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The sound was low and rich, and it wrapped around her, making her heart feel light. She found herself smiling along with him.
Her grandma stopped at the table, a fresh glass of wine in her hand and a wide, happy smile on her face. “Can an old lady join this party?”
Didier and Jamie stood up immediately. “We only see a beautiful woman,” Didier said, taking her hand.
Erik shot to his feet. “Take my seat,” he said, offering it to her before grabbing another chair for himself and settling next to Lottie.
Her grandma patted his hand reassuringly before turning to the rest of them. “I don’t know about you, but I think I found the perfect man.”
“I’m honored,” Didier said, a hand on his heart.
Lottie laughed, sounding like a young girl. “You charmer, you.”
Grinning, Rachel exchanged an amused look with Jamie. She hadn’t seen Lottie so careful and light in a long time. She knew Lottie had worried about her a lot since the divorce. To see her grandma enjoying herself made her want to kiss each of these guys.
Well—maybe she wanted to kiss Jamie for more reasons than that her grandma was having fun.
Chris appeared, holding a tray of drinks. He edged his way between Alice and Didier, making them scoot apart a little bit. “Another round?” he said, setting fresh drinks for each of them on the table.
Rachel raised her brow at him. His tone was arch, but she only recognized that because she’d known him so long. “I don’t think we ordered another round.”
“It’s on me.” He narrowed his eyes in a dare.
What are you doing?she asked silently, shaking her head.
He shot back,None of your business, with an equally pointed look.
Next to her, Jamie snorted.
She turned to him. “What?”
“Just enjoying myself.” He slung his arm on the back of her chair.
She could feel the heat of his body on her back, and before she could stop herself, she leaned into him, like it was the most natural thing in the world to do.
Stilling, Jamie studied her closely. She wondered if he was going to take advantage of her capitulation, but he kept his hands where they were and just smiled at her.
“Where’s my drink?” Lottie asked suddenly, surveying the table.
“In your hand,” Chris said without batting an eye.
Her grandma harrumphed. “I’m not going to get schnockered.”
“That’s good.” Chris tucked the tray under his arm. “The last thing I need is the riot that’ll happen when you start dancing on the bar.”
“Ha!” Lottie beamed at him. “Your grandfather tell you about that, did he?”
“It was one of his all-time top moments.” Chris smiled at Lottie fondly. “I always wished I could have seen it.”
Rachel leaned forward. “I never knew you danced on the bar.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, sweetheart.” She winked at Didier before turning to the table at large. “Well, this event was a definite success.”
“You think so, Lottie?” Rachel asked, sipping her wine.
“Yes. I saw several people make connections. If only we’d had it in my day. It was hard meeting a nice man unless you worked with him, and dating someone you worked with wasn’t wise for a career-minded woman. I met your grandfather at a White Sox game. Thank goodness my friend convinced me to go with her.” Lottie smiled wistfully. Then she straightened. “It’s good to encourage people to come together and get to know each other. It was hard back when I was young, but it’s not so different for your generation. Doing this was a good idea, Rachel.”
She reached out to squeeze her grandma’s hand. “I’m glad you had fun.”
