Flames of Passion

“Since we broke up,” Nya said. “But it’s been a year and two months since we last saw each other. Not that I’m counting.”

“Something like that.”

Nya did her best not to glare at him. Instead, she concentrated on trying to prove to him that she had moved on. “Russell, I want you to meet Tyler. My boyfriend.” The smile on her face was so fake that it hurt, but she’d be damned if she would let Russell feel any sense of power over her. He may have broken her heart, but he was going to see that she was over him.

Russell extended his hand to Tyler. “Tyler. Good to meet you. I’m Russell Ewing.”

“Tyler McKenzie,” Tyler said, pumping Russell’s hand. “Firefighter.”

“Yep, he’s a firefighter,” Nya gushed.

“Ah,” Russell said. “A firefighter. One of our city’s first responders. I salute you.”

Topaz’s eyebrows shot up. “Yes! You’re November. I saw your picture. Very sexy.”

“That’s me,” Tyler said.

“I didn’t quite recognize you out of your uniform,” Topaz went on.

Nya’s eyes widened with alarm at the way Topaz’s eyelashes fluttered. Was she flirting with her pretend man?

Nya held on to Tyler a little more proprietarily. Topaz had already stolen one man of hers, and she wasn’t about to let her sink her teeth into her new fake boyfriend, as well.

Russell also didn’t look happy.

“You remember Topaz,” Russell said, snaking his arm around her waist.

“Topaz,” Nya said, without an ounce of enthusiasm. “Good to see you again.”

“Likewise,” Topaz replied, barely able to force a smile on her face as she spoke. The tension only made it more apparent to Nya that Topaz had been involved with Russell while they’d been dating.

Nya wanted to ask her how long she had been sleeping with her boyfriend, and if it had started the moment Russell had cast her for his film. But she didn’t bother. She was over Russell. All she wanted now was for him to know it.

“Russell and I are dating!” Topaz announced. “A little over a year and a half now.”

“More like a year and a few months,” Russell said, then chuckled uneasily.

Year and a half! Russell had definitely been cheating on her!

“Oh, right,” Topaz said, catching on. “A year and a few months. We were working together and couldn’t deny our attraction.”

Not wanting to hear another word, Nya turned to the bar and began to search in her purse for her second drink ticket. She needed another alcoholic beverage, and fast.

Nya ordered a vodka tonic and promptly took a liberal sip.

When she turned around and tuned in to the conversation again, Russell was asking, “So how long have you two been together?”

“Not too—” Tyler began.

“Six months,” Nya interjected. “Six amazing months.” Six months ago was the last time Nya had contacted Russell, foolishly asking if they could once again work on their relationship. He hadn’t told her that he’d been involved with Topaz, but he had told her that she needed to move on.

“Great,” Russell said. “I’m glad you’re happy.”

“We’re very happy,” Nya said, and placed a hand on Tyler’s chest.

Feeling a jolt of heat, she withdrew her hand. And took another sip of her drink.

“Listen,” Russell began, “I’m glad I ran into you. I finally finished the film. And the premiere is this Friday night. I would love for you and Tyler to come.”

“You finished it?” Nya asked. “Wow.” It was bittersweet. She had been working with Russell on the film, wearing many hats as he’d been trying to produce his first feature. Their breakup had meant the end of her involvement on the project, one she’d believed in.

“Yep,” Russell said. “And it’s time to introduce my baby to the world.”

At Russell’s statement, Topaz leaned into him, and Nya wanted to roll her eyes. He’s not referring to you, dimwit.

Instead, Nya also moved closer to Tyler, taking his hand in hers. “I’m really happy for you, Russell,” she said in a sweet tone. “But I’m sorry. I’m busy Friday night. Tyler and I have plans.”

Tyler, who up until this point had been mostly silent, suddenly spoke. “Actually, that dinner fell through.”

Nya’s eyes shot to his. “Honey?”

“We can make it to Russell’s screening.” Then he faced Russell. “What time will it be?”

Nya wanted to elbow him in the ribs. What was he doing? Yes, she had kissed him without warning, but surely he must have figured out that she was playing a role. All she wanted him to do was look hot and stay silent.

“Seven o’clock,” Russell said. “And there’ll be an after party, as well. At The Diamond Club.”

“Ooh, one of the best hot spots.” Tyler leaned in close and kissed Nya on the temple. “We’ll be there.”

Russell beamed. “Excellent! It’s a great film, if I do say so myself.”

“What’s the film about?” Tyler asked.

“Struggling alcoholic with an abusive past finds herself and redemption,” Russell answered.

Nya cleared her throat. “Sweetie,” she began, an undeniable edge to her tone. “Are you sure Friday night’s engagement dinner is canceled? Because when I spoke to Jennifer, she said she was only waiting on confirmation from her brother.” Turning to Russell, Nya explained. “Jen’s brother is on the East Coast, and he’s working on a huge ad campaign and isn’t sure he’ll be able to leave town. But he’ll know by tomorrow. Which is why we can’t confirm with Russell,” Nya went on, looking at Tyler now. “Knowing Keith, he’ll be on a flight early Friday morning to make sure he gets here. I’m sure it will go ahead, as planned.”

Tyler was shaking his head even before she was finished with her story. “Nope,” he said. “I spoke with Dave. He told me it’s definitely canceled. Keith didn’t want to be rushed, so they decided to put off the dinner. Jen doesn’t want to have the dinner without him being there. After all, he’s the only family she’s got left.”

Nya could smack Tyler. Truly, she could. Why was he throwing a wrench into her well-executed excuse? Wasn’t it apparent to him that she was trying to avoid Russell? Weren’t firefighters supposed to save people? Didn’t he see that she needed saving?

For some crazy reason, Tyler seemed determined to beat her at her own game.

He winked at her. Then he looked at Russell. “We’d love to come.”

Resignation swirling in Nya’s gut like black tar, she faced Russell. “All right, then. Since the dinner is canceled, we’ll be there.”

Russell clapped his hands together. “Excellent.” Then he reached into his jacket pocket and produced two tickets. “Here you go. These will get you into the premiere.”