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I can’t help but smile as I remember Grace’s excitement at placing the pillows. “Right.”
Tessa’s hand goes to my chest, and she forces me to breathe. “It’s going to be fine. Grace is a professional. She can handle this. And so can you. I’ll keep little miss handsy away from you tonight, and you worry about business. We’ve got this.” I laugh as I realize how perfect it is to have my girlfriend’s best friend act as a cockblock. As long as it isn’t when I’m with Grace.
“Thanks, Tessa. I can see why Carter is so fond of you.”
Tessa’s cheeks redden, and we both turn to see Carter across the room talking to Cat. He winks when his and Tessa’s eyes meet. “He’s a good guy. Okay, let’s get this show on the road so we can get this night over.”
The ride to Bristol is raucous with my sister pouring champagne for her, Vanessa, and Tessa like the bottle is going to be stolen. I feel a pang for Grace who should be bonding with my sister. I know it bothers her that Cat is so indifferent to her, but tonight is something else. It is going to crush Grace when she finds out that Cat tried to set me up with Vanessa again. I’ve got to tell my sister to knock it off before it really hurts Grace.
Carter leans over and hands me a flask. “Whiskey?”
Gratefully, I take a swig. “So, what’s really going on with you and Tessa?”
Carter looks at her and smiles. She’s wearing a navy blue dress that hugs her curves. He turns back to me and mutters under his breath, “Couldn’t tell you. But I’ve never had this much fun.”
I get that feeling. Or at least it used to be fun. Tonight, I’m not sure seeing the woman I’m in love with on another man’s arm will do anything for the fun department.
“You gonna be okay tonight?” Carter asks under his breath.
I look at Chase who is smiling and chatting with the woman he showed up with. Did no one think to notify me they were bringing dates? And how come Cat thinks she can come stag but I can’t?
“Focusing on the job. As your gorgeous date pointed out, it’s one night.”
Carter smirks and pulls Tessa closer. He whispers something in her ear, and she falls back laughing and then turns her head for his lips. She’s good for him. I’ve never seen him so relaxed. It’s a welcome sight.
We arrive, and my stomach ties in knots. Game time. I look at my phone for the fiftieth time since we left and find it’s still blank.
No messages from Grace. No response to my many text messages warning her of the night’s change in plans. Nothing.
As I get out of the limo, I check out the venue. It’s a beautiful mansion which sits on the water, opposite our home. There is a long gravel circular driveway, and attendants guide us inside. It’s immaculate. Green grass runs the entire property which is covered in weeping willow trees and flowers of all different colors.
Before I can react, Vanessa sidles next to me and sticks her arm in mine and whispers into my ear, “Wow, what is this place?”
I spot the flash of a camera, and out of habit, smile. Vanessa must be used to this as well because she tilts her head toward mine and glances at me with pure adoration.
Picture-perfect for the photographers.
What the hell is wrong with her? I’ve honestly given no indication this is a date. Hell, the last time I saw her I left with Grace. While I originally felt bad for that, now I’m just finding her desperation annoying. I turn back to Cat and motion for her to take my other arm. If I have to hang with Vanessa, Cat isn’t going to ditch us. She rolls her eyes before taking my arm.
When the three of us walk into the house, my eyes move to the walls. Beautiful gold designs paper the walls, and I feel like we’ve stepped back into the 1920s.
“This way please,” a man in a white jacket says as he motions to the backyard. We walk out onto the stone patio, and the bay sparkles in pinks and blues before us. If I thought there were pretty flowers up front, I am blown away by this yard. It goes on forever, and the trees and different gardens are a sight to behold. A white tent sits in the side of the yard, and flickering lights give it a soft glow as the fabric blows in the slight breeze and jazz music drifts through the night air.
My eyes scan the space for Grace, but she’s nowhere to be found.
“Let’s grab a drink,” Cat says, moving to the bar. Vanessa looks at me like we can’t be separated, and I turn away from them both. I’m done playing this damn game. Seemingly taking the hint, they both disappear, and I feel my shoulders sag in relief.
Carter and Tessa walk up, and he hands me a glass. “Got you one, figured you’d need it.” I take a sip, but before I lower the glass from my lips, my eyes find her.
Across the grass, standing with a glass of champagne in her hand, is the woman of my dreams. In a deep purple dress the color of her eyes which has a slit baring far too much skin, Grace is a vision. Her hair is pulled to one side like a Hollywood star, and her eye makeup is smoky.
I’ve never seen Grace like this. I’ve seen her naked. I’ve seen her vulnerable. I’ve seen her panting, begging, and on her knees, but I’ve never seen her like this.
It’s not like I prefer one look over another—okay, in my bed and naked is probably my favorite—but this, the way she carries herself, the way she wears that dress, makes me happy that I actually get to see her tonight. Forgetting the aggravation about our situation, I just smile. Because while tonight we have to play this game, tomorrow, and every other day, she’s mine.
And the truth is, even right now, I own her. It’s clear as day as soon as she looks up and sees me. Her mouth opens in shock and then curls into a smile, and her eyes burn as she traces the way my tuxedo hugs my body.
When Hanson wraps his arm around her and whispers in her ear, my blood boils and my fists ball.
