I nodded as I rested my head against his pec. He’d shed his tuxedo jacket before the first dance. No, our wedding hadn’t been completely traditional, but it was raucous and fun, and I loved everything about it.
“I could use some water,” I said. “And maybe some more cake.”
Lennon chuckled. “Let’s get you set up.”
I had just offered Lennon a bite of cake when Zaila, a young intern who’d started with the Wildcatters organization last June, came up to us. She smiled brightly, but I thought her eyes were too shadowed for her to be truly happy.
“I wanted to wish you two all the best,” Zaila said. “And to thank you for the invitation.” She clasped my hand in both of hers. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know you all.”
That sounded like a formal goodbye, not just an exit from the wedding, which didn’t make sense to me. Her internship was supposed to be a full year.
From what Lennon had said, Zaila was whip smart. She tended to be quiet, observing the goings-on before stepping forward with suggestions. But what she did suggest had been implemented with great success on the social media channels.
“Thank you,” I said. “We hope you had fun.”
“Oh, I did. It’s so nice to see a couple in love, so willing to broadcast it to the world.”
Gunnar, who had sat next to Lennon with his own piece of cake, stiffened, his intense gaze lingering on the young woman’s face.
Oh. He liked her. I tried to remember how old he was—mid-forties, maybe? I wasn’t sure. At least twenty years older than Zaila.
The look of longing in his eyes that shuttered with the next blink told me he knew the age gap was too large. Pity. From what Lennon said, Gunnar hadn’t been linked with anyone romantically since he’d created the franchise.
I smiled at Zaila. “Lennon’s my person.”
Zaila laughed. “Nice callback to Grey’s Anatomy. I watched all the seasons during the pandemic.” She leaned in closer, her brown eyes sparkling. “McDreamy filled my dreams.” She cast a sly glance toward Gunnar. “But then, I have a thing for an older man. He’s mature. Knows what he wants.”
Oooh. This was getting interesting. Clearly Zaila was attracted to Gunnar. Would they act on it?
Naomi and Adam joined us, as did Maxim and Ida Jane. I loved all of them, but I was a bit disappointed as I watched Gunnar’s expression tighten and a mask fall into place.
I nibbled my cheek. Did I dare poke the bear? Something devilish tickled me—probably that second glass of champagne. I leaned closer to Zaila, which caused Naomi and Ida Jane to sidle forward. Human nature at work—no one wanted to miss a secret.
“You mean as opposed to the college students your age?” I asked, blinking innocently.
Zaila nodded.
“So those young men don’t do it for you?” Ida Jane asked. Her gaze slipped to Gunnar, and I saw the calculation in her eyes. She’d figured out there was something between them, too.
Oh, we’re on to you, Gunnar.
“Hmm… No. I like a man,” Zaila said. “One who’s confident in himself and knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.”
I opened my mouth to reply, but before I could, Gunnar stood and stepped forward. He scowled down at Zaila, who stared back boldly. “This is neither the time nor the place, Zaila,” he said, his icy blue eyes narrowed to slits.
“I’m sure you’re right,” she said, looking away. “What do I know about relationships, anyway?”
I shared a glance with Ida Jane. We both bit back grins. Zaila was pushing Gunnar. To…what? Admit there was something between them?
“What. The. Fuck?” Naomi murmured.
Clearly she’d missed the sexual tension between Gunnar and Zaila, and she was worried about her—no doubt hearing the words of her abusive ex-boyfriend. She’d told me he tried to control her emotionally, and when that didn’t work, he resorted to violence.
I glanced at Ida Jane, who gave a slight shake of her head. Let it play out.
I shrugged. I took a sip of my third glass of champagne, enjoying this unexpected show.
Naomi shoved her glass at Adam and went to the young woman, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. She clasped her other hand around Zaila’s and tugged her away from Gunnar.
