Page 115 of Falling for my Brother's Best Friend

The one girl asks who I am as I walk away, and Rhys tells her I’m the organizer. Great. That doesn’t grate on my nerves at all.

As I walk out of the room, Greta stops me. She and a few other smaller businesses went in together to purchase a table. Sweet of them. It tells me my original idea to include more than just the wealthy businesses in this town would’ve been nice.

“Greta, it all looks great. We’re in love with them,” I say.

She carries on about the molding of the pigs’ figures and how her air conditioning went out and she had to make room in her fridge. I feel horrible for what she had to go through to get it all done, especially with six different themes. I’m grateful, but mid-conversation, Liam appears at the door. I want to give him a small wave, but Rhys raises his hand at him and Liam nods, walking across the room to him.

My gut and heart plummet.

“Are you okay, Savannah?” Greta’s hand touches mine.

I plaster on a smile. “Great. I have to cut you short though. I have to make sure everything is set for dinner.”

“Of course. Go.”

I walk past Liam’s table, noticing the girl who appraised me earlier is making Liam the center of her attention. He doesn’t stop me, and I don’t glance his way because what’s the point? Obviously we’re going for the we-still-hate-one-another vibe tonight.

The manager tells me that dinner will be served shortly, so I head to the microphone, not feeling as confident as I usually do. I purposely ignore the back left side of the room and clear my throat.

“Excuse me,” I say into the microphone. “If you could all find your seats, dinner is about to be served.”

Rome sits with Denver and Phoenix because Terra and Mare couldn’t afford a table and Denver said Chip and Nancy couldn’t come. Bailey Timber has two tables with employees seated at them, except for Austin and Holly since Austin sits on the board he sits with us.

Once everyone sits, Grandma Dori gives me a thumbs-up. She’s been doing that since I was twenty and she made me take over these thank you speeches at all the charity functions.

“On behalf of Bailey Timber and the Lake Starlight Library, we’d like to thank all of you for joining us tonight. The extension for the library…” I continue my speech, not having the nerve to look at Liam’s table. “After dinner, I’ll fill everyone in on the silent auction prizes. The businesses have been very generous this year.”

When I finish, Holly’s eagerly tapping the chair next to her, but I signal that I’ll be right there. I head toward the bathroom but decide to get some fresh air instead to calm my nerves. The valet guy glances at me as I stand by the side of the brick building, inhaling and closing my eyes.

“Great speech.” Liam slow-claps while he walks toward me.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” He tucks his hands into his pockets and stands feet away from me. God, I miss him. Why did I get ready at my house? His gaze takes me in from head to toe. “You look breathtaking.”

I could say the same about him. He’s wearing a black suit, white shirt, and black tie. His hair is gelled, and the tattoos sneaking out from under his cuffs and collar only increase his sex appeal.

“Are we okay?” I signal between us, purposely not acting like a jealous girlfriend by asking about the girl at his table.

He shrugs. “Yeah.”

“Then why are you all the way over there?” My voice is shallow, and I hate it.

“I thought we were still in the closet. Don’t want to tip anyone off, right?” His malicious tone says we’re having a fight but not admitting it. Passive-aggressiveness at its finest.

“All right then. I can see you’re still mad.” I walk away, but he performs his signature move by grasping my elbow. The valet guy steps forward and Liam digs into his pocket then hands him some money. “Go find a car to attend to.”

The kid’s fearful eyes say he’d go jump off the pier as long as Liam doesn’t kick his ass. Unsurprisingly, he runs off.

“Way to intimidate a kid,” I grumble.

“I just gave him twenty bucks, pretty sure he’s good.” He lets go of my arm. “I’m playing by your rules, so what exactly is your problem?”

“Nothing. It’s just… you’re mad. I know you are.”

He blows out a breath. “I’m annoyed. I’m not going to lie and pretend I’m not.”

I touch his tie, but he makes no move to touch me back. It stings. “After tonight, we’re done hiding.”

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