“No, there is a problem with a plant in Japan. I’ve got to head over to the office.”
“That’s fine. Kate and I can grab dinner at home.”
“Nonsense. The three of you stay and eat. I’ll take a cab back to The Empress.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
“Preston, thank you for inviting us this evening. I enjoyed the show.”
“You’re welcome, Kate. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m sorry I have to leave.” He kisses Olivia on the cheek, and leaves.
Cole smile at me, raising an eyebrow. “He’s coming around.”
“Well, I’m not.” Olivia has her arms crossed with her lips pursed. “And I never will.”
“Obviously, I didn’t shake enough loose when I pulled your hair, maybe a few more chunks, and I can get you to see things my way.” Cole squeezes my thigh, warning me to shut up.
“Olivia, you need to accept that I love Kate, and come to terms with it.”
“I know you, Coulter. You’ll tire of her, the way you do all your women.”
How many times are we going to rehash this conversation? I roll my eyes and take a long sip of my wine. “I’m not really hungry, and I’m tired. Can we call it a night?”
“Exhausted from all your lies?” Olivia hisses, a cruel smile on her face.
Great, here we go. “What lies?”
She laughs. “Having trouble keeping track of them? Let me help you…”
“Olivia.” Cole chides her for crass insensitivity.
I put a hand on Cole. “No, I want to know. Please enlighten us.”
“Well, let’s start with your most resent falsehood,” she waves her finger at me. “That dress, I did not buy you that dress.”
“Well then you stole it, because I certainly didn’t pay for it, and perhaps I had the sales lady get me the appropriate size.”
“I can’t help that you have a whale-ish figure.”
My hands clench under the table. “You know people treat others the way they feel about themselves—it must be hard to be you, since you dislike everything and everyone.” I turn to Cole. “Can we please go?”
Olivia stands up. “Why don’t you go head and go? I’ll see that Cole is fed and bedded.”
I try to crawl over Cole, but he holds me back. “That was out of line, Olivia.” Cole stands, then takes my hand and helps me stand.
We have to wait for the limo. Cole puts his arm around me, but I’m all riled up. I’ve never said I hated someone, but I can honestly say I hate Olivia Holt.
The limo comes around and Luke opens the door. Cole helps me climb in, and since he’s a gentleman, he helps Olivia in. Instead of Olivia sitting on the other side, she sits on the same side as me. So, Cole has to sit across from me instead of next to me. I give her a long side glance. It’s as if Cole can read my thoughts and he scoots over so he’s between Olivia and me, a precaution in case we decide to go at it again.
“You know, Kate, I’m not sure why you’re still here in Las Vegas. I would think you’d be at home planning your dream wedding.”
Mine and Cole’s eyes meet, and I silently plead with him to tell her!
“You must be so bored here, with nothing to do.”
“I have a very active nightlife.”