“Exactly what I said,” Ray piped up, and it somehow broke the tension.
“Anyway, I have to go. My date’s waiting. Charli, you and War must have lunch with me soon.”
For more digging into my background because I was with his sister?
“We will,” Charli answered quickly. “I’ll call you.”
With a nod at us, he walked away, disappearing into the sea of people.
As everyone claimed their seats, Charli grabbed my hand. “I want to dance.”
I let her drag me off to the dance floor. It was a fast number, but I didn’t care. I didn’t dance anyway, so I pulled her into my arms. Those dark eyes searched mine under the flashing strobe lights. Then she reached up, and her mouth touched my ear, her body pressing against mine.
“Better?” she asked.
I turned my head and pressed my mouth to her earlobe. “What do you think?”
“War, he’s my brother.” She turned her face to mine, our lips almost brushing. “And no, there’s nothing between us, never was. Julian has known me since my teens, and he cares about me like a sister. He got me the job in Germany when I wanted to get away from everything.”
Fuck jealousy. It came with a ton of unwanted baggage, and had almost cracked the bond I was trying to form with this woman. But possessive I damn well was, especially considering I never felt this way before, but there it was. It wasn’t something I’d tell her, either.
My gaze skimmed the delicate lines of her lovely face, my breath escaping in a whoosh…because in her, I saw a light, a strength I needed in my fragmented self. And having her in my arms helped ease this fear that she could leave, disappear like some carefree butterfly, in an instant.
Exhaling roughly, I rested my cheek against hers. Her fingers stroked my back, pulling me deeper and deeper into her as we moved to the music…
The song ended far too soon, and we headed back to the table, where Ray and Jack were the sole occupants. I sat and pulled Charli onto my lap before she lowered to the other chair.
“How are we supposed to eat in this way?” She glanced back at me.
I shrugged, didn’t care about food. Max and Ila, both breathless, joined us again after their dance.
Charli picked up a slider and took a bite, then she shifted a little and fed me her half-eaten mini burger. I grabbed her hand and took it, sucking her fingers as I did.
She bit her lip. Fuck, I so badly wanted to kiss her. But with eyes on us, I refrained for now, and chewed the damn burger, took a draft of my water, and ate a little more.
Max reached for his beer, and I recalled what he’d said earlier.
“Max? The drawing you mentioned, what is it?” I asked.
Smirking, he glanced at Ila. “Logan, can I see that illustration again?”
She frantically shook her head, making me even more curious.
“C’mon, Logan. We’re all family here,” he coaxed.
“I’ll send it to you.” She sighed, casting an apologetic look at Charli who stiffened on my lap.
“Ila, no, don’t—” She dived across the table for Ila’s cell, but I hauled her back before she sent the food scattering and drinks spilling. “No, no—” She smacked my hands, but she was too late anyway since her grimacing friend had already hit send.
Groaning, Charli palmed her face.
“Wait, what am I missing?” Ray demanded, looking from Ila to Charli.
“Did you not see your messages?” Ila asked.
“No. I had a hectic day…”
“God—” Charli reached for her glass, found it empty. “Sorry, Jack.” She grabbed his Grey Goose and slugged it back, then coughed at the strong liquor. I rubbed her back.
