Page 44 of Found By Him

My stomach swoops at his call-out, and I pull away a little so I can glare at him. “I-”

Before I can tell him it’s his fault, I’m interrupted by Nate walking up to our table and slapping both hands down on Jack’s shoulders in greeting. “Jacky, good to see you, man. And Gisella, I must say, you’re looking magnificent.”

I can’t help but snicker when Jack growls at his best friend. “Her name is Ella, you dick.”

That’s rich, considering Jack has never called me Ella since the day we met except to introduce me the other day.

Nate laughs at his friend and leans down to give me a hug that lasts a few moments longer than it usually wouldhave. It’s extra awkward, considering how close Jack and I are sitting.

“What the fuck, Nate?” Jack complains from the other side of Nate’s arm.

“Oh, calm down, buddy. Just saying hi to your girl here.” Nate sinks heavily down in the chair next to Jack.

“So Nate, did you bring a date?” I ask.

Nate’s a handsome guy. Maybe an inch taller than Jack, but he isn’t as wide. He has more of a fit, muscular build compared to Jack’s bulk. He has thick, sandy brown hair that is longer on top but trimmed on the sides, and it’s always a little unruly. His brown eyes are framed by long lashes that make me envious. Nate has this light, playful air about him that contrasts Jack and Ian’s seriousness.

“Nope, flying solo tonight. Why? This one not cutting it?” With a smirk, he wags his eyebrows at me.

“I’m cutting it just fine,” Jack answers for me, his arm going protectively around my shoulders.

Nate laughs, and his grin widens. This is the first time I have seen them outside of the office, and it’s refreshing for them to be relaxed and enjoying themselves.

They start to talk about various work topics and sports as I relax into Jack. The constant tickle of his fingers stroking my arm is hypnotic and soothing, and I begin zoning out as their deep voices fill the air. I watch people mill around the beautifully decorated room, laughing and talking. Everyone is genuinely having a good time. Alice makes the rounds to different groups, greeting everyone warmly.

I smile, noticing Tyler walking toward our table. My smile widens when I see who is walking behind him.

When Tyler and Becky reach us, Nate and Jack both nod to Tyler in greeting. Nate stands and gives Becky a hug. Hesays something, and she cackles with laughter. When he releases her, she rounds the table to us to hug Jack, and then pulls me in for one too.

“Ella, I’m so glad to see you again!”

“You too!”

Tyler interrupts our greetings. “I hate to break this up, but I came to get Nate and Jack. Alice wants to get on with the speeches. She says she’s ready to have cake, and you can’t have cake before the speeches. I didn’t know that was a rule, but she’s very insistent.”

Nate tips his head toward the front of the room. “Let’s go, lover boy. That’s our cue.”

Jack’s hands move to my hips and twist me toward him. He pinches my chin and tilts my face up with one finger until our eyes meet. “Will you be okay for a few minutes?” I incline my head in a nod as much as possible with his grip on my chin. I’m smiling as he presses his lips to mine in a quick kiss.

He turns and follows Nate to where Alice is standing with a hotel employee setting up a microphone.

When I turn back to Becky, her grin makes me blush. “I love this so much.”

I laugh, and we take our seats.

The employee appears to give Nate and Jack instructions on the mics before leaving them to address the crowd.

Jack steps forward. He commands attention, not only with his ridiculous good looks but with his strong, assured demeanor.

“Good evening, everyone. I’ve been told we can’t eat cake until we make this speech. So bear with us.” A light laughter filters through the crowd, and Jack continues. “I want to thank everyone for coming tonight to honor Alice. I knowevery single one of you can relate to the impact she has had on all our lives.”

He clears his throat, and my heart expands at his show of emotion.

“Six years ago, when Nate and I started our company, Alice was our first employee. Not only has she been one of the main reasons we have been as successful as we have, but she also became part of our families.”

Alice wipes her cheeks as she shakes her head. She says something to Jack I can’t hear. With a adoring grin shining her way, he turns back to everyone.

“She says that’s a lie. But we all know it’s true. Because we all know the kind of person Alice is.”

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