I look away fast and back at Rider, who tilts his glass toward mine. “To another successful year for the hospital.”
“To another year.” I clink my glass against his. “Although with this war ending, we may no longer need three facilities on the island, which is a good thing.”
“We’ll have to wait and see.’
“That’s what I keep telling my staff.”
“Tell me something, Robyn.” He angles in slightly. His eyes travel over my face, then drop briefly, taking in the dress, then come back up to meet mine. “When are you going to go out with me?”
“You do realize that I’m here with another male tonight?”
“I had noticed, but he seems to have allowed you to wander off. Something I would never do.”
I smile at him.
“You’re going to turn me down anyway.” He grins back. “One date and no hard feelings if it doesn’t work out between us.” His eyes dip to my mouth for a moment.
I wish I could feel something for Rider, but I don’t. I should be attracted to him, but I’m not.
Even now, all I want to do is check on Ridge. I won’t! I refuse.
I sigh. “I’m sorry, Rider. I?—”
“No. Don’t say it. Leave it there so that I can try again at the next function. Tell me what you’re actually raising money for this year so that I can pretend I read the program.”
“You read the program, and you know it.”
“You know me so well.”
“Then why are you?—?”
“I was wondering where you ran off to.” Ridge slides into the space at my side, his big hand landing on the small of my back,then sliding around my waist to splay flat against my hip. He pulls me into him until my side is plastered against his. “I was worried about you.”
I look up at him. There’s a moment where my brain refuses to catch up.
“Oh,” I say, and I’m proud of how level it comes out. “I didn’t think you’d notice my absence. You were engrossed in conversation.”
His head dips a little toward mine. “Of course I noticed. I notice everything about you. Can’t take my eyes off you.”
He’s acting. That’s all it is. He’s being the perfect date.
His hand tightens a fraction at my hip. “I’m not sure I told you how beautiful you are looking tonight.”
Rider clears his throat.
Shit!
I had almost forgotten he was there.
“Oh…um…” I drag my eyes off of Ridge. “Rider, this is Ridge. Ridge, this is Rider. He’s one of our largest annual donors.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Ridge says. He extends his free hand to Rider. Rider takes it.
They shake. Both their eyes narrow on one another. Their jaws tighten and so do their hands, if their whitening knuckles are anything to go by. Rider grunts, and they let go.
“Likewise.” Rider’s tone is neutral, but his smile is gone. “Have you guys known each other long?” he asks.
“Yes,” Ridge says.
