The Invitation

“What could you have done to be ashamed of? Sounds like your ex is the one who should be ashamed.”

Stella looked away for a moment. “How did we get to talking about me again? We’re supposed to be talking about you.”

“I think the mention of my sister’s wedding at the library took us down a path. I don’t think I told you, but I was also married there.”

“Really? Your sister got married at the same place you did?”

I nodded. “Our parents were married there, too. Ever since she was little, Olivia had been saying both of our weddings were going to be there. I’m glad she didn’t let my outcome take that away from her.”

We finished our drinks, but neither Jack nor Robyn had shown up. I looked at my watch and realized they were twenty minutes late.

Stella noticed. “We were supposed to meet them at seven, right?”

I nodded and glanced over to the front entrance. No one was waiting. “Let me double-check. Maybe I got the time wrong.” I took out my phone and clicked into the text message Jack had sent. We were in the right place at the right time, so I shot my buddy a text.

Hudson: Did you change the restaurant or something? Stella and I are the only ones at The NoMad.

Stella’s wine was empty. I motioned to her glass. “You want another?”

“I shouldn’t.”

“But do you want one?”

She laughed. “I’ll pass. I want to keep a clear head during dinner with Robyn.”

A minute later, my phone chimed with a response from Jack.

Jack: Did I forget to mention that the celebration was canceled for tonight? Robyn couldn’t get a sitter. She’s going to let me know what works for her next week.

I typed back.

Hudson: WTF? Yes, you did.

Jack: Guess it must’ve slipped my mind. Go celebrate without us tonight. Unless you’re not up for it? I can always text Brent to come take Stella off your hands…

I shook my head.

Hudson: You’re such a dick. You did this on purpose, didn’t you?

Jack: You’re welcome, my friend.

I tossed my phone on the bar.

“Everything okay?” Stella asked.

“Apparently something came up and dinner’s been rescheduled. My jackass of a friend forgot to let me know.”

“Oh. Wow. Okay.”

My buddy’s tactics might have been underhanded, but I couldn’t say I was displeased with the result.

“We’re on the same side now, right?”

Stella’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“You didn’t want to have another drink because we were having dinner with business associates. But you and I aren’t business associates, we’re co-owners. So we’re on the same side.”

She smiled. “I guess I have less to worry about now, considering I’ve already made a fool out of myself in front of you multiple times.”

“What do you say we have that second drink while we order dinner? We should still celebrate.”

She bit her bottom lip.

I reached out with my thumb, rubbing until she released it. “Stop worrying. It’s not a date. We’re just business partners and friends having dinner. I won’t maul you until you ask me out.”

CHAPTER 16

Stella

“You’re not going to have another?”

Hudson held up a hand. “I’m driving.”

I hiccupped. “And I’m tipsy. Nice to meet you, driving.”

He chuckled. “You’re cute when you’re drunk.”

I shook my head. “I’m not drunk. I’m tipsy.”

“And the difference is?”

“Tipsy, I’m still in control.”

“So drunk you lose control?” Hudson stopped our waitress, who happened to be walking by. “Could we get another wine when you get a chance? And really fill the glass, please.”

I laughed. “Tonight has definitely been more fun than my last date. Wait…” I waved my hand around. “This isn’t a date.”

“Of course not.” He smirked and sipped his water. “Things not going so well with Ken?”

“Ben.”

“Whatever. Trouble in paradise?”

I sighed. “He’s a really nice guy. There’s just no…chemistry, I guess.”

Hudson’s eyes dropped to my lips. “No chemistry, huh?”

The air in the room started to crackle so loudly I was surprised everyone eating dinner wasn’t looking around to find the noise. This… This was what was missing between Ben and me. Hudson only had to look at me in a certain way and my body temperature rose.

I swallowed. “He brought me flowers on our first date and Godiva on our second. He’s very thoughtful. I guess I’m hoping the connection might develop.”

Hudson’s eyes darkened. “It won’t.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you can’t force chemistry to exist where it doesn’t—the same way you can’t stop it from existing where you don’t want it. There are some things we’re just powerless over.”

I felt a little powerless at the moment. Like if Hudson were to slip his hand under the table and up my skirt, I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to stop him. Luckily, the waitress brought my wine, which was practically filled to the brim.

She winked at Hudson conspiratorially. “Would you like to see the dessert menu?”

He nodded. “That would be great. Thank you.”