Malcolm cupped my cheek and turned my face toward him. “We can go. We can just walk right out that door and go home.”
Shaking my head, I blew out a heavy breath. “No. I can do this. The worst is over. Right?”
“I guess, but that doesn’t mean we have to test that theory.”
“No. No, I got this.” I walked towards the ballroom, and Malcolm followed.
Checking the giant seating chart, he let out a low whistle. “You must be one hell of a good time.”
That pulled my attention from the stare off Luca was having with his father. “What do you mean?”
He pointed to the board. “We’re sitting next to the family tables and with the mayor. Oh, and the governor.” Mischief sparkled in his eyes as he smirked at me. “Just how big of a freak are you?”
His smirk grew into a grin as I laughed—an honest to goodness laugh. While anyone listening would’ve thought he was a prick, I knew better.
“Now, baby, if you have to ask, you’re clearly not mayor-table material.” I leaned into him, smoothing his lapels. “And who says it has to be in the bedroom?”
Another round of laughter shook us as we moved out of the way of the other guests. Leave it to Malcolm’sdickishsense of humor to ease the tension from the night. Once we both settled down, he wrapped his arm around my waist and led me to our table.
Dinner was a flurry of networking, speeches,and one unfortunate nip slip from the mayor’s wife. Occasionally, I would glance over at Luca and find him already looking at me. Well,that or glaring at his father.
Seeing him made me want to be near him, to hold him. I wanted to smooth his forehead and tell him to lighten up. Instead,I watched a blond bombshell hang on his arm, occasionally running blood-red nails up his back.Zoe’stouch didn’t seem to register as the anger never left his face.
After dessert was served, the dancing started, and I noticed Luca was missing from the ballroom. An uncomfortable dread settled the pit of my stomach. I had no idea when I would see him again. Which was a stupid thing to worry about, but hey, I wasthequeen of stupidity.
Malcolm’s arm brushed against me as he swayed in his seat to the big band music. The man loved to dance, and usually,I would be more than happy to cut a rug, but not tonight. “Why don’t you ask someone to dance?” I glanced over to the closest bar and the tall woman who couldn’t stop looking our way. “There’s a tall drink of water by the bar that looks up for a little hustle.”
He looked over and quickly, then back at the band. “Nah. I’m good.”
“Hm.”
Malcolm turned towardme,his eyebrows raised toward his hairline. “What?”
“It’s just weird.”
He put his hand on the back of my chair, canting his body completely toward me. “What’s weird?”
“That you aren’t going to dance. That you don’t want to mambo with that beauty.”
Malcolm shook his head and looked down at his lap.
“You andAsh? Finally?”
He shook his head,and as his eyes met mine, I sawresignation.
“I’m sorry. She’ll get there.”I patted his knee.
Malcolm only shrugged. “You ready to go?”
My phone buzzed in my clutch on my lap. Pulling it out, I absently nodded.
Malcolm stood and put on his jacket as I found a text from Luca.
LUCA:We need to talk. Meet me in room 551. Please.
Relief I shouldn’t havefeltsurged through me. Watching him all night made me want to be near him. I wanted to kiss him until he smiled, just once.
One more time. I just needed one more time.