Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel)

Chapter 39: Blowing Off Steam

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The bass pounded through the club, shaking the floor beneath me, as neon lights painted the crowd in vibrant colours. Jess leaned in, shouting over the deafening music, "I can't believe you have to work with that bitch Nicole!"

I rolled my eyes, the tequila shot I'd just taken warming me from the inside. “I can't believe it either,” I replied, scanning the packed club. Jess had suggested we come to Club Fire to blow off some steam. It was nice, but nothing like the exclusive billionaire's club.

“Here, another round!" Jess shoved two more tequila shots toward me.

I shook my head and pushed them back. “No more for now."

"Don't ruin the night," she pouted, trying to persuade me.

"I won't, promise,” I reassured her. "I just don't want to get drunk too early. The night's still young."

Tonight, I wasn't looking to get wasted. I wanted to get tipsy–just enough to make me feel bold—but I needed to stay sober enough to make smart decisions. I needed to choose a man who would help me forget Gabriel... and Adrian. I wanted to be done with the Storm men, but my heart hadn't gotten the memo. It still raced for Gabriel, and Adrian wouldn't stop calling and texting. He had the audacity to leave countless messages asking why I hadn't shown up at his restaurant. He thought I was a fool, and I wouldn't find out about him and Nicole still seeing each other.

“I'm thinking maybe working with Nicole isn't so bad...” Jess shouted over the loud music, interrupting my thoughts.

I glared at her. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

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Chapter 39: Blowing Off Steam

“Well, you wanted closure with Adrian. Now you've got a chance to get close to Nicole. You could go through her phone and maybe find out more about their relationship. See if he's still talking to her."

“Jess, I saw them together at his restaurant. That's all the closure I need."

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“You said they were just talking, though. Maybe that's all It was,” she shrugged. “But working with Nicole could give you clarity. Adrian still wants you back, and honestly, It doesn't seem like you're over him."

"I'm done with Adrian," I insisted, though doubt lingered in my tone. "Let's not talk about Adrian, Nicole, or Gabriel tonight. I just want to have fun." To punctuate my point, I downed another shot, the fiery burn of tequila grounding me.

"Now that, I support!" Jess cheered, throwing back two shots of her own before grabbing my arm and dragging me toward the dance floor.

We danced, losing ourselves in the music, letting the thumping rhythm drown out everything else. For a moment, I was free-until I spun around and bumped into someone, nearly losing my balance.

“Oh my God, I'm sorry!” I gasped, looking up. My eyes widened when I recognized him–Daniel. From the conference.

town."

“Clairessa?” He seemed just as surprised as I was. “What are you doing here?"

“I didn't expect to see you either,” I replied, raising my voice to be heard over the music.

He leaned in closer, his lips near my ear. "My friend owns the club. I come here sometimes when I'm in

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Chapter 39: Blowing Off Steam

Before I could respond, another man approached us, clapping Daniel on the shoulder. He was tall, with blond hair and a playful smile. Daniel gestured to him.

"This is James," Daniel introduced. "James, this is Clairessa."

"Nice to meet you!" James grinned, extending his hand.

Jess appeared beside me, eyeing James with interest. "And this is my friend, Jess,” I added, teasing her

with a smile.

“Pleasure,” James replied, his tone flirtatious. Jess grinned back, clearly enjoying his attention.

Jess flashed him a coy smile. "Likewise."

In no time, Jess and James were deep in conversation, leaving me alone with Daniel. He leaned in again, his hand brushing my arm. "Why don't we head up to the VVIP lounge? It's a lot quieter. We can talk."

I hesitated, looking at Jess, but she was fully absorbed in James's charm. "Sure," I agreed, and Daniel led the way through the crowd. His hand rested lightly on the small of my back, making me feel slightly

uncomfortable.

The VVIP lounge was quieter, and the noise of the club was reduced to a muffled sound. Plush seats and dim lighting gave the room a more intimate, relaxed feel.

"Can I get you a drink?” Daniel asked, signaling to a waiter.noveldrama

I shook my head. “No, thanks. I'm pacing myself tonight.”

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Chapter 39: Blowing Off Steam

He chuckled, ordering a whiskey for himself. As we sat down, his expression shifted, becoming more serious. “So," he began, "do you come here often?"

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"First time,” I admitted. "Jess dragged me here." I glanced down at the dance floor, wondering how things were going with Jess and James. I wasn't surprised to see them fully engrossed in each other. Jess always found it easy to connect with guys, unlike me, who was hardly attracted to anyone. Sometimes, I wondered what it would feel like to live life like Jess, vicariously bold and carefree.

Daniel's smile softened. “I'm glad she did.” He paused, then asked, “I don't mean to invade your personal life, but I have to ask-what's your relationship with Gabriel, aside from work?"

My body tensed at the mention of Gabriel. “I simply work for him,” I replied, careful not to give anything personal away. “That's all.”

"You sure?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. "The way he pulled you out of lunch the other day... it looked like more than just work."

I sighed, trying to suppress my discomfort at his probing questions. “Gabriel can be...”

Daniel cut in wearing a sly grin. “Possessive. Controlling. Overbearing?"

"I wasn't going to use those words exactly," I countered, feeling the need to defend Gabriel.

"You seem to forget that Gabriel and I were once friends. We went to the same university.”

"What happened?" I asked, curious about the obvious rift between them and why Gabriel had been so angry

about me having lunch with him.

“Life happened,” he said, his tone distant. Then his expression shifted again, softening. “But tonight's not about Gabriel. It's about you and me."

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"Me and you?" I repeated, surprised.

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“Yes.” Daniel reached for my hand. “From the moment I saw you at the seminar, I liked you, Claire. I'd like to

get to know you better."

“Daniel, I... I don't know what to say," I stammered, pulling my hand back as he reached for it again.

"I don't want to pressure you," he said gently. "But maybe we could go out on a proper date. No Gabriel to

interrupt this time."

I hesitated. “Daniel, I don't want to get caught between whatever issues you and Mr. Storm have. I can't risk jeopardizing my job."

"I understand," he said, his voice low. "But I promise, I won't let our relationship affect your work life."

"I'll need time to think about it," I replied, avoiding his gaze.

"Take all the time you need," he handed me his phone. "But in the meantime, I'd love to have your number."

Reluctantly, I typed in my number, feeling unsure if I was making the right decision.

"Claire, I'm heading out with James. Are you good?" Jess asked, appearing beside me.

"I'll be heading home too," I said, rising from my seat.

"We could drop you off," Daniel offered with a wide smile.

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Chapter 39: Blowing Off Steam

I hesitated again. I don't know if but Jess quickly spoke up behind me, wrapping her hands around my neck. “Oh, let the handsome gentlemen take us. It's fine!" She slurred slightly, clearly tipsy. “Alright,” I sighed, glancing at Daniel. "Let's go."

Daniel and James helped Jess as we made our way out of the club, the night taking a turn I hadn't anticipated. I'd come here to meet someone new, and yet here I was, caught up with Daniel, Gabriel's former friend who he clearly disliked and warned me to stay away from. This was definitely not how I'd imagined the night going, but I didn't have to play by Gabriel's rules. After all, we weren't in a relationship. Maybe Daniel was who I needed to get my mind off the Storm men.

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Chapter 40: Getting Over Gone Wrong