The guy, a manager from the real estate side who had no idea about my past with Jared, gave a knowing grin. “Mr. Holcomb, you really take care of Ms. Murphy, huh?”

Jared put his glass down, his voice cool. “She is my ex-wife.” The guy’s expression turned awkward, glancing from me to Jared and back again.

I snatched the glass right out of his hand and shot Jared a sharp glare. I didn’t need him to play hero for me.

Jared was stunned, his handsome eyes wide for a moment before he turned away, shoulders slumped in disappointment as he headed back to his seat.

The lunch dragged on until 2:30 in the afternoon, with plenty of work talk going around. I wasn’t exactly tipsy, so I planned to hail a cab and head home.

The company car suddenly pulled up in front of me. The door slid open, and Jared was inside, leaning back as he said, “Let me give you a ride home.”

“No need,” I replied coolly, heading straight for the cab parked behind.

Jared got out of the car, grabbed my wrist, and said, “Victoria, have you even seen yourself right now?” I was confused.

The cab driver leaned out the window and shouted, “Hey, are you coming or not?”

Jared answered quickly, “Sorry, we’ve got a car.” Hearing this, the cab driver drove off.

I yanked my arm free, pissed off. “Are you crazy or something? Do you know how long it took me to get that cab?”

Jared towered over me, his breath a little rough. “You look way too tempting right now. Aren’t you worried about attracting trouble?”

I shot him a glare. “You’re the kind of trouble I should be worried about.”

Jared just stared at me, exasperated. “Victoria, do you even know how dangerous you look right now? Someone might just scoop you up off the street, believe it or not.”

“It’s not as dramatic as you’re making it out to be,” I shot back, hugging my bag tighter as I strode off.

Jared trailed after me, his tone gentle but persistent. “Just take the company car. I swear I won’t try anything.”

“If you so much as try anything, I’m calling the cops,” I warned, scanning the street. But with no other cars in sight, I could only sigh and turn back to get in.

Jared bit back his frustration, jaw tight. “Relax, I’m not gonna force you. I only want this if you do too.”

I gave a couple of sarcastic laughs, leaned back in my seat, shut my eyes, and didn’t bother responding. The car crawled through traffic on the way to my complex, and we didn’t pull in until 3:30.

I got out, thanked Jared, and made my way toward the entrance, clutching my bag as I walked. Jared was sitting in the car, the door not quite closed.

His gaze was dark and locked on me. I shot him a quick look over my shoulder, thinking he would probably live it up with Tracy and play the perfect couple in Shaville for the next few days.

I slept straight through until nightfall, only to be woken by the ringing of my phone.

I reached for it and, to my surprise, saw Tracy’s number on the screen. I was kind of interested to hear what she had to say. I did enjoy a little drama at someone else’s expense.

“Ms. Murphy, are you free? Want to grab dinner together?” Tracy’s tone was surprisingly even.

“Dinner’s a bit much, but I’m up for coffee,” I replied. I didn’t have any plans tonight anyway, and honestly, I was curious if there was anything I could pick up from my old love rival.

Tracy hurried over to meet me at a Starbucks not far from my apartment. She was still wearing that blazing red dress, exuding the charm and elegance of a pampered heiress.

Tracy might not have my looks or figure, but she did have a certain elegance to her. Maybe men really just went for appearances after all.

Tracy took a sip of her coffee and gave a wry little smile. “Bet you’re surprised I’m not hanging off Jared’s arm right now, aren’t you?”