“It’s hard when he’s looking at you like he still wants you, but should be enraptured by his new fiancée.”
“If he is looking at me like he still wants me, that’s his problem. Because I don’t want him.” She cups my cheek, brushing her thumb tenderly across my jaw.
“No?”
“No.” Heat blazes in her eyes, and I lose myself as she slows so we are gently swaying to the music. The couples around us are moving faster, but I don’t register any of them. I only see her. My words get caught in my throat as she reaches up on her tiptoes to brush a soft kiss to the corner of my lips. “I don’t want him.”
“I love this song.” Hunter bumps into my side which knocks me from my trance and out of Ria’s hold.
“Jesus, Hunter, have you had too many?” Jade looks flustered next to him. “You didn’t need to spin us that fast. Sorry, guys,” she apologizes as she nudges Hunter’s shoulder.
“Nope, I’ve had the perfect amount, Tink.” He kisses her forehead. “Sorry, I didn't mean to knock into you; I just lost my balance. Leo, fancy grabbing another scotch? Marcus is dirty dancing with Lily again, and Jade said she doesn’t want to dance anymore.”
“I didn’t say that.” Jade’s brow creases.
“You said you were tired.”
“Well, yes.”
“Exactly, so come on, Leo.” He practically drags me away from Ria, and both the girls look as confused as I feel.
“I guess I’ll see you later then,” Jade shouts across the dance floor as I hurry to keep up with Hunter.
“Slow down, man; what’s the rush?” I ask as I pull him to a stop.
“Dale’s here,” he grits out.
“I’m sorry?” My head whips around looking for him, but I come up empty.
“He’s with Cole.” He motions with his head and I track his movements. And sure enough, there he is, laughing with Cole and Ezra. I must have been so wrapped up in Ria that I didn’t see him enter the ballroom.
“Shit. Why is he here?”
“Isn’t it obvious? He’s trying to help Ezra with his business.”
“I guess you’re right.”
He signals for the bartender to pour us both a drink and is silent. He often sits in silence next to me when he’s thinking, but this feels off. He’s twitchy, messing with his cufflinks. And when the server places his drink down, he practically downs the whole glass in one go.
“What else is up?”
“What do you mean?”
“No way you tasted that scotch; it didn’t even hit the sides.”
“I guess I didn’t.” He laughs, swirling the bottom edge of the glass in a circle along the bar top.
“You nervous about next weekend?”
“Nervous about marrying Jade? No, not in the slightest. I can't wait to officially call her mine.”
“So what is it?”
He lowers his voice. “Is there something going on with you and Ria?”
“What makes you say that?” I ask, hopefully keeping my voice steady.
“I’ve been watching you both tonight and you look very close, and then you’ve got this suite tonight. I guess you both look different.”
