Free Society Wives by Renee Flagler Page B

her completely in his simple black but perfectly tailored suit and emerald green shirt. His polished appearance made Ryan fade into his shadow.
    â€œWhat’s up pretty-boy?” Mike teased greeting him with a slap on the back.
    â€œIt’s all good,” Anderson replied to the men. “Ladies,” he continued with a nod before giving each wife a kiss on the cheek.
    Ryan waved and sat near Vonnie. Anderson fell right into the men’s conversation, each boasting about their latest material conquests, and opinions about who were the best and worst on and off the field and court.
    Within the next half hour all the guests had arrived. Eventually eggnog cocktails gave way to glasses of vintage wines. The men had already downed nearly two bottles of Louis XIII. Sage offered them each a single shot of an expensive prized 40 year old single malt whiskey.
    Anderson insisted he’d tasted one better while filming overseas last year and promised to let them try some from his collection the next time he and Ryan hosted a gathering. Ryan sat more quietly that usual, mustering up the occasional smile, chuckle or outright laugh at Mike’s antics.
    Nadalia didn’t miss the many times Anderson’s eyes clung to her body as she moved about. It almost seemed as if he couldn’t help himself. She wondered if Ryan noticed too, but she wouldn’t dare look at her while Anderson was ogling her curves. Nadalia didn’t want to embarrass the poor girl and almost pitied her for being so small in his presence.
    The more Anderson drank, the more hunger appeared in his eyes as he watched her. The gesture didn’t faze Nadalia. He would never act on any impulses that would put his friendship with Sage in jeopardy. Besides, she was used to men looking at her like she was a delectable meal.
    Vonnie was the consummate cool girl who got along with everybody. Nadalia thought about spending more time with her one-on-one.
    Pearson was doing what she did best, drinking like a fish until her head bobbed and her words slurred. As brilliantly smart and pretty as she was, Nadalia felt like the drinking took something from her.
    All seemed to be going well around the table as everyone enjoyed the dinner and desserts Nadalia’s friend, an award-winning pastry chef, prepared for the evening.
    Then, Pearson slammed her glass down and closed her eyes briefly before saying, “I know I’m not the only one who sees Andy’s prying eyes ogling Nadalia’s Kim-Kardashian-ass every time she moves.”
    Silence arrested the room. Ryan looked aside and tightened her lips. Vonnie and Nadalia’s mouths fell open. The men were still.
    Anderson creased his brows. Sage narrowed his gaze at no one in particular.
    The pause in the room swelled.
    Niles placed his hands on Pearson’s shoulder. “Pearson!” Niles admonished, but that didn’t stop the next explosion.
    â€œNo! You’re not the only one who sees it,” Ryan said.
    If there were a deeper level of silence possible, the room achieved it at that moment. “And it’s making me sick to my stomach. I may not have a ‘fat ass,’ but I’m still a good woman.” She directed her attention to Anderson. “And I’m still you’re frigging wife!”
    â€œRyan, you’re drunk,” Anderson said.
    â€œNot drunk enough,” she spat back.
    Pearson laughed, breaking the heavy quietness of the room and then reached over, picked up a bottle of wine and filled Ryan’s glass to the rim. “Have some more,” she said and laughed again.
    Niles looked at her and stretched his eyes.
    â€œOkay people. We’ve been having a great time so far. Let’s not spoil it,” Nadalia said, holding up her hands. We’ve all had a lot to drink. No one means any harm.” Nadalia looked at Sage to gauge his expression.
    Anderson also looked at Sage, whose face now bordered between confusion and