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I put one hand on my hip. “Funny you didn’t mention it when we spoke earlier.”
Press leaned in close so only I could hear him. “I thought it might be a nice surprise.”
If I turned my face just slightly, I could kiss him. While it would probably shock the hell out of him to the point he might turn around and leave, the idea seemed perfectly natural to me. Maybe it was due to my mother and sister suggesting Press felt more for me than friendship. Or maybe it was because I hadn’t been certain when I’d see him again, but God, did I want to throw my arms around him and tell him how happy I was he was here.
“I’d love to be able to read your mind, pet.”
I smiled, looked him in the eye, and tucked my arm in his. “I’m glad you’re here, Press.”
“A good surprise, then?”
“The best.”
Two hours ago,I couldn’t wait for it to be late enough for me to return to the cottage. Now, I never wanted the night to end.
All around me, people were talking and laughing, drinking wine, and eating the food Sorcha and Bradley seemed to bring more of every five minutes.
All I could focus on, though, was the man sitting beside me. We’d remained close since he arrived, enough so that, sometimes, our arms or legs rested against each other’s. I watched him as he spoke, how animated he was, the set of his lips when he smiled, even the crow’s feet at the corner of his eyes I hadn’t noticed until now.
Every so often, I breathed in the scent of him. As familiar as it was, the effect it had on me tonight was new. It made me want to wrap my arms around him and nuzzle my face into his neck.
From time to time, he’d glance at me, the expression on his face questioning. When he did, I’d start a conversation, drawing his attention to someone else in the room.
At ten o’clock, when the first guests left, Press looked over to his father, who sat talking to Laird, Tryst, Ridge’s father, and Zin’s father.
“I didn’t realize they were friends,” I commented.
“Very good friends, in fact. It’s how Brix, Ridge, Zin, and I became close. Our families spent a great deal of time together.”
When I leaned over and rested my head on his shoulder, Press kissed my forehead. It was something we’d done often, but tonight, it felt different. More intimate. Not at all fatherly or even big brotherly. I lifted my face to his in an open invitation to kiss me if he wanted to. He did, but instead of on my lips, he gave me a second smooch on my forehead.
“You’re getting tired, pet. We should return to Seahorse.”
It hadn’t occurred to me he’d take me with him. “We?” I asked.
“Err…my dad and me. Unless you’d like to go too.”
“I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
He cocked his head and smiled. “A recent, yet common, sentiment.”
“Well, I don’t.”
“You’re always welcome at Seahorse. I’ve told you so time and again.”
I looked over at my mom and realized, if I left, she’d be here alone since Ridge and Seraphina said they were spending the night at their new house on See Canyon Road. “My mom,” I said, sighing.
“Ah, I see. You don’t think she’d fancy returning to the beach?”
“It’s already so late. We’d need to pack a bag. It’s probably too much of a hassle.”
“Would you like me to convince you otherwise?”
“As much as I’d like to say yes, I’m not going to. I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”
He nodded. “I received a message from Ares, saying your conversation is scheduled for zero eight hundred.”
“Sorcha wants to be a part of it.” I waited for Press to react, but he didn’t. “Not surprised?” I asked.
