“What? Yes, of course.” She gave Holly a quick side hug.
At least the rain was going strong. Danika was glad for the storm now; she didn’t want the party to be perfect. And as the crowd continued to grow, she moved toward the windows, which were huge and pressed right up against the water. Danika imagined that if they were only a few feet lower, it’d be as if they were in an aquarium.
The rain was calming, and Danika felt a bit better until she felt ahand on her—a hand that went straight to her lower back. Instantly, she knew who it was.
“As usual, you’re the most gorgeous woman in the room.” Joshua Mike moved next to her, facing outside. The rain slid in thin lines down the glass like roads on a map.
Danika readied herself. She dipped her head in thanks. “I like your tie. Hermès?” It was easier to play along now that she had context, a reason. Regardless, they both seemed taken aback by her compliment. Joshua Mike slid the tie through his hand, grinning.
“So, what do you think of the place? What’s your expert opinion? A bit tookitschy? A bit tooJungle Book? I do love that bar.”
“I have to say, it’s lovely. Though not exactly my personal style.”
Joshua Mike lifted his tumbler. “For what it’s worth, I prefer your personal style. I love that cabin. Can’t get enough of it. I can’t wait to see the model home. I’ll tell you, this little Briar Ridge project, it’s been a trip.”
Danika took another sip of her martini, buying time.
“It’s going to be great. I trust Bill’s vision.”
Joshua Mike curled his mouth in a half smile. Danika couldn’t help but wonder if he was trying to play her too—it felt like he was hiding something, or after something.
“I trustyourvision more than Bill’s, if I’m being honest.” A new, playful look crossed his face. Danika couldn’t place it. “And let me know”—he smacked his lips—“if you ever need a second opinion. On the model home, your design business, mortgages—hell, anything. I’m here for you. I know you’re working now, and, I have to say, it’d be smart to get your personal finances in order. I’m happy to help. Just say the word.”
Danika’s brow furrowed. She looked out to the water, the rain now pummeling the top of the lake.
“Thank you. Cheers.” She raised her glass, hoping it would end the conversation and the bad feeling pitted in her stomach.
“You have my number, don’t you?”
Danika didn’t think she’d ever saved it, but she told him yes.
“Okay. I’ll text you now in case. Really, feel free to reach out anytime. For anything. I’m at your service.” He gave a small bow.
Danika didn’t know what to say—and was relieved when Mallory and Malcolm appeared beside them. She gathered herself, thanking them, congratulating them.
As the night continued, Danika replayed Joshua Mike’s words in her mind. Something about his offer, his mention of their finances,mortgages, made her feel nauseous. For the first time, she wondered if Bill was the one lying. She told herself not to be crazy. Why would she trust Joshua Mike over her own husband? Yet, there was something she could not shake.
Time moved slowly from there. As the clock ticked to ten, everyone paused to listen to Mallory and Malcolm’s speech. They stood at the center of the bar and rambled on about how Alondra was their dream come true. Danika hadn’t seen Bill since dinner, but as they spoke, she spotted him across the room with Wyatt Greene, laughing and drinking. He seemed too relaxed. Or maybe her anxiety was unfounded—maybe she’d simply had too much to drink. She needed to clear her head. She slipped away to the bathroom before the speech had wrapped.
As Danika stepped inside, she set her purse on the counter and checked her phone for the first time that evening—and saw Joshua Mike’s text.
Here for you. X, JM.
Danika twisted her face in disgust. He just wanted to sleep with her. That was it, she decided. She snapped her purse shut.
As Danika turned to leave, the bathroom door swung open, and to her dismay, Jackie walked in, shimmying in her bedazzled seafoam dress. It hugged her frame so tightly, pushed her breasts up so far, she looked like a mermaid. Without speaking, she sidled up next to Danika at the sink.
Danika washed her hands, waiting.
Jackie leaned closer to the mirror and turned her head from side to side, but eventually, she blew out a long breath and faced Danika, propping her hip against the sink.
“Okay, so, D.” She wobbled her head. “I need to be straight with you. Woman to woman.”
Danika pulled her shoulders back.
“I know Josh has a thing for you,” Jackie said, her gold earrings jingling. “And I know you and Bill are having some financial hiccups. I just want you to know, even if Bill goes bust and Josh helpsyouout, he is not going to leave me for you. No matter what.”
Danika couldn’t help it—despite everything, she laughed.
