“What? They never attend.”
“I mentioned you invited a lady friend and her daughter. I think it was a strong incentive.”
I barked out a laugh. These things only happened in my family.
“I need to check on a few last-minute details. See you later?” she asked.
“Sure.”
I wanted to say something more on the subject of Dad, but honestly, I didn’t know what, and Tess usually folded into herself whenever she spoke about him. I didn’t want to spoil her mood.
Looking around, I realized that a few guests had already arrived. Damn! I’d wanted to talk to Heather before it began. She was at the kids’ corner, speaking to a little girl.
I stopped right next to them. Heather bit her lower lip when she saw me.
“Avery, this is my friend Ryker.”
Avery looked up at me, stretching out her tiny hand. “Hello, Mr. Ryker. I’m Avery.”
Heather laughed, ruffling her daughter’s curls. I crouched on my haunches until my face was level with Avery’s.
“Nice to meet you, Avery. You like it here?”
“Yes. I feel like a princess.”
“He’s the one who sent us the invitations,” Heather clarified.
“They were so pretty. Mine said Miss Avery. Mommy, can I go back and play?”
“Sure.”
She darted right to the slide the next second. I rose back up, watching Heather intently.
“I’m glad you came,” I said. “Hope Tess didn’t drive you too crazy.”
“Not at all. She explained how everything works. Can’t wait for the raffle.” Wiggling her eyebrows, she added, “Think you’ll get lucky for one dance?”
“Ms. Prescott, are you teasing me?”
“What do you think?”
“I think that you have no idea what you just got yourself into. I’ll get my dance.” I leaned in, brushing her cheek until someone called my name.
“I need to make the rounds, but I’ll find you later,” I promised.
“Okay.”
I couldn’t resist lingering for another beat. I skimmed my hand down to her waist, enjoying the way she shuddered at my touch. It was impossible to be this close to her and not want to be even closer, but we weren’t alone.
Yet.
Tearing myself away from Heather, I headed toward the guy who’d called me, the sound technician. After discussing a few details, I headed straight to the organizers’ table. Our entire family would sit at it, plus Heather and Avery, but right now, only Skye and Cole were there.
“Skye. I need to talk to you about Heather and the raffle,” I said.
She looked up from her iPad. “Shoot.”
“Pick me for all of Heather’s dances.”