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“You could have just made a donation and not have to play golf,” Liam interjected.
“And miss out on my opportunity to spend more time with all of you? I wouldn’t miss it for the world, especially after the incredible time I had at Imogene’s party last weekend.”
I felt her stiffen beside me, especially when I casually draped my arm along the back of the couch.
Which also had me casually draping my arm along Imogene, too.
“It was one of the most memorable nights in recent memory.”
Melanie choked on her drink, picking up on the double meaning to my statement. It was clear that Imogene told her what happened between us. I expected as much. Imogene didn’t keep much from Melanie. Hell, Melanie was the only one who knew about us all those years ago, apart from Imogene’s parents.
“And I haveyouto thank for the invitation.” I smirked at Liam, watching as he fought to contain his mounting irritation toward me.
“Like I said,” he ground out, his smile growing faker by the second. “It was the least I could do after all you did for Imogene.”
“I just did what anydecentperson would.” I shifted my attention toward Imogene and gently took her hand in mine. When I noticed Liam’s nostrils flare out of the corner of my eye, I went in for the kill. “And every day, I’m even more grateful I intervened.”
She exhaled a tiny breath. “So am I.”
“Oh, I completely forgot,” Liam cut through, looking at his cell phone. “Imogene and I need to meet with the head chef to finalize tomorrow’s menu.”
Imogene straightened, pulling her hand from mine. “But you said?—”
“It slipped my mind with everything else going on,” he explained smoothly. “I promise it won’t take too long. Once we’re done, you can spend some more time with your parents since you haven’t seen them in a while.”
It didn’t escape my notice he intentionally left me out of that. I expected nothing less from the little cockroach.
“All right,” Imogene sighed, reluctantly pulling herself to stand. “I need to drop my bag off in my room first. I haven’t even had a chance to check in.”
“You can do that after. In the meantime, I’ll have a bellman bring it up to mine, since your room is right next door.”
Of course it was. He wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“No need to go through the trouble,” Melanie interjected. “I was about to head up to my room, so I’ll bring it with me. When you’re done, we can have some girl time.”
“Sounds great.”
“Why don’t I join you?” Julia suggested as she stood. “I can at least offer some expertise when it comes to the desserts.”
“That’s not necessary,” Liam began at the same time as Imogene said, “I’d love that.”
“Great.” She gave Imogene’s arm a reassuring squeeze before looking my way. “It was great to meet you, Gideon. I’m sure I’ll be seeing much more of you.”
“I look forward to it.” I shifted my eyes toward Imogene and held her gaze for a protracted beat before Liam dragged her away.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Imogene
Comfort surrounded me as I collapsed onto the plush, cloud-like bed in my hotel room, grateful for a moment to myself for the first time since I arrived here hours ago. While I was thrilled to have some much-needed time with my mama and stepdad, Liam had been wearing on me.
It was more than apparent he wanted to keep me away from Gideon, especially when I’d arrived at the event coordinator’s office and learned Liam had already finalized the menu with the chef.
Years ago, Melanie had warned me something like this might happen if Liam and I slept together. Deep down, I knew she was right. But in the immediate aftermath of Samuel’s death, I craved any kind of physical connection and didn’t care about the potential consequences.
Now, I feared I’d pay the price for it.
Or, more accurately, my friendship with Liam would pay the price.
