I smile.
How nice. A formal invitation.
If only you knew how often I’m here.
Ivy’s stalker antenna must’ve grown soft now that she’s married. Or she’s aware and enjoying the show, waiting for Drew to notice.
“Goodnight, Violet,” Sebastian says. He studies me, a smirk playing on his lips as he looks at Drew, then back to me.
Uh-oh.
Sebastian’s watching too closely. I need to be careful.
“Goodnight,” I say, turning and heading toward the deck steps. Jumping over the railing would be a big red flag. Of course, I know better than to be that sloppy.
The night air is cool, wrapping around us as Drew walks beside me, hands tucked into his pockets.
We stop beside my car.
I turn to him, a soft smile on my lips. “Thanks for inviting me to dinner. I had a wonderful time.”
“You’re welcome.” His eyes shine beneath the pole light. “I’m glad you came.”
“Me too.” I gesture to the window, where the black silhouette of a cat sits. “I’m glad Mr. Pickles likes me.”
Drew shakes his head. “Honestly, so am I.”
He shifts slightly closer, his hand running through his hair. “Although he’s still a damn traitor.”
I laugh softly, watching his expression shift when I do. He likes my laugh.
His tone softens. “You’re magic, Violet Quinn.”
My pulse picks up, thudding in my ears.
We stare at each other under a dark sky full of stars.
Maybe he’ll finally?—
He steps forward.
My breath catches.
But instead of closing the distance and kissing me, he reaches for the handle and opens my car door.
I smile, hoping it masks the flicker of disappointment that surfaces.
As I move to get into my car, his warm, firm hand closes around my arm.
I stop, looking up at him.
His expression is different now. Less controlled.
“I’m trying to be a gentleman,” he says, his voice low. “Oh, fuck it.”
His lips meet mine, and every ounce of patience I’ve forced myself to have disappears.
I lean into him without hesitation. This is what I’ve been waiting for.
