“Nervous?” I asked, my gaze lingering on his shoes, which were awkwardly clattering against the brick driveway. He just grunted, trying to get his nerves back on track.
“What if she says no?” he muttered.
“She’s not gonna sayno. I know that. You know that. We all know that. Even she knows that. Calm down,” I said.
He grunted again. Logan and Ethan emerged from the restaurant debating loudly the legality of pineapple on pizza.
“Where are they?” Alex asked.
“Norah texted me. They’re a couple of minutes away,” I replied, just as a black Audi pulled up. “Less now, I guess.”
“Show time,” I whispered, patting his back. He exhaled dramatically.
The girls stepped out of the car, each more radiant than the last, but Hazel, of course, was the last to emerge. I knew she did it to avoid the spotlight. Turns out, it was a good thing because, at that moment, I was certain that even if I tried, I wouldn’t have seen anyone past her.
My heart sank at the view before me. She was absolutely gorgeous. My eyes fell on her figure. She got a dark plum-colored dress with tiny white dots on it thatso beautifullyhugged her waist, and the way the fabric was tightened around her breasts confirmed she was braless. I cursed under my breath, reminding myself for the millionth time why we were here. Hazel looked so carefree, so impossibly happy, I couldn’t ruin that for her.
“Damn, girls,” Ethan whistled. “You look like sushi on a conveyor belt. Irresistible.” A ridiculous statement, but he wasn’t wrong.
“You look...” I turned to Hazel, searching for words. “Stunning.” She blushed. God, how I loved that she couldn’t control it. She definitely didn’t do that so often back home. I would’ve noticed.
“I sent a selfie to Mady and she called me ‘pigment-challenged eggplant’.”
I offered my arm for her to hold on to since her high heels could betray her on the pebbled ground. She took it without hesitation.
At the door, I leaned in, whispering against her ear, “You are very, very pretty eggplant.” She tried to bite off a smile.
We entered the restaurant, and I felt her fingers tighten on my suit. The utter amazement on her face alone was a view to be cherished. Stunned by the intimate setting and the soft music, Hazel looked at me without concealing her reaction. Her smilewas so bright that I told the small nagging voice in my headFuck you, this was worth it just to see her like this.
“This is gorgeous,” Ava breathed. I saw Alex watch Ava with such intensity in his eyes. Just as I was watching Hazel a moment ago.
He must love her so much.
The evening went smoothly. Everyone was having a great time. I decided to switch my phone to Airplane mode so no one could reach me. It was refreshing. I felt at peace. I sank into my seat, watching everyone around the table, and I had to admit—it looked perfect. Itfeltperfect. Like home. Not the one I grew up in, but the one everyone should feel.
I glanced at Hazel laughing with the others, and warmth spread through me. Hazel fit in here more than I did, like she’d always been part of us. Maybe just waiting to be discovered by them. By me, too.
Soft music began to play, almost worthy of the view as I lingered at the edge, watching.
“We should dance. Let’s dance,” Ava pleaded, placing a hand on Alex’s cheek.
“Anything for you, pumpkin,” he smiled, leading her away. The others followed. I raised an eyebrow at Hazel, silently asking.
“Shouldn’t we watch our friends’ stuff?” she asked, trying to find an excuse, but deep down, I knew she didn’t want to protest.
“Oh, c’mon, sweetie.” I stood, taking her hands and whispering, “I don’t bite.” She followed me without a struggle.
Hazel murmured something similar toThat’s what I’m worried about, and I laughed, slowly pulling her close like I’d wanted to all night. Sweet piano notes filled the room, mingling with a soft voice. But nothing was softer than Hazel’s bare skin beneath my fingertips. I hadn’t noticed the low cut of herdress. My jaw tensed. I ran my thumb over her back, and she swallowed.
“So, what’s the big secret?”
I hmm-ed, enjoying the moment.
“The chicken in Ava’s office? The farmer’s market two blocks from my place. In my defense, Alex was in on it too,” I said, spinning her into an open turn before catching her again. She giggled.
“Luke.”
“I’ve never brought any girl home,” I whispered, confessing. I’d never wanted to.Not until now.The thought just happened to pop into my head without my consent. Panic surged through my brain at the thought of Hazel and my parents in the same room. I swallowed and squeezed her palm lightly, protecting myself from whatever was causing this. She noticed and glided her hand on my back until I eased.
