friends, he gazed at her appreciatively once again. She was the hottest woman in the room, no question.
    She caught his eye and gave him the sweetest smile ever. Oh, yeah. She was the one for them.

Chapter 2
    “This is fucking dull. Let’s go talk to Ella,” he said in an undertone to Wes. They were surrounded by a group of men, most of whom he didn’t remember.  
    Wes glanced around the room. “I’ll go find her.”  
    “So, Bradley. You’re in business with Wes? I never thought you guys had very much in common.” Burton was trying to hold Brad’s attention. “When did your company take off?”  
    As soon as Brad saw Wes steering Ella away and into a quieter corner, he knocked back the rest of his drink.
    “Excuse me, Burton. There’s someone I’ve got to talk to.”  
    Turning away abruptly, Brad made his way towards Ella and Wes, not making eye contact with anyone as he walked. He stopped at the bar on his way over, picking up something for each of them.  
    “More wine?” Coming up behind Ella, he looped his arm around her body as he handed her the glass. Laughing, she accepted it graciously.
    “You’re quite the host, Brad, thank you.”
    “So, Ella. What’s up with—” He cut himself off abruptly at Wes’s warning shake of his head.  
    Damn it. What was the point of not coming out with exactly what you meant? But he trusted Wes’s judgment. It had saved him from some sticky situations before. And he did not want to do anything to blow their chances with Ella, especially so soon.
    Wes picked up her hand, stroking his thumb over her wedding ring. “That’s a very nice ring, Ella. Who’s the lucky bastard? Anyone we know?”
    She yanked her hand away forcefully, startling him.
    “Sorry,” Ella said sheepishly when she saw the surprise in his expression. “I can’t stand this ring anymore. I’m actually divorced.”
    Divorced? Now that was perfect. Brad was about to speak up when Wes raised an eyebrow at him.  
    “While I’m here, I want to get rid of it. Sell it to a jeweler I know, and get it out of my life,” Ella continued. “I’m only wearing it now so I wouldn’t have to endure a lot of questions about my divorce. Plus, I didn’t think it would be safe to leave it in my room.”
    “Whoever the guy is, it’s his loss,” Brad spoke up, ignoring the pointed look that Wes directed at him. Sure, the words came out more forcefully than he meant them to, but Christ. Any guy who would let her go had to be out of his mind.  
    Ella gave him a smile that was tinged with a hint of sadness. “Guess Troy didn’t think so. I met him not long after I moved to New York. He was very charming, and he turned out to be a serial cheater. He was even cheating most of the time we were dating.”
    “That’s awful, Ella, I’m sorry to hear that. And Brad’s right, for once. It’s truly his loss.”
    “Thanks, guys. But let’s not talk about that. It’s in the past and after this reunion, I’ll be done with this ring and him for good. Anyone want to dance with me now?”
    “Of course.” Brad had set his glass down and had hold of Ella’s hand before Wes could say a word.
    Brad guided her through the throngs of people, his hand resting possessively on her lower back. Just as they reached the crowded floor, the music turned into a slow song.
    “You know, I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed you until I saw you here tonight,” Ella said, her voice soft and low as he gathered her into his arms.
    “I’ve