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“Since my dickhead of an ex-partner swindled me.” He glumly takes the food. “Listen, I know Eden’s mentioned working for her or with me at ACE…” He pauses to gauge my reaction and I only nod, not at all surprised he’s bringing it up.
“I’d really like it if you came on as a partner. From day one, you’ve had an interest in ACE and had some really great ideas.”
“Thanks, but my interest was in you. In helping you make your business a success. I don’t have any money to invest.”
“I’m not asking for an investment. I want a partnership. When Brent and I started out, neither of us had money. I don’t want to force you into something that doesn’t interest you, but from the start of this venture, you’ve had my back and had some amazing ideas that have made ACE the success that it is today. I’d love for us to work together.”
He thrusts out his hand and smiles when I tentatively take it. “You’re the only one I trust,” he continues. “I mean that, but if ACE isn’t what you want, no hard feelings. All I ask is give it some thought.”
I pull Gus in for a one-arm hug and that’s when everything stops. Leighton’s at the entrance to the restaurant. She’s changed into a pink floor-length strapless summer dress. And she’s stunning.
27
LEIGHTON
“You made it.” Restless and fidgety, Tom nears me in black dress pants and a light blue button-down with the sleeves rolled up to mid-forearm.
My stomach flips at the sight of him but not because he’s far too good-looking for his own good. All true, but something is wrong. His usual sunshiny, laid-back demeanor is gone. An awkward, almost frenetic vibe surrounds him. Why? Is he nervous for me to meet his family? Does he think I’ll embarrass him? Or worse, they won’t like me?
“Hey.” He slides a hand around my waist and lets it rest on the middle of my back. Leaning in, he places a quick kiss on the cheek. “You’re stunning.” His whisper in my ear leaves me breathless, and like a pouf of smoke, all worry about how off he seems disappears.
“Hi. And thank you.”
He straightens and his gaze flicks to a blonde couple approaching us. “You two didn’t even give us a second, did you?” He chuckles and turns to me. “Leighton, this is my mom and dad, Tamsin and Colin Raine.”
I force a big smile, determined to make a good first impression, and extend my hand in greeting.
His mother ignores my gesture and leans in for a hug. “Hello, Leighton, please call me Sin.” She pulls back, beautiful and blonde, and instantly, I see Tom in her features, coloring, and spectacularly similar blue eyes. “It’s so lovely to finally meet you.”
“He wouldn’t shut up about you.” His dad moves in to take my hand while also leaning in for a casual one-arm hug. “All good things.”
“Hello. It’s great to meet you too.”
Colin Raine is an inch or two shorter than his youngest son, but the resemblance is undeniable in his chiseled jaw, the sharp angle of his nose, and the twinkle in his eye.
There’s something warm and welcoming about these two, and the familiarity in which they greet me eases some of my dread. The same can be said when I meet his older brother, Finn, and his wife, Cass, as well as his sister Pippa and her husband, Drew. Eventually, I meet Matt, the ex-NFL player, and his other sister, Claire.
They all treat me like an old friend, and pretty soon, they’re talking and laughing about things I have no clue about, but I don’t feel left out. I also get a chance to have a long chat with August Bradshaw, and I immediately understand why he’s Tom’s best friend.
Overall, his friends and family overwhelm, excite, and truthfully, scare me. His parents and siblings adore him, and it’s plain to see he’s the light at the center of their laughter and love.
It’s amusing to watch his sisters, Pippa and Claire, jockey to take playful shots at him, and while Finn might join in, he’s also protective and proud of Tom. The banter among the Raine siblings, including Drew and Paige who aren’t related by blood but might as well be, is infectious.
About an hour or so after I arrive, the group disperses and I find myself alone. Tom and Pippa are off in a corner with Paige, the three of them rambling about Africa. My gut wrenches with a fear unlike any other. What if they’re trying to persuade him to go back? Or what if he’s already decided to go and they’re finalizing things?
After the way things unfolded with my father earlier, I wouldn’t blame him. Right now, I’m not sure what we are or where we can go from here, but I want to find out. Earlier today, Tom said he felt the same, and I hope this still holds true. But if Tom chooses to go and work for the Miranda Project again, then I guess I’ll have my answer.
My heart pinches at the thought and only intensifies when I spy the pretty redhead, Eden, headed toward me. We’d met earlier, in the group, but never had a chance to talk.
She was with the billionaire, Walker Drummond, and they looked happy and very much in love. The sight put me at ease, and all thoughts of the conversation in the car with Tom, her groaning how she missed him, seemed silly and inconsequential.
The determined set to her mouth and the way her gaze never veers from mine makes me feel like a deer caught in headlights. I want to flee, but my legs won’t move. I freeze. My flight instinct hovers, bashing against some impassable wall surrounding me, and no matter how much I wish to escape, my will isn’t strong enough to get my legs to move.
“Leighton, I’m Eden.” She smiles and shakes my hand.
“Hi. I remember.” I place my empty glass on a nearby table.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d remember since you met the whole bunch tonight.” Her laughter is light and twinkly, but her eyes remain keen and scrutinizing.
