“She told me she feels a little out of control, and we both know how much she needs to be in control.” I huff out a laugh then take a sip of my scotch.
“Do you remember when she planned and gave us an itinerary for her twelfth birthday?” He laughs. “She went nuclear when you were two minutes late to our house. It set everything back and she didn’t let it go for months.”
“Years—she still mentions it when I’m running late.” I shake my head. “But no, she is definitely thrown by all this. Cole did say he will have an answer for her soon which should give her more confidence and stability.”
“Good.” He assesses me before saying, “There’s something else you aren’t telling me.”
“What?”
“We haven’t spent much time together since Vegas; are you avoiding me?”
“You missing me, sugar-tits?”
“Yes,” he says, not a hint of humor in his tone. “I know we aren’t working together anymore but I miss you, man.”
Shit. He’s right; I have been avoiding him. I can’t lie to him, and that’s why I’ve been keeping our contact to a minimum. He will see right through me. Once I know exactly what is happening with Ria, I will talk with him.
“Sorry, I guess it’s been a little hectic since. But we’ve got the wedding of the century next Saturday. Are you ready?”
“It can’t come soon enough.”
“Good evening, gentlemen.” Cole appears at Hunter’s side. “Thank you for coming. Have you settled into the suite?” he addresses me and Hunter frowns.
“Yes, I had my PA bring our luggage to the suite this afternoon. Thank you so much for your gift.”
“Gift?” Hunter questions.
“I have gifted the honeymoon suite to the newlyweds for this evening.” Hunter raises his brow, his gaze swinging to mine. “And a day in the spa tomorrow.” Cole continues to dig my grave.
“You’re staying here?”
“Yep.”
“Well, I hope you both enjoy, and remember there are plenty of lots to bid on in the silent auction.” Someone shouts for Cole, waving him over, and his shoulders sag. “I’d better circulate; I hate this part.” Shaking his head, he walks away, and an overly made-up woman grips his forearm to pull him into the circle of her friends. His whole body stiffens as she presents him like a prize.
“Poor man. They look like they would eat him alive, or at least his wallet.”
“You’re sleeping here with my sister?”
Shit. I was hoping he would brush that off.
“We couldn’t exactly turn it down. He caught us outside earlier in the week to say he had it organized.”
“And you didn’t think to mention it?”
“Why? It’s nothing. I’ll sleep on the couch in the suite.”
“If you say so.” He pauses. “Just keep looking out for her. She has always trusted you.”
“I will.”
“Don’t break her trust, man.”
I’ve been chatting and networking for an hour and I’m already over it. I love being social. Always been a social butterfly, but these events can drag. Ria and I separated once we arrived and she has been with the girls all evening. I’ve had one eye on her though, watching how she moves gracefully through the ballroom. She has been laughing along with the girls, and she just looks free and happy, the happiest I’ve seen her in weeks.
Dragging my eyes off her, I focus back on Mr. Clark, who has been talking to me about his new golf clubs for the past half hour, and I don’t know how much longer I can pretend I’m interested in how far he can now reach down the green with his new hybrid driver.
“Sorry, Mr. Clark, I need to borrow Leo for a moment.” Relief floods through me at the sound of Ria’s voice. Turning toward her, I’m once again taken aback by how utterly stunning she looks. Breathtaking. When I saw her in the living room this evening, I was certain my heart stopped. Forcing myself to stay calm, I reach out and rest my hand on the gentle curve of her hip that is accentuated by the tight-fitting bodice of her deepblue gown. Pulling her into me, I press a soft kiss to her lips like it’s the most natural thing in the world, and she leans into me, smiling against my lips.
