Page 24 of The Addendum

“Not sure he’ll ever marry. He seems to prefer his job.”

I laughed as I twirled her around. “I did at his age too. He’s always been single-minded. He’ll find someone when he’s ready.” I pulled her closer. “Don’t be worrying about the youngest bird, Katy. Enjoy today.”

She tilted up her head, and I bent and kissed her full mouth. She smiled against my lips. “Okay.”

I twirled her again, meeting a set of eyes that watched us, the icy stare evident even across the room.

If only I could figure out the reason.

9

RICHARD

I danced with Gracie and Heather. All the BAM wives. Katy, repeatedly. I twirled Sandy as gently as possible, and even held Kylie in my arms, making funny faces at her as we bobbed and weaved. Her little-girl giggles made everyone smile.

All through the afternoon of joy, I felt the anger silently directed my way. Questioned it. And finally had enough. I stood and kissed Katy’s hand when another slow number came up, and I made my way to the table where Reed, Heather, Luc, and Ashley were talking.

Ashley was listening to something Luc was saying so intently, she didn’t notice me until I was right beside her. Heather smiled, her gaze filled with love.

“Hey, Daddy. My feet are too sore to dance anymore.” She indicated the floor where her shoes lay, discarded to the side.

I chuckled. “No problem, my girl. I thought I would ask Ashley for a spin on the dance floor. You’ve hogged her enough, Luc.”

Her shoulders tensed as everyone chuckled. I held out my hand, knowing full well she wouldn’t refuse.

She stood, allowing me to lead her onto the floor. She was stiff and uncomfortable. I held her loosely, forcing myself to smile.

“Having a good time?” I asked benignly.

“It’s great,” she replied, her voice terse, her gaze elsewhere in the room.

“I understand you’re an event planner. Do you enjoy it?”

“Yes.”

“That’s how you met Luc?”

All I got was another terse yes.

“He seems very taken with you.”

“Is that an issue?”

I twirled her around, watching her facial expression. “Not at all. Although I sense it might be for you.”

“My relationship with Luc is none of your business,” she hissed, her gaze now focused on my hand that clasped hers loosely.

I lifted an eyebrow at her vehemence. To anyone watching us, we were simply talking, both of us wearing fake smiles, our voices low enough no one could hear what we were saying.

“I’ve known Luc since he was a kid. He’s part of this family,” I stated mildly. “This is the first time he’s ever brought a woman to meet us. I’m simply saying what I’ve observed.”

“Have you observed anything else?” she asked, her tone sharp.

I studied her. She was incredibly lovely. Poised. She held herself well, and we were almost eye to eye in the shoes she wore. Even without them, she’d be tall. Her eyes were lit with emotion—anger and anxiety raged within them, and I was at a loss to understand. Her fascination with my hands confused me as well. Every time she glanced at them, she became tenser, drawing into herself.

“Have we met before?” I asked bluntly.

“No.”