Off The Record

Chapter Twelve - Turned Tables

The next day at work Alec stayed in his office pretty much the whole day. I had managed to gain intel that no one else was going to the function though. It was becoming more obvious by the minute that Sammy's assertions were on the money.

After work I caught an uber home and got ready. By the time 8 rolled around there was a buzz at my door.

When I went down, Alec stood at the door, in a black tux, smiling wide. It was a killer smile, that hit his eyes and would have made any other girl swoon, two weeks ago... I would have swooned. But tonight my mind was elsewhere.

"You look exceptional." He murmured, taking my hand as I stepped out of my building's door. He helped me down the stairs and to the edge of the pavement where his car was. I'd swapped the stiletto's for more comfortable pumps this time, though you couldn't see them under the dress anyway. As I stood there, I knew I'd made the right choice.

"You look nice yourself."

Alec opened his car door for me and I sat in the passenger seat.

Alec did the bulk of the talking as we drove to the venue. I just nodded in response to most of his questions or provided simple one worded replies. We pulled up outside a building and Alec helped me out before handing his keys to the valet.

He slipped his hand in mine and together we walked inside.

"Drink?" Alec asked, his hand slipped around my waist, against my back as we walked further into the venue. I smiled and nodded. This was really beginning to feel like a date. After the last time I'd promised myself not to assume anything, but he'd picked me up, he'd held my hand into the venue and he had only left my side to get me a drink. I wasn't just his date to this event... This was a date.

"I thought I told you to say no to dates." I recognized Ezra's voice instantly, his hot breath tickled my neck and I had to bite my cheek not to react.

I turned and looked at him, he was wearing a black suit, with a black shirt and tie. He looked gorgeous, his smile touched his blue eyes and he let his hand touch my elbow.

"It's a work thing." I replied. Although at this point, I knew that was not the case.

He raised his eyebrow and pointed over at Alec who was at the bar, ordering our drinks.

"Does he know that?" Ezra's eyes were dark, his smile faded a little and he looked almost mad. I looked back at Alec, who was now walking back toward us, two glasses of wine in his hands. He handed one of the glasses to me, before sliding his hand back around my waist.

"Evening Ezra." He exclaimed, his voice cool.

I felt the tension rise immediately, Ezra's hand let go of my elbow and he sucked in a breath.

"Evening Alec. I'll leave you both to enjoy your evening." Ezra looked at me, his smile gone, his eyes dull. "Goodbye Ivy."

He walked away and I felt myself wanting to follow him, but I didn't. "Come, let's dance." Alec murmured, he'd already drained his glass. I followed suit and placed my glass down on a nearby table before joining Alec on the dancefloor. It was hard not to see the similarities to the last time. Except this time Alec and I danced while Ezra watched me from afar. Never once looking away.

We danced for a while, and then networked. It was nearing midnight when Alec said we needed one more dance before leaving.

"I've had fun tonight Ivy." Alec murmured.

"Me too." I replied, and I meant it. I'd had fun, but my mind had wandered the entire time. The music changed to a slow song and Alec's arms linked around my waist. I leaned against his shoulders with my arms around his neck. I found Ezra amongst the crowd, alone, nursing an old fashioned. My eyes settled on him and locked with him. I knew it was wrong. To be here with Alec, but be so focused on someone else. Two weeks ago I'd thought this was what I had wanted, but so much had changed since then. Ezra had ghosted me and told me that he didn't want to see me again. Besides, we'd just been having fun.

I pulled back and turned my attention to Alec.

"Thank you for bringing me."

Alec smiled and spun me, before pulling me in close.

"The pleasure is truly all mine." He replied.

Once Alec and I had finished dancing we left the floor. We had a few more drinks before we decided to leave. Ezra had disappeared from the bar. I'd assumed he had left. We were walking out the door when a hand caught my wrist.

I stopped and turned on my heel. Ezra stared at me, his eyes narrowed and his lips pursed. He looked nervous, which wasn't like him at all.

"Ezra? Are you alright?" I asked, concerned.

I felt Alec's body heat behind me, close to me, like he was marking his territory and I didn't like it. I wanted to escape the entire situation, but it was too late, Ezra had caught my attention.

"I have something to add. For the story. Are you available to talk?"

I felt the tension rise between the two men even though no words were spoken between them. Ezra's hand was still around my wrist, though loosely. I needed to finish my story, we needed to meet up.

I nodded. "I can clear some space. I'll call you later to arrange a time and place?"

Ezra nodded, he didn't say anything else, and his expression was taut and controlled. He turned and walked away, disappearing back into the crowd.

Alec and I walked outside and hopped into a waiting uber.

"Do you think you need to do another interview?" he asked.

"He wants to add something, I owe it to him to listen."

Alec scoffed and looked out the window. "You don't owe him anything, and I've read your draft. It's perfectly fine to go out as it is."

I smiled and shook my head.

"Even you said it felt like it was missing something. Maybe this is something. I'll be careful. Don't worry."

Alec didn't say anything else, but I got the sense he wasn't happy about the plan. When the car stopped outside my apartment Alec asked the driver to wait, and got out of the car before opening my door for me.

We walked up the stairs, stopping by my front door.

"I had a great time tonight Ivy."

"So did I." I replied honestly.

Alec's hand lifted mine up, he intertwined his fingers through mine and tucked a strand of stray hair behind my ear.

I felt the tension, I knew he wanted to kiss me. A week ago I'd have wanted to fall into the moment, but now something held me back.

He leaned in, not knowing my feelings, closing the gap.

I lifted my hand from his and placed it on his chest, pushing back slightly.

"I'm sorry." I genuinely was. Ezra and I had played a stupid game and caught his attention, only now I didn't want it. I hated that I'd been so reckless with someone else's feelings.

Alec smiled, the tension melted away. He shook his head and gave me a friendly hug instead.

"Don't be sorry. I wouldn't ever want to make you uncomfortable."

"You're a good man Alec." I replied, I leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek before stepping back.

Alec left and I went up to my apartment.

I was barely inside before my phone vibrated.

Did you get home safe - Ezra

Yes, I did. Thank you. When did you want to do this follow up? - Ivy

Are you free tomorrow? - Ezra.

I am, I'll drive out in the morning around 10. - Ivy

See you then - Ezra