Everyone clear on the game plan? Meatball, you’re at our table.
Lex:
Table 12 represent! Ready to watch certain people pretend they don’t know each other VERY well
Adam:
Leave him alone, Lex. But also, yes, this will be entertaining.
I groan, dropping my phone onto the bed beside Alli. “My cousins are the worst,” I declare, even though I love them like they’re my brothers. “They know about Pierce and me, and now they’re treating tonight like some kind of reality show drama.”
“Can you blame them?” she asks, sorting through my tie collection. “It is pretty dramatic. Secret office romance, forbidden corporate love, maintaining distance while you gaze into each other’s eyes from across the room…” She holds up two options, both in subtle patterns that won’t draw attention. “The blue brings out your eyes, but the gray feels more serious. How did they even find out?” she asks.
“Noah has his ways. Plus, Lior’s terrible at keeping secrets when Noah gets determined. And then, as if the Spencer brothers are all telepathically connected, they all know.”
Before I can decide on a tie, my phone buzzes again, this time with Pierce’s name. My heart performs gymnastics as I read his carefully worded message.
Pierce:
Confirming separate arrivals. Maintain an appropriate distance during the event.
The formal tone makes my chest ache as I remember how different things felt in New York just days ago. There, we could walk hand in hand through art galleries, share mealswithout counting careful minutes between exits, and exist in the same space.
“It was easier in New York,” I say softly, sinking onto the bed beside Alli. “We could just…be. Now we’re back to pretending we barely know each other.”
Alli’s hand finds mine, squeezing gently as she decides on the tie for me and helps me put it on. “Only in public,” she reminds me, her voice carrying understanding that makes my throat tight. “And only for now. Things will work out.”
“We’ve barely spent any time together since we got back,” I say, sounding way more whiny than I want to.
“Then you make sure that tonight he gets the full message, loud and clear, that you’re spending the night together.”
My phone chimes again with another message from Pierce.
Pierce:
Looking forward to seeing you. Even if I can’t show it.
I take one final look in the mirror, straightening my tie and attempting to arrange my expression into something appropriately professional before heading out for an evening that will test my boundaries. Let’s just hope I don’t set anything on fire with how nervous I am.
The venue is decorated with simple flowers that stand out beautifully against the crystal chandeliers. I’m glad the mayor didn’t go for lavish decorations. Tonight is all about focusing on what’s really important: the work Drew and West do for the kids who need the support of their foundation. Their recognition through the award should increase their visibility and donations.
I take a deep, calming breath as I go inside, immediatelydrawn to Pierce’s presence across the crowded space like a compass finding true north.
He stands with perfect posture among all the important guests, his suit fitting like a second skin as he gives the woman he’s talking to his complete attention. Even from this distance, I recognize the slight tilt of his head that means he’s fully engaged in the conversation, the way his fingers tap against his leg when he’s making important points. The sight makes my chest ache.
Our eyes meet briefly across the room, just long enough for us to acknowledge each other. A nod that lasts exactly as long as appropriate between boss and assistant, though my skin tingles like he’s touching me directly.
“There you are!” Noah’s voice breaks through my Pierce-focused haze as strong arms wrap around me in a familiar embrace. My cousin’s smile is filled with warmth as he releases me, making space for Lior to offer his own welcome hug. “We were starting to worry you’d gotten lost.”
“Or distracted,” Lior adds quietly, pressing champagne into my hand. His eyes flick briefly toward Pierce before returning to my face, understanding clear in his expression. “Though I suppose there are plenty of distracting sights tonight.”
Heat rises in my cheeks as I accept the drink, grateful for something to do with my hands.
“Speaking of distracting sights,” Lex’s voice carries characteristic mischief as he sidles up to our group. My cousin’s smirk suggests he’s been watching my careful not-watching of Pierce since I arrived. “Someone’s looking particularly dashing in his tailored suit tonight.”
Before I can protest, Adam appears at my other side with his fiancé River, completing our family circle. His presence feels steadier than Lex’s teasing energy, though his subtlethumbs-up when Pierce glances our way again suggests he’s equally invested in our careful dance.
“Time to work the room,” Noah announces, guiding our group toward clusters of business people. The movement feels carefully choreographed, keeping me close enough to observe Pierce without making it obvious I’m watching. My cousins excel at this kind of social navigation, while my attempts are likely to end with the sprinkler system spontaneously going off. Then again, they run their own successful PR and marketing agency.
