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"And I think very highly of your daughter. She's one of the most impressive chefs I've ever had the pleasure of working with."
I can't stop the low growl that comes out of me.
"Chase," Matthew says. "I didn't even see you there. You looked very dashing up there with my son."
"Thank you."
"What do you think of the team's new nutritionist and chef duo?" Matthew asks, shooting me an appraising look like he's trying to tell me something telepathically, but I have no clue what exactly.
"He's very knowledgeable, and I've always loved Lily." Angie's eyes widen, and Matthew smirks as I realize what I've just said. "Her cooking! I've always loved her cooking."
"We knew what you meant," Matthew chuckles and winks, then starts to steer his wife away. "Angie, let's leave the young men to fight over our daughter and sneak away for a quickie."
"Matthew!" Angie shrieks, slapping her husband's arm. She scolds him, but her reprimand lacks sincerity. We all know the Valentines are notorious for their public displays of affection that edge on indecency.
The pair disappear towards the cocktail area, arm in arm, but they don't, in fact, disappear out of eyesight. Angie knows better than to leave because, guaranteed, the photographer will start looking for them as soon as they do.
I turn my attention back to Samuel, who smiles after Angie and Matthew. He's wearing a well-tailored blue suit, white dress shirt, and navy tie that matches Lily's dress. I want nothing more than to take that tie and strangle him with it.
"It's nice to see a couple clearly still in love after so many years," he says, motioning towards the Valentines.
"What are your intentions toward Lily," I bark, cutting through the bullshit to get straight to the point. I don't have time for pleasantries. I know I'm going to be pulled away any second for pictures.
Something like understanding flashes in Samuel's calm, blue eyes as he takes me in. "Ah, so you're my competition."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Tell me something, Chase," Samuel begins, narrowing his eyes. "What areyourintentions toward Lily?"
"She's like a sister to me. It's my job to make sure you're not a douchebag." The lie rolls off my tongue effortlessly.
"Brothers don't look at sisters the way you look at Lily, Chase. Let's not insult each other’s intelligence and call this what it really is."
"And what's that?"
"We're both falling for the same woman." I want to deny it but stay quiet. "Lily is an extraordinary woman, and if you can't see that, then all the better for me. She's not going to wait around for you forever, and when she's finally done getting over you, I plan to be there to sweep her off her feet."
"If you hurt her, I'll end you," I hiss.
"I'm not the one hurting her. I like Lily. A lot. And I think we could have something special, but you're in the way of that. If you're not interested in her, let her go. She deserves to be happy."
"And I suppose you think you can make her happy?"
"I do, in fact."
With that, Samuel turns and leaves. I stare after him grinding my teeth and cracking my knuckles. The stupid thing is, I want Lily to be happy. Of course, I do. I just don't want her to be happy with him. Or anyone else.
I'm so fucked.
I grab another glass of champagne off a tray and start making my way toward the photographer when Angie creeps back over and slides her arm through mine. I glance around for Matthew, who's already posing for photos.
"Walk with me, Chase.” She smiles, patting my arm. "What do you think of Samuel?"
"I think he's an ass," I grunt, causing the woman on my arm to laugh.
"Of course, you do. The real question is,whydo you think he's an ass? Because from what I can see, Samuel is a true gentleman. Lily could do a lot worse."
Yes, she could. She could end up with me.
