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I knew this look. She was nervous. It was obvious she didn’t approach me just to be polite. There was another reason.
She closed her eyes, pinching her lips together into a tight line, as if giving herself a mental pep talk. Finally, her gaze drifted up to mine.
“About last weekend…” She shifted on her feet.
“Don’t worry about it.” I held up a hand. “You’re right. It probablywasa mistake. We can just forget it ever happened.”
Although I doubted I’d ever forget just how damn incredible she tasted. How amazing she felt as she unraveled under my touch, her body just as responsive as it was all those years ago.
“What if I don’t want to forget?”
My eyes widened slightly as I raked them over her. I’d assumed she approached me to clear the air, make sure this weekend wasn’t too awkward, considering we were bound to cross paths on multiple occasions. It was such an Imogene thing to do, always the peacemaker.
“You don’t?”
She slowly shook her head. “I don’t. Not anymore, anyway. Not now that I’ve had time to think. There are things you should know. I guess I?—”
“Ah, you’re finally here,” a booming voice interjected.
The unexpected interruption caused Imogene to jump, instinctively increasing the distance between us. Liam swooped her into his arms and pressed a kiss to her cheek, completely ignoring me.
I had a feeling it was intentional.
“You missed all the fun last night.”
“I told you. I couldn’t miss the game. But I’m here now.”
“Yes, you are.” He grabbed her hand and started leading her away. “Come on. Let’s go see your parents.”
She hesitated, her feet remaining rooted to the spot. It was only when she didn’t automatically follow his command like the obedient little dog he wanted her to be that he glanced my way.
“Ah, Mr. Saint.” He extended his hand toward me. “I didn’t see you there.”
I fought to bite back what I really wanted to say. He absolutelydidsee me. He just needed to feel in control, especially when it came to Imogene. With me in the picture, he was losing more and more of that control.
Hell, with me in the picture, he would soon lose everything.
It was exactly what I’d planned for. But for the first time, I felt a hint of remorse over the idea of using Imogene to fulfill that goal.
“Why would you, with a woman as beautiful as Imogene standing here?”
“You’re right about that.” He wrapped a possessive arm around her waist, holding her tightly against him. “If you’ll excuse us…”
“You’re welcome to join us, too,” Imogene offered, managing to free herself from Liam’s hold. “I’m sure my parents would love to meet you after everything you’ve done for me. Unless you have other plans, of course,” she added quickly.
A slow smile curved my lips when I saw the irritated look on Liam’s face, his lips pressed together, his features tightening.
“I’m always willing to rearrange my schedule for you, Ms. Prescott.”
Her gaze drifted to mine as she bit her lower lip, a blush blooming on her cheeks. Then she turned and strolled across the terrace, her hips swaying with her steps. As I followed, my eyes remaining glued to her, I felt Liam’s annoyance with me increase, but he’d never openly show it in front of all of these wealthy people.
“Mama, Lachlan, I’d like to introduce you to Gideon Saint,” Imogene said as she approached several wicker chairs and couches arranged around a coffee table. “Gideon, these are my parents, Julia and Lachlan Hale. Gideon helped me a few weekends ago,” she explained without going into too much detail.
I squared my shoulders, remembering the part I needed to play. “Pleasure to meet you both.” I extended my hand toward her mother.
But instead of shaking it, she pulled me into her arms. “Thank you so much,” she said softly.
I briefly closed my eyes, a tiny ball of guilt settling in the pit of my stomach.
