“The benefits of owning the place,” Elle said as she rubbed her belly. “We get to host as many parties as we want.” She laughed as she and Hannah were shown to their seats by Aubrey.
“Get off your feet,” Aubrey said, motioning to the two chairs in the middle of a circle of other chairs. “I’ll get you something to drink. We’ll have food first, then presents, followed by games.”
Both Elle and Hannah groaned. “Can’t we just go to the big reveal first?”
“Nope, the men will arrive after the games, and we will do the reveals then.” Aubrey shuffled off to get drinks.
Elle looked at Jules. “Help. Make them change the order.”
Jules laughed and sat down beside Elle. “Just so we’re clear, you want me to go against Aubrey, Zoey, and Scarlett?”
Elle slumped in her chair. “Yeah, okay, that was a stupid request.”
“Who planned this party, anyway?” Hannah sighed and then took the drink that Aubrey handed her.
“I had better not hear a word of complaint from either of you,” Aubrey said, narrowing her eyes. “Or the reveal portion of the night is off.”
Hannah chuckled and then pretended to zip her lips closed.
Aubrey glanced over at Elle, who nodded and took the drink she was offered.
“Good, now, just relax while the rest of the guests arrive.” Aubrey started to shuffle off, then turned around. “Keep them entertained?”
Jules nodded. “I got this.” She waved Aubrey off so she could rush over and greet some of the guests.
For the next two hours, she enjoyed being surrounded by old friends and new ones. She ate some really great food, played silly games, laughed more than she had in months, and grew eager with the rest of the group for the reveal part of the evening.
When the men finally showed up, Jules felt her heart skip when she noticed Damion among them. He, like the other guys, was wearing a button-up shirt and jeans, which was a lot dressier than the shorts and camp T-shirt that he normally wore.
She’d seen him in a tux several times and had instantly had images of him being a spy of some sort and coming in to sweep her off her feet and save her from the bad guys. She had a very wild imagination.
Tonight, he looked even sexier than he had in the tux. She watched his eyes scan the room and land on her. Then he smiled and her heart did more skipping.
“Can I have everyone’s attention?” Aubrey said into the microphone. “We’re going to head outside onto the back patio for the gender reveal. Please make your way out to the patio now.”
She was standing up when Damion stopped beside her.
“Hey,” he said casually.
“Hi.” She smiled up at him.
“Want to head out with me?” he asked.
“Sure.” She tried to dim her smile a little. It wouldn’t do to have him see her beaming or blinding him with the largest of smiles.
“Lead the way,” he said, and then he fell in step with her. “So, what did ya’ll do before we got here?” he asked quietly.
“Ate, played games, that sort of things.” She shrugged.
“Thought so.” He nodded. “Some of the guys thought there were strippers involved.”
She tripped when his words sank in. His hands came up and steadied her by taking her elbow.
“What?” she asked.
He chuckled. “Just kidding.” He laughed. “Oh my god, you should see your face right now.”
She took a couple deep breaths and silently wished that he wouldn’t let go of her arm. But he did as they stepped outside into the cooler night air.