Aubrey takes my hand, squeezing once as she leans in to whisper, “You don’t need him, I’m here. I’ve got you.”
For the first time since we sat down, I take a deep breath, blowing it out slowly to ground myself. She’s right. As much as I’d love to have him here, I have my best friend. She’s right: I don’tneedIsaac… I want him.
“Isaac, it’s so good to see you,” a woman coos behind me. It sounds like President Hernandez, but no matter how much I want to turn around, I remain facing forward.
“It’s good to see you too,” he replies brightly.
“You look so young without your beard.”
What?
Aubrey and I both shift, needing to see for ourselves. Sure enough, he’s clean-shaven. I can’t remember ever seeing him without facial hair; he’s always had a neatly-trimmed beard. He’s just as handsome without it, but it’s still a shock.
Isaac’s eyes meet mine, and a wide, mischievous grin splits his face, my favorite dimples making an appearance. I quickly pivot away from him, and Aubrey leans in to whisper, “At least now you won’t have to worry about your inner thighs having beard burn.”
I stifle a laugh. “Really, Bree?”
“Don’t act like you weren’t thinking it.”
“I wasn’t,” I hiss, but now it’s all I can think about.
Aubrey gets up to take a quick call, and mere seconds later, Isaac is in her seat. My pulse quickens being this close to him. His perfectly-fitted gray suit brings out the blue in his stormy eyes,and still, his smile hasn’t faltered. It should be a crime being as beautiful as he is.
“How was your workout?” he quietly asks.
“It was okay. What prompted the shave?”
He shrugs. “Wanted a change. What are you doing later?” Before I can reply, Aubrey returns, waiting expectantly for her seat. He stands, towering above me enough to block the sun. “As always, it’s good to see you both.”
Isaac shakes my hand and Aubrey’s. I hate the formality. Aubrey takes her seat next to me, groaning, “I had a feeling he’d try something.”
“It’s fine, he didn’t do anything. He just asked how my workout was. I promise he was on his best behavior.”
“What am I going to do with you two? The way he looks at you is enough of a tell. It’s only a matter of time before the rumors start up again.”
I glance behind me, not the least bit surprised Isaac’s intense gaze is still pinned on me. If it wasn’t for Ned’s insistence that we keep everything quiet until after the summit, I wouldn’t mind the gossip.
Isaac is one of the most eligible bachelors, often gracing magazine covers that women swoon over. Part of me enjoys the idea of people thinking he’s off the market, but it could jeopardize all of the hard work Aubrey and I have done to bring attention to food insecurity and funding women’s shelters. Maybe one day I’ll get to have my cake and eat it too, attending events like this with Isaac by my side, not seated behind me like a stranger.
18
Isaac
Staying away from Olivia for the rest of the day was absolute torture that only got worse seeing her at the gala. We were seated at the same table for dinner, and the entire time I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I had her for one night, one perfect night. It may be years before we can be together again. Now back home after two days without seeing her, the ache in my chest has only gotten worse.
Once I’m settled into bed, I grab my phone to send a quick text, only to find a missed one from her.
Livy
You should come to California sometime.
You should come to Ontario sometime.
Her reply comes in almost instantly.
We have great wine.
We have great hockey.
