“This is ridiculous,” I whisper, acutely aware of the attention and what people must be whispering behind my back.
“It’s perfect. Let’s give them something to talk about, Hart.” He spins me once, and I can’t help but laugh again. “You’re having fun. Don’t deny it.”
“You’re insane.”
“You’ve mentioned that before.” His eyes crinkle at the corners. “It usually precedes you throwing something at my head.”
“Only twice.”
“Both times showcased your athletic prowess.”
The song ends and transitions into another one, a slow country ballad I don’t recognize. More couples join us on the dance floor, and gradually, the attention shifts away from us.
Felix pulls me closer, and I let him, resting my cheek against his chest. I can hear his steady heartbeat and feel the warmth of him through his shirt.
“Thank you for coming,” I murmur.
“Thanks for not turning me away.” His hand splays wider on my back, and the gesture feels possessive in a way that should probably bother me but doesn’t. “How are you doing?”
My throat goes tight. “Better now.” I pull back enough to look up at him. “What really made you show up here, Felix?”
He studies my face, his own expression unreadable. “Because you matter to me, Piper. You and the baby. I know you want to prove you don’t need anybody, but—” He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear. “Needing people doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.”
The tears threaten again, and I blink furiously. “Stupid hormones.”
“I’m a big fan of those hormones.” He gives me an exaggerated wink. “Especially because they make your boobs huge.”
The ridiculous statement pulls another laugh from me, which is exactly what I need as Felix guides me around the dance floor. For the first time all day, I feel like I canactually breathe.
We dance to two more songs before Felix suggests we get drinks. He guides me toward the bar with his hand on my lower back, and I’m hyperaware of the stares we’re getting.
“Everyone’s looking at us,” I mutter.
“We’re fucking hot.” He sounds unbothered. “Do you want sparkling water or lemonade?”
“Lemonade sounds perfect.”
He orders for both of us—lemonade for me, club soda for himself—and we move away from the crowd to a quieter corner of the terrace.
“Piper!”
I turn to find Christy approaching, her wedding dress swishing around her ankles. Her smile is bright and genuine, and for a moment, she looks like the girl I used to know in high school. And despite everything, I’m truly happy for her.
“Christy, congratulations. The ceremony was beautiful.”
“Thanks, girl.” She pulls me into a hug, and when she pulls back, her eyes go straight to Felix. “So it’s true that you’re?—”
“We’re friends,” I tell her at the same time Felix says, “It’s true.”
“Felix Barlowe.” He extends his hand with a megawatt smile that’s probably gotten him out of a thousand awkward situations. “You must be the bride. Congratulations. You look lovely.”
“I—thank you—I just—” Christy giggles then clasps a hand over her mouth. “Piper only RSVPd for one, but of course, we’re so happy you’re here.” She lowers her voice like she’s sharing a secret. “We’re huge Grizzlies fans. My husband’s going to die when he meets you.”
“Glad to make his day.” Felix’s tone is relaxed, probably because he’s totally used to people fawning over him. It makes me marvel at the fact that he seems to like that I don’t. “Thanks for being cool about me crashing.”
“Are you kidding? You have to promise to pose for pics. Butfirst…” Christy moves to take my arm, then pulls back. “Can we talk for a second?”
Felix releases me after a squeeze to my hand. “I’ll go introduce myself to the groom.” He inclines his head toward the other end of the bar. “I’m guessing he’s the guy in the tux?”
