“I hopped on my private jet right after the game and got dressed on the flight. I landed and came right here.”
The next song starts, and his hand settles at my waist. He pulls me close, surrounding me with his strength and heat.
My smile is shaky and I’m overwhelmed with emotion. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“What’s important to you is important to me,” he murmurs. His eyes move over my hair. “Wish I could see the teal.”
The words settle into my chest and a flutter of giddiness rushes through me as we move together beneath the chandeliers. For a few minutes, there’s nothing else, no donors, no expectations, no careful balancing act. Just the music and the thrill of him being here when I didn’t expect him to be.
I’m so happy he is. I don’t think anyone’s ever made such an effort just to be there for me. To support me and demonstrate just how much they care.
This is significant, right? A guy doesn’t just fly half-way across the country to be with someone he has an arrangement with.
I feel a surge of hope, but I quickly try to tamp it down. What am I thinking? Jayce is a good man who goes out of his way for his friends. I’m reading too much into this.
But…what if I’m not? What if he really does care for me on a deeper level?
Gah! I need to get a grip. I shouldn’t get ahead of myself and just enjoy this moment and being in his arms.
I can feel the bulge of his bicep beneath his suit coat, and I feel heat pool between my legs at the thought of him holding me…naked…while I’m tied up…
And just like that, I’m soaked in the middle of the dance floor.
When the song ends, he doesn’t let go right away. He leans in and presses his forehead to mine.
“You okay?”
I nod, letting out a small breath as I clench my thighs together. “Yeah, more than okay.”
He brushes his lips over my brow.
“How about a drink?” he asks.
“I’d love one.”
He begins leading me toward the bar when someone calls out my name.
“Sutton! Hold on there!”
Turning, I spot Uncle Kevin hurrying toward me with a big smile on his face.
“Hello, my dear!” he exclaims when he reaches me and pulls me into a hug. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I grin, returning his hug. When we step back, I turn and gesture toward Jayce. “Uncle Kevin, this is Jayce Vaughn. My fiancee.”
The two shake hands and Kevin eyes him up and down curiously.
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Kevin says.
“All good, I hope,” Jayce chuckles.
Kevin laughs. “Anyone who shows up like this for our Sutton earns major brownie points. Great game tonight, by the way!”
When Delilah and Jackson approach, Jayce’s arm slips around my back. His touch is familiar and firm and being so close to him only makes my blood run hotter.
“Jayce Vaughn of Parker Global, I presume?” Jackson asks, his tone pleasant but assessing.
“Yes, sir,” Jayce nods.
