I nod.
First surprise, then understanding filters into his eyes. "He has feelings for you." He looks delighted by it.
"Umm, I wouldn’t go that far." A flush steals up my cheek. I look down at my plate trying not to show the emotions that churn in my belly.
Tristan is the only person at this table, aside from James and me, who knows the true state of our relationship. But in this? No, he’s mistaken. James may have begun to thaw enough to show the more caring side of his nature toward me. But that doesn’t mean he loves me. He might never find it in himself to love me, given how closed off he is. How much in control he likes to be. Like even showing a hint of his needs makes him vulnerable. I know him enough to understand that he hates that.
"Hmph." Tristan firms his lips. "It seems news of your wedding has definitely calmed the investors."
I nod, relieved that he changed the subject. "James mentioned that they backed off as soon as he sent them the wedding certificate." The fact that the bookings at The Edge have picked up again and that we have no free tables for the next three months could have helped. My chest fills with pride.
Yes, agreeing to a fake wedding helped with the first. But it’s my hard work, the long days and treading a steep learning curve to upgrade my cooking skills, which has contributed to the second. I can take credit for both.
"Stop monopolizing my wife." James puts his arm around my shoulders and draws me as close as our chairs will allow.
I’m so surprised that a laugh bursts out of me.
"Stop it." I pat his massive chest.
"Can’t. I miss touching you." I swing my head around and stare into his eyes. And the genuineness in them makes my pulse skitter. Oh God. James being charming to me is lethal. I don’t stand a chance. I feel myself drawn into the depths of those azure blue eyes. Another flush steals up my face. These Hamilton men are a hazard. They should come with a warning sign.
"Aww, you guys are so cute together." Phe beams at us from across the table.
Connor puts his arm around Phe and kisses the top of her head.
"Not like the two of you ever stopped snuggling up to each other." Gideon’s voice is half admiring, half envious.
"Something for you to look forward to." Margot narrows her gaze on her grandson.
"Let me enjoy my freedom." Gideon lowers his chin in mock surrender.
"You’ve managed to get the oldest brother here married off. Why not take the time to enjoy your victory, Mother?" Tristan reaches for his glass of wine.
"You’re next in line, dear." Margot’s tone is saccharine sweet.
Tristan chokes on his wine. He sets down his glass and dabs his lips with his napkin. "How did I come next? It should be Gideon who's next."
"No, I should have turned my sights on you first, but never too late."Margot’s eyes gleam. I can literally sense her mind racing ahead as she plots how to get Tristan married off. The woman’s formidable.
God forbid whoever comes up against her in the boardroom.
Margot looks around the table. There’s no need for her to clink a glass to draw everyone’s attention. It’s clear that she’s the matriarch, and we are here to do her bidding.
The waitstaff bring in the first course: a fresh Dorset crab, avocado, shaved fennel, and micro herbs with a light citrus vinaigrette.
It’s delicious. And I’m suddenly hungry. I inhale it. Then realize James’ gaze is on me. I look up at him. "What?"
"You have something here—" He reaches over and scoops up the morsel which must have been sticking to the corner of my mouth.
Goosebumps erupt on my skin. My stomach clenches. That was…not necessarily seductive, but oh God, it's a gesture that definitely seduced me.
And when he brings his finger to his mouth and sucks on it, heat flushes my skin. My heart stutters.
He’s not supposed to make gestures that leave me faint. And hot. I raise my napkin and dab at my upper lip. "Is it hot in here?"
"You’re hot, Ember."
My flush deepens. "Stop. You’re…making me blush."
