Page 104 of More Than Friends

“This is stunning,” I marvel. I’m so swept up in looking around the club that I don’t even notice the curious stares from both Pembroke members and employees.

“You’restunning,” Jude whispers, leading us down the hallway to the ballroom of the club. The lights are dimmed, but I can’t help but wonder if the flush that blooms on my cheeks is noticeable.

We pass by many people, some who wave and try to stop us, but Jude keeps walking. I got a text from Margo as soon as we pulled into the parking lot that they were already here, so my guess is that Jude is on a mission to find our friends before engaging in small talk with anyone.

I clutch Jude’s hand as we continue to make our way to the main event space. At first, I try to focus on the decorations and soak in how beautiful the transformation of the club is, but eventually, I can’t help but notice the people watching us as we walk by. “I think people are staring at us,” I declare before letting out a nervous laugh.

“Let them stare,” Florence notes from closely behind us. I love how casually she offers the advice. It’s a gentle reminder that it doesn’t matter if people look or not.

I look over my shoulder and give her an appreciative smile. “You’re right. We all look too good. Of course they’re staring.”

She winks at me at the same moment Jude squeezes my hand.

“They could also be staring at the absolutely adorable baby on Jude’s hip,” Lucy pipes up from my other side.

Her words earn a chuckle from both Jude and Cal.

“That’s definitely it,” Jude responds.

We step into the room, and the sight in front of me steals my breath. It’s like a picture out of a magazine, and I can’t help but wish I had thought to bring my camera. We walk next to a champagne tower, and I gape at it. I’ve worked around the wealthy for the last year, but there’s something about seeing a champagne tower with two waitstaff dressed in black tie to serve you that makes you realize just how rich the party is.

“I can’t believe this,” I marvel as I look around wide-eyed.

“There’s Camille!” Lucy says excitedly, pulling me from the trance of looking around at the party setup.

I follow Lucy’s gaze to find Camille waving us down from across the room.

“We’re going to go find our friends,” Florence announces to Jude.

We stop as Jude turns to his mom for a moment. “Tell Grandma you’ll see her later,” Jude says in the adorably sweet voice he saves for talking to his daughter.

Florence smiles before she and Nathaniel both lean in to press a kiss to Ava’s round little cheeks. “We’ll see her later. Let us know when you want us to take her home.”

I know Jude kept telling his mom it wasn’t necessary, but his parents offered to take Ava back home once she got tired so Jude and I could still enjoy the event. She tried convincing him to let Ava stay the night at their house for a second night in a row, but he wasn’t having it. Them taking Ava home early and waiting at the house for us to return was the compromise.

“Love you,” Jude tells his mom before they walk away.

“Oh, this is going to be good.” Lucy laughs as she looks across the room. “By the look on her face, Camille’s definitely going to have some questions for you.”

I blush as I follow Lucy’s line of sight to find Camille, Jude’s publicist and Ryker’s fiancée and someone I’ve grown closer toover the last year, gawking. It looks like she mouths something likeWhat the fuck, but I can’t be exactly sure.

“Oh boy,” I mutter. My words make both Lucy and Jude laugh at the same time.

“Wait until I introduce you as my girlfriend,” Jude snickers.

Lucy gasps. Her hand finds my stomach as she forces me to come to a stop.

“Excuse me? Girlfriend?”

“Girlfriend?” Cal echoes as he wraps his arm around Lucy’s and pulls her into his body.

Jude and I look at each other. His lips twitch with a growing smirk. “I finally got Charlotte to say yes to being my girlfriend.”

I roll my eyes at his comment. “I said yes the first time you asked.”

Jude leans in and presses a kiss to my lips, making my cheeks heat because he does it without a care in the world about how many people are watching.

Ava lets out an excited squeal before her little hand finds my cheek. Jude laughs against my lips before pulling away.