Page 73 of The Wrong Promise

Then it dawns on me. His family is unaware he isn’t straight.

Why?

I glance at Harrison, Sir James, and then Edward andimagine living in their extravagant world. The Hendricks are fancy and extremely wealthy but do not have the royal attitude of the James family.

Away from the opulent balls and formality of the James family, Oscar can be his true self. I loved Oscar’s personality from the moment I met him and would rather spend time with him than with his stuffy uncle. A sense of contentment washes over me. I’m okay that the fake dating show can stop tonight. I don’t want to have to pander to Sir James’ narrow attitude anymore. Come to think of it, I’m not a fan of his opinion that Jobe was unreliable because he was single. People shouldn’t be judged on their sexuality or their relationship preferences.Or whether or not they have children.

After our main course and auction, the classical music begins and people take to the dance floor. “May I have the first dance?” Oscar asks me.

“Of course,” I say, delighted.

He takes my hand and leads me out onto the floor. “Give me a quick rundown. Where are you two at?”

“Well, we stopped pretending and embraced the attraction,” I say and smile at him, knowing he was right. “Then I found out he took over the company where I worked. I was mad as hell he didn’t tell me. Then, he had to fly back to LA. What I do know is I am done pretending.”

Oscar frowns. “Another takeover separate from my uncle’s?” I nod. “Fuck, the man’s a machine.” He eyes me carefully. “Does the workaholic syndrome run in his family?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Huh. Like my uncle.” His eyes turn serious. “It’s a lonely life, Zara.”

“Ha,” I joke. “We are not at that stage, so slow down. Not even a couple,” I whisper.

Oscar’s beautiful, subtle smile is back as though it’s imprinted on his resting face.

“Why don’t they know?” I ask him.

He shrugs. “It’s none of their business. If I find a person I want to spend the rest of my life with, then I’ll make it known.” He shrugs. “I don’t want my personal life to be public.”

I smile up at him. “We need to make another pub date.”

“Am I invited?” a voice comes from behind me. “Excuse me, Oscar, do you mind if I cut in? I’ve been waiting to dance with my beautiful partner all night.”

Oscar lets go of me. “Of course. She is beautiful,” he says in a serious tone. Then he grins. “You make a great couple.” He winks at me before he strides away.

Jobe pulls me closer, then he raises my hand in the air and moves side to side, occasionally twirling us as we move. His eyes never wander from my face, staring at me as though I’m the only person in the room. The longer he stares, the faster my heart beats.

“Did you tell Oscar we’re a couple?” he asks in a low, deep voice.

There is nowhere to look other than at his intense, dark eyes. “I told him I’m done with faking it,” I whisper.

His eyebrows slightly tighten, enough for me to notice. “Done for tonight or done forever?”

“Forever,” I murmur.

Shit, he can take it two ways. We are done and finished, or I want to take the next step.

“I don’t want what we have to end,” he whispers.

My lips part in the biggest smile. “Neither do I.”

He leans his forehead to mine as we sway, and it feels so romantic to be doing this with Jobe, the man I believed could never be tamed.

The calm orchestral music switches to modern pop. Ismile at Jobe as we break apart and move with the music, my hips swaying. I’m singing the words and catching glimpses of Jobe’s eyes locked on my body. He’s barely moving, doing a weird thing with his arms. I smile at him and keep to the beat while only his feet are not moving.

What. Is. Happening?

He looks… dorky.

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