Every Little Thing (Hart's Boardwalk 2)

We walked toward Paradise Sands and I felt a flip in my belly when I remembered the last time I’d been inside the building. Cat fell into step beside me, while Joey chatted up ahead with Jessica’s Aunt Theresa.

Cat nudged me playfully. “So, I heard something this morning.”

“What was that?”

“Tremaine basically announced to us that he was going to pursue you.”

My heart flipped over in my chest, and my hot sweat turned to cool sweat as little goose bumps rose up all over my body. “He did not.” I couldn’t even imagine Vaughn saying anything so personal in public.

“He did so.”

“You’re not joking?”

“Not at all.”

Well. That certainly would account for all the emotional eye-fucking I’d received from him. “How dare he,” I hissed, terrified and thrilled by the prospect.

“Oh, I know. A gorgeous, sexy, incredibly successful, rich man known for his taciturnity cares enough about you to declare his feelings in public. What an asshole.”

I scowled. “He is actually.”

“If you don’t want him, I’ll have him.” She shrugged.

Even though I knew she was joking, jealousy burned through me at the thought.

Cat laughed at my expression. “If looks could kill.”

“Shut up, Cat.”

“Ooh”—she rubbed her hands together and quickened her pace to catch up with Joey—“this is going to be fun!”

“What is?” Joey asked her.

“The wedding, baby.” She pulled her son into her side but flashed me a look over her shoulder. “There’s going to be plenty of entertainment.”

I flipped her the bird and she threw her head back in laughter.

“What do you think? Did you enjoy dinner?” Jessica stepped up beside me, sliding her arm around my waist.

We stared around at the ballroom. It was all silver and white with splashes of teal. It was beautiful. Classy. Elegant. Subtle. The table centerpieces were small, a collection of jarred silver and teal candles, with a bouquet of white peonies in the middle.

“Dinner was amazing. But how did you afford this place?” I’d been nosy and asked Vivien how much it was to rent the ballroom for the day.

“Discount, of course. Cooper is Vaughn’s bestie.”

I laughed at her teasing. “He’s nice to those he likes, huh?”

“And he likes you very much. I heard what he said to Cooper and Cat this morning.”

“Wow, news travels fast.” I looked into her hopeful hazel gaze and sighed. “Don’t. Jess. I . . . He confuses me enough without you lot ganging up on me.”

“No one is ganging up on you. We just want you to be happy.”

“I’m not in love with him,” I declared.

She studied me. “I know. But he’s in love with you. And I think if you gave him a chance, you’d fall for him, too.”

“I know that,” I agreed. “I know that one hundred percent. Which is why I don’t want to give him a chance. He’d crush me, Jess.”