Kieran laughed. “He’s catching up to yours.”
If Hadley heard what they said, she ignored it. Instead, she smiled at Mason. “Then you should know how technology allows people to be together no matter the distance. Thanks for making it easier for us to see each other when we’re miles apart.”
Mason swallowed before lowering his hand from around Rachael. “You’re welcome.”
Everyone chose that moment to take a drink. Selah, who worked at Mason’s company, appeared as if she was trying hard not to laugh.
Hadley impressed Blaise. Not only had she held her own against Mason—not an easy thing to do when the guy was on a roll—she’d also saved Blaise from saying something he would regret.
His gaze met hers, her blue eyes drawing him in. Resisting their appeal was futile.
Something passed between them, a connection—maybe an understanding—but he didn’t feel as if he were on his own. Warmth spread through him, bringing with it an unfamiliar sense of contentment. Strange, because he had everything he wanted. Well, except for winning the bet. Maybe that was why he felt so close to her.
Blaise covered her hand with his. Her skin was soft and warm.
Hadley’s gaze never wavered from his, and he wasn’t about to break the contact himself.
And then he remembered…
No kissing or holding hands.
He gently squeezed her hand before letting go. It was the right—the only—thing for him to do, but he missed the contact.
Blaise flexed his fingers, which itched to touch her once again. He knew better than to do that, but there was something else he could do. He needed to clear the air with Mason or the night would go downhill.
“Thanks from me, too, Mase.” Blaise smiled at his friend because they were friends no matter their bets, competitions, one-upmanships, or arguments over the years. The same as he was with Adam, Kieran, Wes, and Dash. The six of them understood each other—the work, the money, the challenges—as few others could. “I’ll pick up the tab tonight. It’s the least I can do since I didn’t pick up the garter at your wedding.”
The nods and smiles around the table told Blaise he’d said the right thing.
“No hard feelings?” he asked.
“None. Especially now that Hadley’s here.” Mason raised what looked to be a glass of bourbon. “Has Blaise mentioned the bet to you?”
She nodded.
“Good.” Mason glanced at Blaise. “We have less than nine months left to get the bet called off. Since it appears you’re off the market now, maybe Hadley can use her expertise to find women for Dash and Wes.”
This time it was Hadley who reached for her water glass and drank, but that didn’t stop her gaze from colliding with Blaise’s.
He winked at her. “Maybe she can.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Blaise, Adam, Kieran, and Mason picked on each other, joking more like brothers than friends. Underneath the ribbing, however, was a bond Hadley envied. She had friends, but work and her family took up most of her time. Not that she minded. Fallon was not only her sister but also her best friend, but maybe Hadley should keep in better touch with other friends. Not everyone lived nearby, but as she’d mentioned to Mason earlier, technology made keeping in touch simpler. Friendship, however, was easy to take for granted. Yet somehow these men, including those not here tonight, had managed despite their busy lives and work.
The three women were friendly and got along but weren’t as close as the guys. That made sense because they hadn’t known each other as long. She enjoyed talking to them, especially Cambria after meeting her on Sunday, but Hadley struggled to keep up with the many topics being discussed. Her brain was fuzzy. Must be the cold medicine.
Kieran made a joke about nanotechnology, and Blaise couldn’t stop laughing. He bent over slightly, laughter pouring out of him and wrapping around her like the best hug ever.
Hadley’s breath caught in her throat.
He was handsome—okay, gorgeous—but seeing him so carefree filled her stomach with flutters. Tonight with his friends melted away the tension she’d noticed in the set of his shoulders and jaw when she’d arrived at his house. He’d given her a glimpse of a more relaxed Blaise on last Sunday, but he was out in full force now. She might have wanted to cancel, but she was glad they’d come tonight. This dinner—being around his friends—was good for him.
She drank her water, trying to stave off more coughs. That only made her shiver. Goose bumps prickled her skin. The water hadn’t tasted that cold. Maybe the restaurant lowered the thermostat. She had her arms over her chest, wishing she hadn’t left her sweater at Blaise’s house.
Maybe food would help.
Hadley speared a scallop with her fork, but the thought of raising the bite to her mouth felt like too much effort. What she tasted had been delicious, but her appetite had vanished.
