“Oh, we’re not—” Daisy started.
“Thank you,” Jameson said, an arm sliding easily around Daisy’s waist.
Brooke’s eyes crinkled. “Since the art didn’t work out, I’m off to bid on this Aspen trip. Good seeing you.” And then she was gone in a swathe of silk.
“That was… surprisingly painless,” he said, watching Daisy instead of the crowd.
“She seems kind.”
“She is. Just a terror to be married to.”
“I still can’t believe you were ever married.”
“Sometimes I can’t either.”
After the auction, the lights bled down to a low, warm pulse beat against the walls and the dance floor filled. Anna and Lenny were welded together, all laughter and moves.
“Dance with me?” Jameson asked, suddenly shy.
“Sure,” she said, standing. “Just let me run to the restroom first.”
“Want me to walk you?”
“I’m a big girl. I think I can manage,” she joked and left him at the table.
She was light. Lighter than she should have been and she couldn’t help but think that Jameson was the reason for her ease. He was showing up for their daughter, careful with Daisy, careful to hold the line. He clearly wanted her; he had said as much, but he hadn’t pushed and that mattered.
After her lipstick was refreshed, Daisy reached for the door, only to hear a familiar nasal voice behind her.
“You screwing him yet?”
Daisy’s mouth dried. “Leave me alone, Harley.”
She didn’t.
“You really think he’s different?”
Daisy turned halfway. “Not that I care what you think, but yes.”
Harley’s laugh scratched along the walls. “You were always a stupid girl. Guys like Jameson don’t change. Sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll—once they’ve had a taste, it’s in their blood. Soon he’ll get bored with playing house and be back on the road. I’ve seen it my whole life. It’s the only thing that’s sustainable, the only thing they ever truly love.”
“Why would I listen to you? From what I hear, he fired your ass.”
“He may have fired me, sweetheart,” she said sweetly, “but that didn’t mean he stoppedfuckingme.”
Ice washed through Daisy. “You’re lying.”
“Am I? Ask him yourself. I know his memory was foggy during that time, but trust me, guys don’t forget a girl like me.”
She shoulder-checked Daisy as she left.
Daisy breathed until the room stopped tilting. When she stepped back into the ballroom, Jameson saw her immediately and waved, that boyish grin aimed only at her.
She couldn’t make her mouth obey, so she went to the bar instead.
A minute later, his hand found the small of her back. “Everything all right?”
“No.”
