Then his phone buzzed on the counter. He reached for it without hesitation, his thumbs flying across the screen. Gage’s name flashed across the display, and just like that, I’d lost him to work again.
My shoulders slumped, and Ethan looked up. Noticing my silence, he flashed me a distracted smile. “Just confirming a few details for the gala. Won’t be a second.”
I nodded, wanting to believe this was a new beginning. But deep down, I knew how fragile hope could be. And how easily love faltered when one person stopped showing up.
8
ETHAN
The hum of soft jazz drifted through the bedroom as I fastened the last button on my shirt. Light caught on the cufflinks Callie had given me on our first anniversary, small silver squares engraved with my initials. They were a reminder of a time when things between us felt easy. I wanted that back so damn much.
My wife sat at her vanity, pulling her hair up into a twist that showed off her neck. For a moment, I let myself watch her with the quiet awe of a man who knew how close he’d come to losing something irreplaceable.
My dick hardened when she slipped off her robe, her curves wrapped in cream lingerie that made it painfully clear how much I wanted her. And how careful I still needed to be.
I barely held back my groan of disappointment when she stepped into her dress and turned to me. “Can you zip me?”
“Of course.”
I crossed the room, sliding the zipper up the smooth line of her spine. Her skin warmed under my fingers, but she didn’t lean into the touch the way she used to. Unfortunately, I had no one to blame but myself.
I reminded myself that trust wasn’t rebuilt overnight. I’d spent too long taking hers for granted.
“You look beautiful.” I pressed my lips behind her ear, barely resisting the urge to pull her closer. “I’m going to spend all night trying not to glare at anyone who stares too long.”
She rolled her eyes as she put in one of her earrings. “Nobody is going to do that, Ethan.”
“You don’t see how gorgeous you are, baby,” I disagreed, reaching for her bracelet.
She went still as I clasped the diamond tennis bracelet around her wrist. I'd given it to her at the first charity event we attended as a couple. She’d been so nervous about not fitting in, hiding her fear behind a brave smile.
I’d told her not to worry. That she’d outshine every woman there, and I’d have her back. I needed her to feel that again tonight.
“You good?” I asked.
She hesitated just long enough to make my chest tighten before nodding. “Yeah. Ready when you are.”
But her eyes slid away from mine a little too quickly.
I smoothed my tie, determined to rebuild the bridge between us. “We’ll stick together tonight.”
Her lips lifted in a small smile that eased some of my worry. Then she put on her heels, a strappy pair that made her legs look even better.
I offered my arm. “Let’s go wow the crowd.”
She slipped her hand into the crook of my elbow, and I looked forward to the night ahead with my gorgeous wife on my arm, determined not to give her another reason to pull away.
Traffic was light during the drive to the Thornleigh Country Club. After pulling up to the valet stand, I stepped out first, straightening my jacket before rounding the car to open Callie’s door and offer her my hand.
I pressed my palm lightly to the small of her back as we moved toward the entrance. The club remained unchanged from the last time I’d been here. Gilded moldings, towering columns, and crystal chandeliers that glittered without warmth. It was impressive in a way that was intended to remind you who belonged and who didn’t. Which was exactly why my mother loved this place so much.
“Champagne first.” I leaned closer to Callie as we stepped inside. “Then we’ll find our table.”
She gave me a soft smile that practically had my chest puffing up in pride.
“Prescott!” Gage’s voice carried easily over the hum of conversation. He approached with a grin, his tuxedo immaculate as always, one hand already reaching for mine in greeting. “You clean up well for a man who tried to scare me half to death with those Q3 projections.”
“Just doing my job,” I said dryly.
