Cami crossed her arms. “Neither does Hunter. Yet somehow, he’s out there proving me wrong.”
Without a response from Logan, Cami tilted her head, appraising him only a moment, then smiled. “Fine. Suit yourself.”
She winked at me as she backed away toward Hunter, who was already halfway to her.
Logan took another sip of his drink, relaxed and clearly unaffected. I told myself I was, too.
I shifted my weight, the stem of the glass cool against my fingers as I adjusted my grip, trying to appear just asunbothered. “C’mon, let’s dance. Can’t make the bride upset on her wedding day,” I said.
His eyes narrowed slightly. “I’m sure there are plenty of guys who would want to dance with you. I’m not one of them.”
“Fair enough,” I said, taking a sip of champagne, pretending his response didn’t sting.
Just as I was about to walk away, a voice behind me interrupted, “Dani?”
I turned to where Ray, Cami’s cousin, stood behind me. He was taller and broader than I remembered, trading in his college boy softness for something more solid. His light grey suit fit well, contrasting with his warm brown skin and dark hair; his grin was easy and familiar.
“You look incredible,” he said, leaning in to hug me. “I was hoping you’d be here.”
“Hey, Ray,” I laughed, smoothing my dress. “You made it!”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” His eyes flicked toward the dance floor. “You dancing?”
Before I could stop myself, I glanced at Logan.
His eyes flicked to mine for a split second before dropping, lashes lowering just enough to block me out. The rim of his glass turned slowly beneath his thumb as he stared through the golden liquid, his jaw taut, lips pressed in a line that was almost casual except for the faint pulse beating at his temple.
“Actually, I was just about to,” I said.
Ray held out his hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Great, come on.”
The music was loud and upbeat, bass thumping gently beneath the glow of twinkle lights and laughter. Ray pulled me into a spin, playful but not overbearing. He’d always been like this—attentive. Interested.
Leaning closer he said, “You look incredible tonight.”
“Thank you.”
“You seeing anyone?”
I laughed lightly. “Not currently.”
I spun again, dress brushing my legs, laughter spilling easily as champagne buzzed in my veins.
But somewhere at the edge of the dance floor stood a man who didn’t dance.
A man who looked like control was his religion, and softness was reserved for exactly one small girl with glitter and frosting in her hair.
And for reasons I absolutely did not have time to unpack, something about Logan drew me in. Maybe it was how protective he was with Harper, or the way his guard seemed to slip for just a moment when he thought no one was looking. There was strength in his posture, but I caught glimpses of vulnerability beneath it, as if he was holding together more than anyone realized. He had said earlier that he did not dance, yet something in me wanted to see what it would take to make him break that rule.
“So,” Ray said, leaning closer so I could hear him, “still living in the OC? Still breaking hearts?”
I laughed, shaking my head. “I’ve never broken anyone’s heart.”
“You sure broke my heart a time or two,” he replied playfully.
He asked about work. About my apartment. About whether I’d finally started dating someone worth my time. And I answered each question carefully, sharing just enough of myself to carry the conversation.
Across the dance floor, I caught a glimpse of Logan near the bar. Still standing where I’d left him. Still unreadable.
