Page 51 of Seductive Hearts

“This is for you. Colton set it up.” Lourde took the envelope from my hand before I could drop it on the floor. “Celebrate.”

I was too overwhelmed to think. Surrounded by people, with Colton in the mix, conflicted between wanting to weep at the sight of him and wanting to ask where he got his nerve. He was acting like nothing had changed and hadn’t walked away from me with no explanation.

I wanted to be happy.

I wanted to play along.

“Come on, babe!” Sienna practically shoved her way to my side and wrapped my fingers around a champagne flute before throwing her arms around me. “Drink up! You deserve it.”

“Give her a second,” Noah grumbled at my other side. “You don’t need to jump on her.” Sienna threw him a scowl, one she had on rotation for my brother.

“I was speaking to Rose,” she retorted in an overly sweet voice. “Do you mind?” There was venom running under her words, and it raised all kinds of questions, but other issues were more important like the fact that I couldn’t breathe.

“I need some air,” I announced, touching a hand to my chest. “I wasn’t expecting this. I’ll be right back.” I caught the concerned gazes of my parents and Sienna’s surprise as I nudged past them and across the living room, where trays of hors d’oeuvres sat out and numerous bottles of wine and champagne were waiting to be enjoyed.

I was a teenager all over again, having to pretend I wasn’t in love with him, that he hadn’t broken my heart, putting on a happy face for the sake of my family, and lying through my teeth. I was glad he was in the same room with Noah without them beating each other half to death. How had that come about?

That was a positive development. But it wasn’t enough to counter the crushing pressure in my chest by the time I reached the balcony and gripped the stone balustrade, taking deep breaths with my eyes closed. I would have to spend the rest of my life this way. We were always going to be connected by our families.

Over my shoulder, a deep voice murmured, “I wouldn’t have planned this if I thought you’d hyperventilate.”

Talk about déjù vu. This time, I was the one staring out over the balustrade while Colton crept up behind me. A slight shudder ran through me—anticipation and nerves—before I stiffened my spine and threw my head back, letting the breeze brush my hair away from my neck. “So it really was you, huh?”

“I might have suggested to my mother that it had been too long since everybody got together, and you deserved to be celebrated. You’re about to embark on a new phase in your career. That’s a big deal.”

I wouldn’t insult him by making a wisecrack like I did when this first started weeks ago. No comments about being surprised he took business seriously because I knew how much it meant to him. He had proven himself to me time and again, and I couldn’t pretend otherwise. “Thank you.”

When he reached the stone railing, I looked his way, reminding myself to breathe. It had been a week since we saw each other, but to my bruised heart, it felt more like years.

I drank in the sight of him. His dark hair—its texture burned into my memory—sharp jaw, broad shoulders, and chiseled profile were so perfect it didn’t seem real.

But he was very real, wasn’t he? I knew from experience.

“I need to tell you something.” He released a sigh before turning my way, jamming his hands into his pockets and almost pleading silently, his dark eyes radiating intensity. “It was a stupid move, walking out on you. I saw those texts and remembered what this was all supposed to be about. I told myself it was for the best. You were going to get what you wanted. I couldn’t stand in the way.” It came out in a rush like he had to get it out before he lost his nerve.

“You didn’t want to leave?” I was almost afraid to believe it.

His lips twitched with a smirk. “Not only because I still think Landon is a waste of bodily organs that could go to someone much more deserving.”

I had to stifle a giggle at his creative description. “He is kind of insufferable. You were right about that. I only wanted to see what was on the surface because… I’ve been burned, and not only by you. I’ve known too many rich guys to want to bother with them. That was what I told myself.”

“What do you tell yourself now?” He inched closer, and my soul screamed with joy.

“I’m telling myself I was stubborn,” I admitted. “I was wrong. I should’ve given you more credit. I shouldn’t have made assumptions until I got to know you as an adult.”

“Now that you have?” I held my breath when he reached out, stroking my cheek with the back of his fingers. “What would you tell yourself now?”

“I would tell myself I need to be brave enough to admit I fell for you.” Now that it was out there, a weight left my shoulders. I was lighter, freer.

“You said it,” he whispered, with the beginnings of a smile stirring. “That was brave.”

“Thank you. I’m learning.” I covered his hand with mine, wrapping my fingers around his. “I would also say I want you with me at the opening. It wouldn’t feel right if you weren’t there by my side. You made it possible.”

“All I did was light a fire under everybody’s asses.” We shared a soft laugh before his head tipped to the side. “Now that we’re on the topic, I’ve accepted a new job.”

“Job?” I had to dial back my surprise in hopes of not insulting him. “Where? What will you be doing?”

“Same as I did with you. My next project is in East Hampton, renovating an old home.”

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