“What?”
“Dance with me tooursong, and then you can go back to your boyfriend. I just want this dance, and I’ll leave you alone.”
She let the lyrics be sung for a few moments before she said, “Okay.”
I tugged her hand to me, bringing her body flush with mine. At that moment, I didn’t care what month it was, what day it was, or about anyone else. It was Cat and me up on a magical rooftop, and she was back in my arms even if it was for only three minutes.
“You look beautiful tonight,” I whispered against her ear. “Perfect.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
I brushed the tears from her cheeks, and we swayed to the song for a minute or so before I spoke again. “I know you’re with someone else—have a life in Florida—but for what it’s worth, I’ve always loved you, Cat. You’re in my arms, crying. You know you feel something for me too.”
She didn’t reply as the song came to an end. Then she broke free and left me …
Again.
12
Cat
I ran again.
My throat was closing up, and if I didn’t leave that rooftop, I was going to turn into a blubbering mess. I couldn’t let Seth continue to see what his words were doing to me. I couldn’t be around him without thinking of a future with him. Especially when he was telling me words I’d wanted to hear for the past eleven years. I couldn’t let my heart try to beat again for him because I knew it was only temporary.
I caught Nathan’s gaze, and he moved from the table he was sitting at. When he got to me, he handed me a glass of champagne. “Are you okay?”
“I need to go. I need to find Joss and tell her goodbye, and then we need to leave.”
“Okay,” he agreed, not pressing me for more info. I wasn’t even sure what had just happened. It was surreal, as though I was dreaming and Seth was telling me how much he loved me.
I downed the flute and looked around searching for the couple of the hour. Joss and Paul were out on the dance floor dancing toThinking Out Loudby Ed Sheeran. They were so happy, and while I watched the lovebirds laugh, kiss and hold each other, I felt as though I was going to crumble into a heaping mess.
Nathan pulled me to him and wrapped me in his strong arms as if he knew I was about to fall apart. “It’s almost over. This is their final dance.”
I nodded against his chest and closed my eyes, not wanting to see anything. I needed to only feel the comfort of someone I trusted. Even with my eyes closed, I knew Seth wasn’t far. It was as though I could sense him lurking—watching—waiting.
After the song ended, Paul grabbed Joss’s hand, lacing his fingers with hers and then they walked toward us. We were by the kitchen door that was as long as the room and had a rolled up door. It gave the house an open feel, and it was another reason I loved this place. I’d never forget the roof and what happened up there. All the guests moved to the door, forming a jagged line. Joss and Paul hugged and made their way through everyone.
I moved away from Nathan when Joss got to me, a smile on my face as I tried to mask my emotions. Did Seth even know what he was doing to me? Did he want me to cry? Did he care? Did he expect me to run away with him or something? Leave Nathan to find his own way home?
“I’m so happy for you,” I gushed. “And Paul, you seem like a really good guy. I’m happy for you both.”
Joss engulfed me in her arms. “When are you going back to Miami?”
Not soon enough.“Tomorrow afternoon.”
Joss grinned. “Paul and I are staying at theBellagiotonight. If you want to meet us for breakfast in the morning—”
“No.” I smiled. “I’m not going to impose on the only day you have for your honeymoon.”
“Well, we better go somewhere after we’re done with the case.” She looked to Paul.
“Oh, we will, gorgeous. I’m taking you far away, and it will just be the two of us.” Paul kissed the side of her head.
“You guys go. Have a good night. We’ll stay in touch.” I hugged her again, then Paul.
“If you find some extra time, Seth should be at my place tonight. You two can catch up.”
