Elliot smiled politely. “I hope you’re pleased with them.”
A lopsided grin titled Ethan’s lips. “I have no complaints. How long have you and Riley known each other?”
Her breath hitched in her throat. If Elliot told him that they’d only met a few minutes ago, her humiliation would be complete.
“It seems like we’ve known each other forever. You know how these things are. It was nice meeting you, Ethan but if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to leave now.” Elliot tightened his grip around her waist and effectively guided her away from the other man.
Riley smacked her hand across her forehead. “Oh, we can’t leave without saying goodbye to our hosts.”
Elliot nodded.
When they found the happy couple, Megan didn’t bother hiding her disappointment. “You’re leaving already? But it seems like you just got here. Please tell me your leaving has nothing to do with Ethan’s arrival.”
Heat coursed to her face. Was it that obvious? “Megan, you knew I only came because you told me he wouldn’t be here.”
“I didn’t think he’d make it. He was out of town this past week and I only found out a few days ago he was coming.”
“Three days is plenty of time for you to call me to let me know.”
Tears welled in Megan’s eyes. “Please don’t be mad at me. I hoped…well it doesn’t matter. I was wrong and I’m sorry but please don’t disappear from my life again. I miss you.”
Riley had forgotten how sensitive her friend was. It was impossible to stay mad at Megan for any period of time. She leaned over to give her a hug. “It’s okay, sweetie. I’m not angry with you. It was great seeing you tonight and I promise I won’t disappear again. I know how busy you are with the wedding plans so when you get some time, let’s hang out.”
Megan smiled returning Riley’s hug with her own enthusiastic exuberance. “I’d love that.”
Riley pulled away to give her friend an admiring glance. “You look beautiful tonight. Congratulations.” She turned to Jackson. “And you as well. Be good to her.”
Jackson grinned lovingly at his fiancée. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”
“Okay, Riley I’ll be in touch with you this week. I refuse to lose touch with you again.”
Riley took Megan’s hands and clasped them in hers. “We won’t. I promise.”
“I’ll hold you to that. I’m not going to let you shut me out again. I made that mistake before, but be warned, I’ll call you morning, noon and night if I have to. Besides, I haven’t changed my mind about wanting you in the wedding.”
Riley laughed. “Well, I’m not sure about being in the wedding party but lunch, sounds great.” The two women hugged again. “Let’s make plans for lunch soon.”
“Sounds great. We can talk about bridesmaid dresses.”
“Sweet. Jackson, it was good to see you.”
Jackson leaned over to brush her cheek with his lips. “Sorry you guys have to head out. Glad you could make it Elliot.”
Elliot grinned. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world, little cousin.”
Jackson smiled. “Not so little anymore.”
After a few more minutes of small talk, Elliot led her to the door but their exit was again held up, when a familiar baritone called out her name. “Riley.”
She stiffened. Dammit. Her manners had been her downfall. She could have been out the door by now, but the minutes spent talking to Megan and Jackson had cost her.
“Come on,” she muttered to Elliot. If she could pretend she hadn’t heard him they still had a chance of making it outside with without unnecessary drama.
They were at the door, when a firm hand caught her by the arm, “Riley.”
His touch sent a jolt through her body. Not fair.
She glanced at Elliot. “Uh, I’ll only be a minute if you’d like to go ahead.”
“Sure. I’ll wait over there for you.” He pointed to a spot on the other side of the room.”
With her shield gone, Riley had no option, but to turn around to see what Ethan wanted. “Yes, Ethan?”
“You seemed to be in such a hurry to get out of here, I didn’t get a chance to thank you.”
Riley frowned. “For what?”
“For coming. Megan was worried that you wouldn’t. She was hurt when you dropped out of her life the way you did. And your coming here tonight means a lot to her.”
What the hell did he expect? After he’d left her devastated did he think she’d be able to hang out with his sister who thought the sun rose and set on her big brother who could do no wrong? Riley hadn’t been strong enough then and even now questioned her strength. Seeing Ethan again brought all the old feelings she thought she’d buried crashing back to the forefront.
“Well, I missed her and I figured it was time to stop being so silly about this whole thing. We’re all adults.” She shrugged trying to present a nonchalance she didn’t feel.