My eyes burn into his face, jaw clenching, lead in my chest.
He’s pretty. He’s charming as all hell, too.
Not happening.
“No, but I’d like to,” EJ says, lifting his drink to his mouth as he eyes me over the rim.
Now, why the hell did he have to go and say that?
My smile tightens. I’m sure I look absolutely murderous. Dalton’s little smirk only grows at my response, making my grip tighten around my glass.
This is Lowesy’s engagement party. This is Lowesy’s engagement party! Do not make a scene. Do not hit his friend.
“I’m sure you would,” I say, clicking my tongue. I nod, a bit stiffly, and Seth slowly glances back to EJ with acurt shake of his head. “I bought her that dress. Make sure to tell her she looks good in it when you introduce yourself.”
Seth winces a bit but Dalton, that little fucker, just breathes out a laugh.
This is Lowesy’s engagement party. Do not hit his friend.
“Here.”
Caulfield enters the circle with a fresh beer and a rum and Coke. He hands them to Seth and EJ, eyes catching mine. He glances down at my drink with a sympathetic look, but I just wave him off. Mine is still pretty full, but I’m going to chug this one in ten seconds now that Dalton has pissed me off.
“Does Lowesy need anything?” I ask.
Stop thinking about the smile on Dalton’s face.
I look at him anyway, because there is something neurologically wrong with me. EJ is still grinning, his hand buried in his pocket, studying my face with a knowing arrogance.
“Nah, P and Ave planned this thing down to the last, minor detail,” Wyatt says. He glances toward them at the bar. “There’s nothing any of us could do that wouldn’t just mess it all up.”
“Hm,” EJ says with a nod, but he’s still smiling, and I’m going to lose my fucking mind in ten seconds because I don’t know what it’s about, or what the fuck he’s insinuating, but I have never wanted to knock someone out more than I do in this moment.
I glance at Caulfield, down the rest of my drink, and show him the empty glass. “Be right back.”
Wyatt’s brow furrows, but he nods. “Alright.”
I make my way toward the bar, conveniently right to where Arden is standing with Penny and Avery. I glide my hand along the small of her back as I slide in next to them, just in case Dalton is watching, which I fucking know he is.
She melts into my touch, turning to look at me, and I thank the fucking gods for it.
Avery spins around, too. I’ve already seen her this weekend, but she smiles and greets me like I haven’t.
“You three together are bad news,” I tell them.
“Wait until Tiffany and Lauren get back from the bathroom,” Declan grumbles, entering our circle. He wraps his arm around Penny from behind, kissing her hair. Their eyes connect and he studies her face. “Hanging in there?”
“Our friends are drinking, and our families are eating. Couldn’t be going any better.”
He nods, leaning down to press his mouth to hers. “Then let's get you a tequila shot, baby.”
I feel Arden’s hand slide against mine. I glance down at her, watching her watch them with this love-stricken, enamoured look. She steps back until she is flush against my chest, and she feels good there. Right here. With me.
Eat that, Dalton.
“You are drinking slower than normal.”
I shoot Boston a look. “I almost got booted from the wedding party. I am on a mission to behave tonight.”
