His eyes meet mine. He raises a brow. You okay?
I nod, but, honestly, I don’t fucking know.
One way or another, tonight is the beginning of the end.
Chapter 41
Ryan
There are a hundred people crammed into a space meant for two dozen. It’s Penny’s party on steroids. Twice the guys in suits. Twice the Dockers-wearing crew. Twice the expectations.
Leighton’s fingers curl into my side. Even with my suit jacket and my shirt in the way, her touch is hard.
The easiness of the day is gone.
She shakes off the furrow in her brow. Presses her lips into a perfect smile.
But it doesn’t fool me.
She doesn’t want to be here.
Her gaze moves over the room. The restaurant is all open space at the moment. It curves around a man-made lake. A mesh fence keeps out bugs and birds. It does nothing to block the sunset.
The sun sinks into the deep blue ocean. It casts an orange glow over the beige sand. It’s gorgeous, but it’s nothing compared to Leighton.
“Oh my God, you’re here!” A bouncy voice flows into my ears. Kristen. She steps through a group of older women to greet us. Her cheeks flush as she nods hello to Dean. “Hey.”
“Hey.” He nods back.
She bites her lip as she looks him up and down. He said he rejected her, but not how. He must have made some excuse. Some promise of another time. She’s got that look in her eyes—let me cash in on the other time now.
His expression screws with confusion. This might be the first time he’s ever asked a woman to wait. He’s not exactly—
He’s a manwhore.
It makes him happy. He’s safe. It’s not my business and I like to keep it that way.
Leighton spares us from their awkward stare. “Your dress is cute. Is that the bridesmaid’s dress?”
Kristen twirls. Corral chiffon twirls with her. “No. That’s tomorrow. But it’s not terrible. Penny was specific about the color, but the rest was up to me.”
“Can I see?” Leighton asks.
Kristen shakes her head. “Sworn to secrecy.”
“And the color?” Leighton asks.
Kristen points to the baby pink bouquet lining the buffet table. She winks at Leighton. “Our secret.”
The soft pink flowers are gorgeous.
But they’re the kind of thing Penny hated. Does she still hate them or is this one of the million ways she’s changed?
I don’t know.
And I’m not sure I want to.
“Your dress is great.” Kristen’s gaze fixes on Leighton’s chest. “Bold.”