“I’m still thinking,” August said, but something in the intensity with which he stared at my face told me he knew exactly what he wanted to say but didn’t want to utter it in front of everyone. Which was fine by me, because I was also certain that whatever he’d say would be heartfelt and make me cry . . .again. “But don’t let my thinking keep you from your drinking.” He raised his glass. “To you,Ness.”
Without breaking eye contact, he took a long sip ofchampagne.
36
We hadthree incredible courses followed by the most decadent flourless chocolate birthday cake. When it was brought out, ablaze with candles, everyone in the restaurant sang and clapped. By the time coffees and teas were served, the waistband of my dress felt like steelwire.
I was listening to one of Evelyn’s kitchen nightmare stories when I caught Nelson asking August at what time he was flying out to Tennessee to meet with theRivers.
He was going to meet theRivers?
I was so disconcerted by the news of his impending trip that I didn’t realize I’d spoken out loud until both Watts turned towardme.
“They want us to build them an indoor recreation center for the winter months.” Nelson beamedproudly.
“That’s . . . that’s”—I flipped the tiny spoon on my teacup saucer over and over—“wonderful.”
It wasn’t, though. Not in the least. Even though I knew firsthand that the Rivers genuinely liked what August and Nelson had crafted, I also knew the River Alpha’s daughter had a thing—more than a thing . . .ugh—for August. And if he went, the distance would cancel out our bond, and since he assumed my feelings for him were entirely platonic, nothing would stand in his way to hook up with her again. Trying to rein in my glumness, I swallowed the tepid and over-infused dregs of my tea that tasted way better than the jealousy basting mypalate.
At the end of dinner, after everyone had thanked Trent and filed out of the restaurant, Nelson said, “We have a birthday present for you. It’s for your new house. Let me know when you’re done redoing it, and I’ll bring itover.”
“You didn’t haveto—”
“Will you just let us spoil you without putting up a fight?” Isobel asked, flicking the tip of mynose.
“Okay.”
Nelson pulled open her car door, and she climbed into the passenger seat. Before shutting the door, she said, “Thank you for sharing your special night, sweet girl,” and then she blew me anotherkiss.
They couldn’t replace Mom and Dad—no one could—but I was fortunate to have them in my life. Whoever August ended up with would be one luckygirl.
That thought just crushed me. Where had it even comefrom?
Evelyn hugged me tight and told me she loved me a great many times before finally letting Frank tug her away. Only Jeb, August, and I remained on the glitterypavement.
Digging the van’s key out of his jacket pocket, my uncle congratulated August on landing another deal with the Rivers, then to me, he said, “I’ll bring the cararound.”
We hadn’t parked far, but I was glad not to have to walk in the heels that were so high I was only half a head shorter thanAugust.
Keeping my gaze on the stubble coating his jaw, I said, “Thanks for my palmtree.”
“You’rewelcome.”
His scent and heat eddied in the air between us, tempting me to step in closer. “I loveit.”
His lips arched. “I’mglad.”
I inhaled a long breath that just tortured my heart. “How are youfeeling?”
“I still can’t shift. But otherwise, I feelgood.”
For a moment, neither of us spoke, and then we both spoke at the sametime.
He said, “How was your first week of school?” while I asked, “When are youleaving?”
“You first,” hesaid.
“My first week was reallygood.”
