Page 104 of Gold Rush

“If they’re so easy to come by, why don’t you have an advanced degree?” I pretend to have an epiphany. “Oh, that’s right. You were too busy cheating on a girl much smarter than you.”

Carson scoffs. “Someone sounds bitter he wound up with my leftovers.”

You can’t punch him here. You can’t punch him here. You can’t punch him here.

I release a deep breath that doesn’t relax me at all. “I don’t know what the fuck you’re doing here, but you⁠—”

“You don’t? Rory invited me.”

That revelation pulls me up short. Because Carson might be a cheater and an asshole, but I don’t think he’s lying. I never asked Rory what the rest of their conversation entailed after she told me he texted her about what happened at Proof. I assumed she would never forgive him. Has she? Would she? She was intending to marry him. For real, not as part of a fake plan.

“She didn’t tell you,” Carson realizes. “Guess I wasn’t supposed to say anything.”

“There’s a lot you shouldn’t say, but you keep running your mouth anyway.”

“At least I mind my own business. Allie wouldn’t have released that video if you hadn’t made such a scene about a private moment. You’re mad Rory got humiliated? That was your own fucking fault, Parks.”

“You’re deluded.”

“I’m also the guy Rory picked first, not her backup.”

George and Knox look torn between concern and fascination, like they’re witnessing a car crash.

“You think I’m bitter?” I speak slowly, ensuring he hears every calm, cool syllable. “You messed up the best thing that ever happened to you. Rory is fine without you, happier without you, so⁠—”

“What’s going on over here?” Kit interrupts, stopping directly beside me.

I glance over, but his gaze is fixed on Carson. His tone was casual, but his posture is stiff. I take that to mean Rory didn’t run her intention to invite her ex past her cousin either.

“I was just seeing if Albright wanted to swim in the Hudson,” I state, glancing at the railing we’re not far from.

“Before all the guests arrive? No one would want to miss that show.”

“That’s what I was thinking.” I slip my hands into my pockets again. “But he’s being rather insistent.”

Carson shakes his head, reaching for his glass and muttering under his breath. He’s got a lot less to say now that Kit is within earshot. He wanted to be part of the Kensington family. He respects Kit a hell of a lot more than he does me.

“Security at these events tend to get pretty bored,” Kit states, watching Carson sip. “I’d be happy to give them something more interesting to do—like toss you out of here. Your call.”

The click of heels echoes behind me. It could be any number of women—every one I’ve seen tonight has been wearing stilettos—but I know who is approaching without turning around. Contrition passes across Carson’s face as he stares past me.

“Must be an awful line at the bar,” Rory comments. When I glance over, she’s looking at the two people being immediately served. “Or not. Weird. You’d think I’d be less dehydrated right now.”

I clear my throat. “I got distracted.”

“So I see.” Her tone is cool, her expression regal as her gaze roams across the other men standing around the table.

I have no idea what Rory is thinking, which bothers me for a variety of reasons. Most pressing, I should know. I should have asked if she was okay with seeing Carson, if she wanted to see Carson, rather than pretend he doesn’t exist because his existence bothers me. I don’t like that she dated him.

I don’t like the thought of Rory dating anyone who’s not … me.

“Hey, Rory.” It’s Knox who speaks first, not Carson, which causes Carson to shoot a quick glare his way.

Rory nods at him. “Knox. Carson. George.” She glances at each guy as she addresses him, then turns to face me. “I need you for a minute.”

“Now?” I ask stupidly, taken aback.

“Yes. Something very specific that requires your exact skill set came up.”