Page 20 of Unleash You

“Thank you. You too.”

He pulled at his collared shirt, giving me a half smile. “Can I buy you a drink?”

“I think that’s my cue.” Zack squeezed my hand and left me there staring into Wesley’s serene eyes.

“I could use one of your mom’s teas right about now.” I laughed.

“That’s the hard stuff. I can make that happen.”

He ushered me to the bar and ordered a Lilly cocktail. The bartender nodded without skipping a beat and got started on my drink. I sipped my tea out of a highball glass. As soon as the bourbon touched my lips, my body relaxed.

“Hey, I’m sorry I’ve been away for the last few weeks.” He stepped closer, his gaze on my bare shoulder.

“Three weeks, not that I’m counting.”

“Right. It’s just that I have something to tell you and I needed to figure out. I thought time apart might help with that.”

“And?” Was this it? Was Wesley ready to tell me he loved me.

“It didn’t help. But I want to tell you anyway. Walk with me?”

“Now?”

“I’ve waited long enough.” He swallowed and ushered me toward the exit to the terrace.

“Ana, I was wondering when I’d get to see you.” I turned to face Josh. Damnit. I’d forgotten all about him. What now? I didn’t need him to make Wesley jealous anymore.

“Josh, you made it. Good to see you.” We did an awkward dance where he moved in to kiss my cheek, but I only went in with my extended hand. He shuffled back and then shook it.

“Good to see you.” Wesley practically grabbed Josh’s hand out of mine to shake it.

If Josh’s eye twitching was any indication, I’d say Wesley squeezed a little too hard before he stepped closer to me, legs hip-width apart and arms over his chest. He’d gone from babysitter mode to full-on marine.

Josh let out a nervous laugh and casually shuffled closer to me. Both men were seriously acting like the other one wasn’t there.

“Anabelle, how about a dance?” Josh placed his hand on my lower back.

“Maybe later. Mom was looking for her. It’s why I’m here.” Wesley wrapped his warm fingers around my upper arm.

Be careful what you wish for. I’d brought Josh in to make Wesley jealous. The ploy worked but now Wesley and I couldn’t get away to have that talk he’d promised.

“He’s right. Maybe just one song.” I met Wesley’s gaze, silently asking him to let it go.

He stepped back to let us through, but the dark look in his eyes made my heart squeeze tight. He had no way of knowing that Josh was here because I’d asked him. I had to let him down easy. Birdie was Lilly’s friend.

I let Josh usher me to the small dancing area by the bar in the main living room. For tonight’s party, the tall french doors were wide open, merging the outdoor and indoor spaces. He held me so close I had to wedge my hand between us.

To my right, Wesley downed the rest of his drink and sauntered to the bar. “Double.” He didn’t even look my way while he sipped.

Did I ruin my chances with him? He couldn’t possibly think I was interested in Josh. Stupidest idea ever. I opened my mouth to tell Josh I’d had enough dancing, but he cut me off before I finished.

“I’m still waiting on an answer from you. I would love to take you out some time.” He squeezed my waist with an expectant look in his eyes. As if I owed him an answer right then and there. What was I thinking? It’d been wrong of me to use Josh.

“Josh, I’m sorry. I made a mistake inviting you here.” I blew out air. “I don’t want to go on a date with you.”

My stomach sunk when I checked the bar again and only found Wesley’s empty glass. Damnit.

“I see. It was kind of you to humor me for as long as you did.” He smiled at the floor, stuffing his hands in his pant pockets. With a quick shrug, he left the way he’d come.

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