“Not looking for a pity comment, just looking for an answer to my question.”
But he doesn’t repulse me. He might not be my favorite person, but repulse? I mean, if he repulsed me, there’s no way I’d allow him to hold me as close as he is. I wouldn’t be getting lost in his delectable scent, a scent that I know will cling to me for the rest of the night.
But he’s a prideful man, and I know he’s not one—in a serious moment—to fish for compliments.
“I didn’t know what to expect about the event. I figured it had to be nice for such a steep price. But this, the almostGreat Gatsbyfeel, this is what movies are made of.”
“None of the donations go to the actual event. This event is put on by a society who chips in their own money. It’s another reason why we love it so much. It’s a true fundraiser. Very little business occurs here.”
“Is that why you brought a date?” I ask, truly curious about him and Genesis.
Not that I’m the expert on JP Cane, but he just doesn’t seem like the dating type to me. He seems more like the guy who’s in and out of bedrooms every other night. The guy that never settles down, flirts shamelessly, and has no need for a companion other than himself.
“Genesis and I met a few weeks ago. She’s smart, someone who can hold an intelligent conversation, and when we went out, I had a good time. I thought this would be a good place to take her, let her mingle with some people, make connections. Didn’t expect her to mingle with your date, though.”
“Yeah, me neither,” I say softly.
JP pulls away just enough that our eyes meet, his light green ones to my hazel. “Listen, Kelsey, he’s—”
“Excuse us. Sorry to interrupt,” Edwin says as he walks up to us, Genesis at his side. “I hope it’s okay, but I think we’re going to head out.” Edwin thumbs to the door behind him. “Genesis has a headache and I figured I’d take her home.”
My stomach drops. He’s leaving the party with someone else?
Sure, the sting of seeing him talk to someone else the entire night was a direct hit to the ego.
Watching him dance with someone else was drink-worthy.
But seeing him leave...
JP’s arm stiffens around me as he says, “Sure thing, thanks, man.”
“You don’t mind?” Genesis asks. I can’t even look at them, because from the corner of my eye, I can see Edwin’s hand laced with Genesis’s.
“Not at all,” JP answers, his voice even.
“Okay, well... thanks for a good night,” Edwin says before patting me on the shoulder and taking off.
That’s all I get.
A pat on the shoulder.
I expected this night to go so differently. I thought that maybe Edwin and I could get to know each other a little more, become more comfortable with one another, maybe kiss again.
But he’s taking another woman home.
And that’s an absolute gut punch.
My feet stop moving, and my grip loosens on JP.
“Head held high,” he whispers as he spins me around. “Don’t let him see you upset.”
“But I am.”
“I know.” JP’s mouth is now touching my ear as he speaks softly. “But give them a few more minutes and then I’ll get you out of here.”
My lip trembles and I can feel my eyes start to well, and just when I think a tear is going to fall, JP grips my hand tighter, spins me out and smirks at me, before pulling me back in. It’s just enough to forget for a moment that, once again, romance isn’t in the cards for me.
* * *
