Page 64 of Glitched Play

"Same. Follow me.”

His honesty surprises me. Although I don’t know why. Witt says what he means without extra words or a flowery description.

We escape to a balcony that’s tucked out of the way closer to the catering entrance. The warm wind hits me in the face, but also the gorgeous scenery. I came from the inside, so I never saw how the staff had put thousands of twinkly lights in the trees.

His elbows are on the balcony rail, and I turn sideways leaning against it. I look at his profile and it’s flawless, square jaw, straight nose that fits him perfectly. If he was an athlete, he’d be the most photographed man on the planet. Instead, he likes to fly under the radar and keep the focus on his companies.

After a few moments of quiet, I say, "Your speech was incredible."

His jaw shifts. "It was necessary."

"That wasn't what I said."

"I know."

A smile tugs at my mouth. "Take the compliment, Witt."

He ignores me but says, “You didn’t introduce me to Chase, but I did meet your brother. He was dancing with my niece, Paulina. He’s a good guy, right?”

I knew once I saw Witt with Noelle’s little boy and girl that he loves his family and it’s sweet that he’s protective of his older niece too.

“Yeah, he’s a relationship guy, so I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.”

“And Chase?”

“We’re just friends.”

“Good friends?”

“Yes.” It comes out all breathy and scratchy and I’m wondering where my voice went and why.

His gaze lifts. And this time, he doesn't look away.

Not after half a second.

Not after one.

His eyes lock on mine, softening at the edges. It’s the first time he’s looked into my eyes. I’ve never seen him look into anyone’s. The glittering lights fade. Witt stands in front of me, looking directly at me like I'm the one thing at this gala that he can't reduce to data.

My pulse goes wild.

His eyes are warmer than I realized. Not brown exactly. More like whiskey held up to light, with darker edges and something golden near the center.

I don't know if he knows how intimate it feels. But he keeps looking, and I can't move.

I don't want to move.

My breath catches, and something in his expression shifts. A fracture in all that control. A question he doesn't say out loud.

Please.

The thought hits so clearly it scares me.

Please kiss me.

His gaze drops to my mouth.

Then back to my eyes.