His gaze flicks away from the television and his eyes land on me. They widen. His body stills.
“This okay?” I say, suddenly nervous as a wave of inferiority washes over me. This dress is gorgeous, but it’s second-hand and at least five years old. I spin in a circle to release a little anxious energy.
“I changed my mind.” He stands and stalks forward, his eyes heated and jaw tight. “I want to stay in. All night. With you in this dress. Or maybe I’ll take it off.” He rests an open palm on my hip. “Fuck, Rachel. You’re beautiful.”
Before he can kiss me I hold a hand up between us. “Lipstick.”
“Doesn’t matter. We’re ditching the gala.”
A laugh escapes my lips and I step out of his reach. As temping as that is, I can’t help but feel we’d both regret it later. Besides, there’s something tantalizing that comes with anticipation. Even now, my thighs clench together with the promise of what we’ll do when we return tonight. “No way.” I pat his shoulder as I pass by. “I didn’t go through all this work to be late.”
“Damn, woman.” He groans, but follows me out the door.
I know Jude would have rather stayed home, but I’m enjoying the gala and I think he is as well. He introduces me to Aubrey and Chance as soon as we arrive, and I instantly like them. The guys talk shop and Aubrey tucks her arm in mine, beelining us toward the appetizers and open bar.
“Okay, now that the boys are out of the way, tell me everything.”
“Um.” I pile a scoop of dip onto my plate, and laugh nervously. “What do you want to know?”
“When did you two finally get together? I can’t believe he didn’t tell me—or Chance. This is big.” Her wide eyes stare expectantly, and she claps her hands together.
“Well, we didn’t really make things official until today.” But is that even right? We kissed. Twice. Really good kisses, but that doesn’t mean we’re together together, or exclusive. Does it? Jude’s hungry gaze as he took in my appearance before we left the condo flashes in my mind. Okay, so sleeping together is only a matter of hours away. But where does that put our relationship status? We haven’t discussed it. At all.
“Today is good!” She pats my arm as if sensing my apprehension. “You’ve been staying with him, yes? He’s totally smitten, and Jude doesn’t do smitten. Can’t stop staring, either.” She tilts her head toward the guys and sure enough, Jude’s eyes catch mine.
“It’s new.” I smile at Jude as he shoots a wink my way. “But I really care about him.”
“I’m happy for you both. He deserves happiness. He’s a good man, even if he hates goats.”
“Goats?” I stifle a laugh.
“More like he’s terrified of them.” Aubrey nods, her smile wide as she piles more food onto her plate. “We have a goat, and Jude walks around our yard like there’s a sniper out to get him.”
I take a few more slices of cheeses and meat, then follow her to an empty high-top table. It’s the perfect people watching vantage point. Most of the ballroom is visible, and we chat while watching groups meander through the silent auction tables.
Jude is a popular guy. Each time he moves away from someone, another arrives to chat his ear off. But I like watching him work the room. He has an easy smile, and I can see why he’s good at what he does. I wonder how many of these people are clients or vendors. Probably a mix of both. Getting to see this side of him is precious insight into a very complicated man.
When a man about Jude’s age comes over and slaps him on the back good-heartily, Chance lifts his beer to Jude as if he’s going to get another. But instead of hitting the bar, he walks over to our table.
“Missed you.” He hugs his wife and kisses the top of her head before meeting my gaze. “Can I join the cool table?”
“Right.” Aubrey pokes him in the ribs. “Don’t act like you aren’t using us to avoid someone.”
“God, he’s such a fuckwit.” He shakes his head. “I don’t know how Jude puts up with his shit. I’d tell him to bugger off.”
“Who’s that?” I ask, curious because he and Jude appear to be having a good laugh.
“Pierce Bowen. Rich little bastard who has no problem spending all his daddy’s money.”
“He really is the worst,” Aubrey says.
“Oh, I’m aware.” I bite my cheek, remembering the call Jude took from him in the car. “I just didn’t know what he looked like.”
“He’s a reason why we can’t have nice things.” Aubrey rolls her eyes. “Pretty package, ugly inside.”
“You think he’s pretty?” Chance’s brows shoot high and he shuffles to fully meet his wife’s gaze.
“Oh, stop.” She grins, then reaches up to twine her hands around his neck. “You know I only have eyes for you.”
“Damn straight,” he murmurs before capturing her mouth in a searing kiss.
I look away from their public display of affection, suddenly feeling like the third wheel. “I’m going to find the restroom,” I say, but they aren’t paying attention. They’re too busy kissing and ignoring everyone in the room. I kind of admire how unashamed and in love they are. Jude told me they have a baby at home, and he won’t be surprised if Chance knocks her up again soon. I can see why.
Weaving my way through the now-crowded ballroom, I finally make my way out to the hallway and follow the signs toward the women’s restroom. I spot the door just as my name is called.
“Rae! Hold up!” The voice is so familiar. Too familiar. A shiver races up my spine and my gut clenches as it connects with my memories. I want to hide. Ignore it. Pretend it doesn’t exist, but my brain doesn’t get the signal and my feet stop, my body turning toward the sound.
“Rae.” Ethan approaches, slightly
