GRAHAM
Itune out, nodding along and only half listening as the final stragglers at the engagement party vie for my attention.
I’m watching Dani.
Was it enough? Enough to break her, to make her regret that she tried to go toe to toe with me?
She looks dejected—the slump of her shoulders, the way she twists her fingers around her wineglass.
She’s got nail polish on, I notice. She didn’t have it when I—
Kidnapped her. Stole her from her family.
It almost seems like a fever dream when I think about it now. Like it didn’t really happen.
That’s how I know I’m turning into my dad. He did the same thing—rewrote history in his mind, acted like the girls he snatched wanted it, wanted him.
Dani does want me, though, the logical part of me points out, referencing the blackmail scheme Dani’s concocted. She wants me more than they ever wanted him.
Jeremy yawns as he slouches over to Dani.
“Can you guys give me and Colette a ride back to Mom and Dad’s on your way home? Mom said she did my laundry andironed my shirts, but I have to pick it up. It’s so annoying. She won’t courier it.”
“God forbid your own mother wants to see you.”
Jeremy jumps when he hears me behind him.
“Graham, your girlfriend’s trying to make us take the subway—can you believe it? It’s dark and cold outside.” Colette pouts.
“I thought you would be a little more wary of the subway, Dani.” My eyes lock on hers.
“I’m fine riding the subway.” Her chin’s got that stubborn set.
Colette bats her eyelashes at Dani. “But I assumed you’re going home with your boyfriend… Aren’t you?”
“Oh, well.” Dani dithers. “I was just at his penthouse, so I don’t want to spend too much time there—it’s not like we’re engaged. And I should probably stay in the office and get work done anyway...”
I see Kraig stealing some of the leftover desserts. He’s staring at us. He’s going to tell his father…
As much as I don’t want to be Dani’s boyfriend, I also don’t want to face the wrath of my parents. It’s one thing to tell them we broke up, but they’re clearly suspicious, and Kraig would like nothing more than to stoke their doubt.
“She always wants to play hard to get, even though she’s already lost that fight.”
Dani almost drops her wineglass when I cup the back of her head and let my hand drift down to her neck.
“You’re coming home with me tonight, Dani. You’ve spent too much time on this party as it is this week.”
“You can’t be here,”I bark at Dani as she tries to follow me off the elevator.
“I can’t return to the scene of the crime?” she fires back.
“It’s not a crime.”
“Kidnapping is a crime.”
“I told you,” I fume, “I own another apartment in this building. So you, and your dog, and your take-out orders need to go live there. I cannot believe you made me stop to buy you cinnamon rolls.”
“I needed them after that party, and I’m not sharing. Besides, you’re having a drink. We both need to decompress.”
