“You look absolutely stunning tonight,” Rory compliments.
“Thank you,” I reply politely.
“You can’t leave me, Dream Girl.”
My head snaps up. “Why would I leave?” My own question and its implications shock me, but the scare quickly morphs into content.
Why would I leave? I’m happy—probably happier than I’ve ever been in my life.
As Rory gazes at me, my chest warms.
“May I cut in?”
Turning toward the deep voice, I find Luke waiting with an offered hand. Rory transfers my hand to Luke’s and steps back. I easily fall into the same rhythm with Luke as the string ensemble plays another soft tune.
“Thank you for coming with us tonight,” Luke starts. “I know you were reluctant but came anyway.”
“I wasn’t given much of a choice.” I shrug, brushing off his comment.
Luke searches my face. “If you really dug your heels in, we would have caved. I think you know that.”
The thought had occurred to me, but part of me wanted to experience this with them. I wanted to see what it was like to dress up and enjoy a night out with them.
“Maybe,” I admit. “But it’s been fun, despite the little complaints I’ve made.”
“Again, thank you.” Luke stops us and places a light kiss on my forehead.
“May I?” Hunter appears next to us.
Luke mimics Rory’s movements from earlier, placing my hand in Hunter’s and stepping away. Hunter pulls me into hisbody, holding me closer than Rory and Luke did. He doesn’t say a word, telling me everything he needs to with his actions. The way his eyes hold me in a trance, the way he guides my body to move with his, the way his firm grip allows minimal space between us.
His actions tell me that he needs me.
I return his plea with my answer with my compliance, my gentle touch, and my desperation.
I need you too.
When the song finally comes to an end, everyone stops and applauds the musicians. Hunter and I follow suit. Then the champagne and copious amounts of water I drank while getting ready catch up with me.
“If you’ll excuse me for a moment.” I turn in a circle, searching for the restroom.
“You’re not leaving my side, Heartbreaker,” Hunter argues.
“I have to pee,” I reply urgently.
“Calder will take you.” Hunter lifts his hand and makes a small motion with his fingers.
A few seconds later, Hollis appears beside us, almost causing me to jump out of my skin. He’s eerily quiet for such a large man.
“This way, Miss Foster,” Hollis says politely.
“Thank you.” I nod. I don’t know how he knows where I need to go, but I’m not questioning it. Whatever gets me to a toilet faster.
When we get to the door with the stick figure woman on it, Hollis moves to the side. “I’ll be right here.”
“Thank you,” I tell him as I hurry through the door.
Inside the stall, I realize that going pee in a freaking gown is more difficult than it should be.
