She is married.
He did not know what came over him as he declared that Andy was married. He almost told the man that she was his wife.
Of course, that was not part of their deal.
Damn! What was wrong with him?
Something triggered him when his friend's lips touched his wife's hand. He acted like an idiot as the green-eyed monster appeared before his eyes, and fumes escaped his ears.
He felt like a raging bull, ready to attack anyone staking a claim on what was already his.
What the hell! What was he thinking?
He was not thinking.
Or rather, he was thinking with his dick than his brain.
Fuck!
He did not like it. He had no business getting jealous. He had no right to feel possessive of her. She did not belong to him.
Get your mind out of the gutter!
She was not his real wife. They might be married, but it was only on paper.
She is not his.
However, they did agree that they would not have other relationships while married to each other. Besides, he swore to shield her from men like his friends. Therefore, his action was justifiable.
I'm just protecting her.
That was his excuse since his friend was a known womanizer. He did not want her to fall into his trap and get hurt again.
"You can call me Andy. All my friends do." She seemed to ignore his statement as she continued to converse with his friend.
But he did not fail to see that she was fuming at him when he accidentally caught her eyes glimpsed at him.
Of course, he could not blame her since he did break his promise. But it was a slip of the tongue. He did not mean it.
Or did he?
"Oh! I didn't notice a ring, Andy. Should I assume it is not working out?" Chase raised his brow as he stared at his wife's left hand, implying in his tone that he was curious and intrigued.
"I'm sorry, but my personal life is not the topic here." She politely told their client. "But if you want to ask me about the project, I will delightfully answer any of your questions."
For some reason, he was pleased with the way she shut his friend down. It was not disrespectful, but she had put him in his place.
"Shall we order first and talk about business?" He interrupted their conversation, stopping his friend from pursuing his intention.
He immediately called the server's attention, hoping his friend would finally get the hint that he should not flirt with his wife but stick to business.
He knew his friend's womanizing ways. Once Chase found someone he liked, he would not stop until he got what he wanted. Thus, the nickname Chase. He loved the thrill of the chase.
But not under his watch.
He would not let Andy be another one of his friend's victims. If his tone was not enough warning, then surely his stare should do the trick.
"Fine!" Chase shook his head and devilishly smiled as if he found him amusing. "So, what do you have for me?" As they returned to the business at hand.
The following two hours were fruitful as they discussed their plans for the renovation of the current hotel and the expansion plan for the new amenities of the resort.
It would be a massive endeavor for his company, but it would solidify his position in the industry. His company might not be a giant yet, but it had undoubtedly made a mark on the map.
"Wow! Impressive!" Chase praised their work. "I know I am gambling my money with the right man. I like it so far." His friend approved of their initial proposal.
It had been hard to start a business when he was competing with his father, who had already established his dominance in the world.
But he was not about to give up on proving to his father that he did not need to be an heir to create a name for himself.
"You know my word is good for it." He assured his friend that he would get his money's worth.
He and Chase had worked on several collaborations in the past. His friend was already familiar with his capability.
Besides, he offered the most innovative and creative designs that cater to most of his client's preferences. At the same time, he incorporated modern technology into the plans but not undermining its impact on the environment.
"Mr. Williamson, if you have additional requests or suggestions that you wish us to include in the final plan, just let us know," Andy said as she continued to discuss the project with him.
"Chase." He answered. "You need to call me Chase if we are about to work together." His friend insisted. "All my closest friends do." He charmingly smiled at her.
As usual, his friend could not help himself as he started flirting with his wife again, ignoring the glare he sent his way.
"Ok, Chase. If you have any questions, you can call..."
"Me, directly." He quickly interjected, not liking the idea of his friend calling his wife. "Call me if you have anything to discuss about the project."
Again, he had never acted this way. He could not explain why he suddenly behaved this way. But he could not stop it.
"Ok, Mr. Preston. I will." His friend mockingly responded while he smiled sarcastically at his reaction, clearly unbothered. "But maybe we should go out tonight to celebrate."
His friend invited him to his club. "You should bring Andy with you. It would be nice if she could also see the place."
He did not like his wife spending another minute with his friend. But Chase was right. It might be a good idea for Andy to see the place.
Professionally, that should not be a problem. But somehow, he was not acting like it. Instead, he was behaving like a jealous husband.
Stop it!