Landon places his glass on the counter and meets my gaze. “Sounds like she’s special.”
“She is.” I take a drink of the only alcohol I’ll allow myself tonight. “More than I ever thought possible.”
Tanner shifts on his feet. “More power to you, buddy. But that’s not for me.”
“Me, neither,” Landon mutters. “I can’t see anyone ever changing my way of thinking. I’m good on my own.”
I frown. “You don’t know what you’re missing. But I know there’s no convincing you unless you experience the power of it for yourself.”
Tanner rolls his eyes at that. “Love is not for me. No one’s going to understand me or accept the demons inside me. Except you two.” He smirks as if it doesn’t bother him.
Except I sense it does. But I’m not going to argue with the man. Only the right woman coming along will change his way of thinking.
“Okay, so for tonight… is security tight?” I ask.
Tanner nods. “Nothing to worry about on that score. I’ve got everything locked down.”
I blow out a breath. “And I’ve got a bodyguard on Faith. Which means I guess we’ve done all we can.”
Landon nods. “I suggest we try to enjoy, too. The talent is downstairs. Lola and Charlotte are doing sound checks.”
I sit on the corner of the desk, “Yeah. I ran into them on my way up here.” And I wiped Charlotte’s red lipstick marks off my lips soon after. If she’s gotten over me the way I hoped, she has a funny way of showing it. Then again, Charlotte likes to be the center of attention and to cause drama. Hopefully that’s all her big hello was all about.
“I need to change my clothes. I’ll meet you guys downstairs,” I say.
Landon glances down at his jeans. “I think we all need to dress.” With the number of hours we spend at this place, it is our second home, and we choose to be comfortable until it is time to head down to the floor.
“Are you going home to pick up Faith?” Tanner asks, rising to his feet from the chair he was sprawled in.
I shake my head. “Renault, the bodyguard, is bringing her. Apparently, she wanted to get her hair and makeup done with some of the women in my family.”
A dark chuckle comes from Tanner’s throat. “You’re in trouble, man. When the family gets involved, it’s harder to end things.”
I grin. “That’s the point, my friend. That’s the point.”
***
Faith
My heart beatswith excitement as I travel with Jack Renault to Club TEN29. I had a fantastical day with Izzy and Sienna, from having my hair done professionally to visiting with a makeup artist, who made me look incredible. I can’t remember the last time I felt so good about myself. So full of energy to go out, forget my problems, and have fun.
I don’t even care that I put an excessive amount of money on my credit card to make tonight happen. This is a big night for Jason, and it might be the only night we spend together dressed up and enjoying his success. Pushing aside those thoughts, I glance out the car window in time to see the club.
We’re here.
I allow my bodyguard to escort me inside, past the line that wraps around the corner, then look around for someone I know. I expect Jason to be busy and I don’t want to be underfoot. I just want to experience his big night along with him.
Music blares around me, the thumping of the beat reverberating inside me. I can only imagine the sound and feeling when the entertainment begins to play.
My gaze falls to the bar, where the Dare women are congregated. I join Izzy and Gabe, who welcome me warmly. Sienna shows up next with her mother and husband. She introduces me to her husband, Ethan Knight, an imposing-looking man who I wouldn’t want to cross. All the men in this family are alpha to the extreme, I muse, thinking about how lucky the women are to have found men willing to commit.
I bite down on my cheek. I promised myself I won’t go there tonight. I won’t think about endings or things I can’t have. I glance at Savannah Dare, admiring her strength for walking away from a bad situation and not sitting at home and sulkingwhile she pulled herself together after the way her marriage crumbled.
Not feeling as cheeky as I did last time I was here, I order a Pinot Grigio and look around as the club begins to fill with people. Since I haven’t seen any of the partners, I assume Jason and the other men are busy with last-minute preparations.
All the while, my big bodyguard stands nearby, the only reminder that everything in my life isn’t as perfect as it seems at an outside glance.
I’m making small talk with Jason’s family when I have the distinct feeling of being watched. I glance over my shoulder and up to the area that overlooks the expanse of the club floor. Sure enough, Jason stands on the balcony above the bar area, staring down… at me.
