“That shit is not cereal, babe. It’s sugar,” I remind her.
“It says cereal on the box. So…” shereminds me.
“That’s why you got normal food all of a sudden. We’re keeping her,” Colton says, pointing at Hayley.
I pull her tighter to my side. “I’m keeping her. You’re keeping your eyes and hands off her.”
“I did see her first. Wait… do you have a sister?” Colton turns to Hayley.
“No, but if I did, I would not let her near you.” She laughs.
“Ouch, I’m a catch.” Colton steps into the elevator.
“Have you ever let anyonecatchyou longer than a night?” Hayley quirks an eyebrow at him.
My friend’s face scrunches up like he tasted something bad. “Why on earth would I do that?”
“Because you want a girlfriend?” she asks him.
“I don’t want a girlfriend,” Colton says. “I’m happy with my variety meal.”
Hayley rolls her eyes before looking to me. “What is this fundraiser for?”
“To raise funds for the Davis Troubled Youth Foundation. They help young kids who find themselves on the wrong side of the tracks,” I tell her.
Hayley tilts her head to the side. “Youare on the wrong side of the tracks, August. And I have no doubt Thing Two is right there with you.” She gestures a thumb towards Colton.
I laugh. “We came up from the bottom, babe. Some of those kids have it worse than either of us ever did. But this is more about being seen and seeing the people I need to see than the charity itself.”
“Okay. It’s a good cause. It’s just kind of ironic,” she says.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Do not open the door. You wait for me to tell you it’s okay to get out,” August says in a nonnegotiable tone. Honestly, if we hadn’t just been ambushed earlier today, I would think he’s overreacting.
I nod my head and wait. Anxiety creeps up as I stare out the window at August. He’s the one they’re after. He shouldn’t be getting out first. My heart hammers against my chest. When I go to open the door, August steps in front of it. He then turns and opens it all the way and holds a hand towards me.
“Okay, we’re going to be in and out, make our appearance, talk to who I need to talk to and then we’re leaving,” he says.
“Okay.” I look down and flatten a palm over my dress.
“You look stunning,” August tells me.
I don’t feel it. I feel like a fraud. This is not my scene.
The moment we step into the ballroom and I spot all the beautiful, well made-up women, my nerves increase tenfold. My hand tightens around August’s arm when a busty brunette approaches him. August looks across to me and presses his lips to the side of my head before greeting her. That tiny bit of reassurance, how did he know I needed that? Such a small gesture, but I can’t wipe the smile off my face.
“I’m going to get drinks. Hayles, wanna come?” Colton asks me.
I shake my head. Is he insane? He wants me to walk away and leave August alone with this woman? I can’t do that. What if…
Shit, it’s happening.
“Actually, I will come with you.” I nod.
As I say this, August’s hand tightens on my hip and his head snaps to the side. “You’ll go where with Colton?” he asks me.
“To the bar. I’ll get you a drink.” Reaching up, I press my lips against his. I don’t want to leave his side, but I have to. I need to not become that girl again. The girl who can’t handle being away from her boyfriend.
