He hadn’t called the charter company yet, but he planned to be back in time for dinner.
“Not yet, but don’t make any plans for Thursday night. I want you all to myself.”
“That can be arranged. But I’m going to let you go. My bed is calling my name.”
Ending his call, Matt made his way back to the table. Unlike earlier, he bumped into several people he knew. Each conversation intensified his desire to leave.
“Shit,” Matt said when he had eyes on his table, the pulsing music drowning out his voice. His brother and Ellie were gone, but Jasmine remained with Anderson. He considered his options before taking a seat in Aiden’s empty chair, the spot across from Jasmine rather than next to her.
“Wow, you were gone for a long time. I was starting to worry you’d left,” she said.
Something told him he should’ve. After all, Aiden was a big boy. He could find his own way home.
“Where did my brother go?” If Jasmine said he’d left with Ellie, he was heading for the exit.
“He’s over there somewhere with Ellie.” She gestured toward the dance floor.
Trying to find Aiden was pointless, yet he glanced that way.
In one sip, Jasmine finished her drink, stood, and came around the table. Before his brain could register her intentions, she dropped onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Let’s go someplace private and catch up. Ellie can give your brother a ride home.”
Jasmine’s lips covered his before he could argue.
Aiden could find his own way home, because he’d had enough. Matt resisted the urge to push her off his lap and onto the floor. He didn’t want to hurt her.
“Damn it. We’re not doing this.” Grabbing both wrists, he pulled her arms away. “I’m with someone. Unless you want to be sitting on the floor, get off my lap.”
“Don’t be like that. I know you want me. Why are you fighting it?”
He’d never realized Jasmine had rocks for brains. Despite his warning, he’d never dump a woman onto the floor. Slipping one arm under her legs and another around her waist, he stood.
“Tell my brother I went home,” he said, depositing her in the seat she’d vacated.
“You won’t get another chance with me.”
I’ll live.
“Good night, Jasmine.”
Afraid of who she’d find there, Liv turned toward the door when she heard the chime. Relief washed over her at the sight of Emma standing there. Although she hadn’t seen or heard from Seb since his unexpected visit, she suspected it was only a matter of time before she saw him again.
“Good, it’s only you.”
“Only me? I don’t know if I should be offended or not.” Emma crossed to Liv’s desk with a large floral arrangement in each hand.
“You know I didn’t mean it like that. Are these both for me?”
“No, I was afraid the flowers would get scared if I left them alone.” Emma pointed to the vase on her left as she sat. “Of course they’re both for you.”
Okay, it was a silly question, but why would Matt send her two arrangements?
“Who are they from?”
Emma shrugged. “Mom processed the orders.”
“And you didn’t peek at the cards?” Liv plucked the card out of the vase filled with red and pink roses.
