“Hey,” Mark says sounding wounded, but with a smile.
I laugh. “It’s good to meet you.”
“I found Cassie being cornered by Ian. I don’t know why you don’t tell him to bugger off.”
Mark rolls his eyes. “He’s an old friend, Lauren. You know that.”
“Yeah? Would you have been happy if he’d got off with the one woman you actually want here?”
He gulps. “No. But I don’t think he’d do that.”
She shifts her gaze back to me. “Make that better looking andsmartersibling.”
I can’t help but bark out another laugh and grin at her. “I like you.”
“Thanks.” She cuffs her brother’s ear. “I love this dipshit, but he’s trying at times. You’ll soon find out.”
“Ouch.” Mark chuckles and rubs the side of his head. “Okay. I get the message.”
“I’m going to get another drink. It’s good to finally meet you, Cassie.” She turns on her heel and walks off.
I take a deep breath and face Mark.
“Was he really that bad?”
I shrug. “I didn’t like the way he was looking at me.”
He frowns. “What about the wayIlook at you?”
My heart’s in my throat. I like Mark—really like him. I need to be bold and tell him that, not hide behind my awkwardness. “I like the wayyoulook at me.”
His lips curl into a smile. “I’ll talk to Ian. Want to get out of here?”
“Isn’t this your birthday party?”
His smile grows. “It is, but no one’s allowed upstairs. We could go up to my room.”
I take a step closer. “What’s in your room, Mr Burrows?”
“A chance for some peace and quiet so we can talk?” His eyes twinkle, and it’s clear he’s thinking about more than talking.
But I’m ready.
I’m ready to find my happiness.
“Lead the way.”
He curls his fingers around mine. I follow as he makes his way through the party and toward the stairs. Ian stands by the base of them and scowls when he sees us.
“Ian. This is my lady, Cassie.”
He nods. “We met.”
“Yeah, so don’t hit on her.”
His gaze snaps to me, but Mark uses his free hand to grab his arm. “If I hear about you making anyone else uncomfortable, we can’t be friends.”
“Oh come on. She’s just?—"
