The Billionaire's Unconventional Love Affair

Chapter 2: Evan

It's after lunch when I finally leave the office the next day. Sitting with the company lawyers is always an exercise in patience and Ryan hadn't helped matters. He sat there looking smug the entire time, and after volunteering to sponsor Mira's shelter last night, I can't really begrudge him wanting to help Steven.

I stop at a drive-thru for a burger and Coke on the way back to the hotel and then select a shaded spot on the private beach to have my lunch. I'm not quite ready to be locked inside my suite and I miss the peace of my villa. The beach is a bit crowded and I watch the couples and families enjoying the sun. I had never considered having kids before; always too busy with work. Not to mention the many failed relationships that left me feeling bitter and cynical. It always seemed like I was only getting 50 percent of the person when I was giving 110 percent of myself. So many times I had tried to be what they wanted, while they were barely putting in any effort at all. How do you build a life with someone when you aren't even getting all of them?

But watching all these seemingly happy families together, building sandcastles, and playing in the waves with their kids...I want more out of life than business and a quiet, empty villa.

A husky laugh catches my attention and I search the beach for the source. There they are, swimming in the waves together. A pang of longing sweeps through me and I can't help but wonder if it's them that I want, or if it's just their relationship that I envy so much that I want to be a part of it. Malcolm has Mira in his arms as the waves crash against them, her head thrown back as she laughs. It's a beautiful sight; they're beautiful. Even from a distance, I can see the love they share. I can only hope that I'd get to experience that for myself one day too.

I head to the hotel with a heavy heart and a bad mood. Why did I have to run into them? I had been perfectly content with my life before yesterday. I hadn't been longing for impossible things. I had been fine with the way things were. No complications. I scoff at myself as I enter my suite. Yeah, no complications. But also no carefree laughter. No casual touches or soft smiles. No love.

No, I hadn't been content for a long time. I hadn't felt much of anything beyond boredom and apathy. Not since I watched Malcolm walk away for that last time. We hadn't even known each other long, and there had been zero relationship beyond a professional one. But the man had carved a hole in my heart - and he didn't even know it. I had been living a half-life for four years and hadn't even realized it. Not until I heard my name on his lips again. Now, everything seems sharper, like I was suddenly seeing everything in technicolor after only seeing shades of grey for so long. How am I going to let him go a second time? How am I supposed to survive it again?

He didn't even know that I was in love with him, because he was undeniably straight. And what good would telling him do? It would only make things awkward and that's the last thing I want.

I sag into the couch with a glass of gin, not caring that's only 3 pm. I figure this situation calls for day drinking. Alone. f**k, I'm pathetic.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I answer it without looking.

"Yeah?" I say, too consumed with my thoughts to bother with pleasantries.

"Evan? It Mira. Are you alright? You sound upset." Mira's husky fills my ear and I bite back a groan. The universe hates me.

I clear my throat. "Hi. Yeah, I'm fine. What can I do for you?" I need this conversation to be over. I'm trying to drown my sorrows in alcohol because I'm in love with her husband and attracted to her to boot. I just want to brood in peace.

"Oh. Uhm well, I was wondering if you wanted to join us for drinks again tonight? And maybe some dinner? We were planning on going to a pub, maybe see some of the nightlife in the city. Go dancing..." she trails off and clears her throat. I should say no and hang up. I can't be friends with them. Especially since she already has an idea of how I feel about Malcolm. "Well I know you're busy, but I just thought I'd extend the invitation anyway."

"Does Malcolm know you called me?" I don't know why I asked. Maybe I just want to hear that he wants me there.

"No. I didn't want to tell him if you were going to say no."

"I see." I didn't see. I have no idea what she's thinking. "Last night you said that you could see how I looked at him so you probably have an idea of how I feel about him. Why would you invite me out with you?" I listen as she sighs and I curse myself. I shouldn't have said anything. It's stupid to drag this out.

"I'm not threatened by your affection for him, Evan." She says softly as if she was trying to let me down gently. I scoff.

"Yeah because he's completely straight." I say bitterly.

"No, because there's no reason for me to be jealous. I know what I mean to him. I know how much he loves me. If you care about him too, then that's just more for him, not less for me." She takes a breath and I find myself holding mine, waiting for her to continue. "I remember you, you know? We never met but he spoke about you a lot back then. He thought you were becoming friends while you were working together. He was disappointed when you cut off contact with him after the project was over. Anyway, uhm just let me know, okay? We're planning on heading out around 7." She pauses as if waiting for me to answer. I can't, I don't know what to say after her revelation. "Bye, Evan."

She hangs up and I sit there thinking over what she said. Had he actually missed me? She hadn't said that but it was implied. Still, he thought of me as a friend and nothing more. Can I live with that? Can I be friends with him if it meant that I get to be a part of his life? Of both of their lives? I'm typing out a message to Mira before I can overthink it.

*Will meet you in the lobby at 7.*

I stare at my phone in a detached sort of shock. This is probably the most idiotic thing I have ever done. I'm setting myself up for more heartache but I don't really care. It had been so long since I felt anything other than bored apathy. Heartache is a nice change of pace. I snort and pour myself another drink. My phone pings and I open it with bated breath.

*Looking forward to it. Know any good places where we can get food, alcohol, and dancing? - Mira*

I chuckle as I respond. *Yeah. I know a good spot. Want to drive together?*

Shit. No. I can't be in an enclosed space with them. I stare at the screen as I wait for her reply, wondering why the hell I'm so intent on torturing myself.

*Sounds good. Dress code? - Mira*

*Casual. See you at 7.*

* ;) - Mira*

I put my phone down with a sigh. I just need to behave myself for a few hours. No overt glances, no flirting. And definitely no casual touching. It shouldn't be that difficult.