Page 104 of Stay Wild Darlin’

I sighed.

Dalton reached for my hand, his fingers hovering close enough to give me a choice.

Were we there yet?

Was I ready to let him touch me like that—in front of them, in front of her?

Walking in hand in hand would mean something.

It would mean everything.

“Right here, darlin’,” he muttered.

That was all it took.

I grabbed his hand, and we walked into the gala . . . together.

38

Poppy

The party was everything I imagined it would be—over the top, extravagant, and painfully on brand.

My mother was right. I did feel naked in my dress, but not because I was underdressed. No, I felt exposed because everyone here looked like they were auditioning for the next great historical romance novel.

The gowns were massive, frilly things with boning and trains that made it nearly impossible to move without stepping on someone’s lace-draped ego.

“Phew,” Dalton leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. “This is a lot.”

I chuckled under my breath.

It helped. Him being here.

“Is it me, or do I need a powdered wig and a fake British accent to fit in here? I could challenge someone to a duel over cucumber sandwiches.”

I snorted before I could stop myself.

I spotted my sister standing near the grand piano like she’d descended from a Bridgerton fever dream. Her dress was sleek gold satin with a plunging neckline and exaggerated shoulders that looked like armor. The fabric shimmered with a faint metallic sheen every time she moved, and the thigh-high slit screamed look at me even before she’d said a word.

Next to her stood a man I didn’t recognize. His tuxedo was sharp, custom, no doubt, with the kind of confidence that didn’t come from being rich, but from knowing you belonged in a room like this.

They were standing next to Dad. He wasn’t part of this world. He was this world. Polished shoes, tailored suit, perfect posture and presence. My father didn’t simply belong in this lifestyle—he wore it like skin.

I’d seen him close deals with a single look, win rooms without saying a word. He looked like the king of this over-decorated castle, holding court with half the country club elite.

My mother wasted no time. She grabbed my elbow like I might try to escape, her smile locked in place. “Come on,” she said under her breath. “Let’s say hello.”

She didn’t even flinch when she interrupted their conversation.

I stepped up to my sister and reached for her hand. “Congrats, sis.”

She nodded, ignoring my hand. “Thank you for coming.”

Before I could say more, Dad’s attention flicked to Dalton. “And who are you?”

I opened my mouth—but the words that came out weren’t the ones I meant to say.

“Who are you?” I shot back, my eyes flicking to the guy standing next to my sister. “If we’re going to be rude to my date, then I figure it’s fair game.”