Page 47 of Wish I Didn't Want You Back

I laughed and gave her a side-eye. “Now, who is the one who is full of shit?”

I swung the bathroom door open as Molly fell into step beside me. We pushed our way through the crowd just as “Man I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain started playing.

Molly nudged me with her elbow. “I love this song. Want to dance?”

I glanced down at the dress that I spent all day fussing over. When I picked it out, my only thought was getting Brooks to notice me. Dancing had never crossed my mind. Now, I wish I had worn something longer.

“Sure.”

The dance floor was small, so there wasn’t a lot of room to move around, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Molly and I found a spot and allowed our hips to move to the beat of the music. I closed my eyes for a second, feeling the hem of my dress ride up my leg. I had to keep fighting the urge to tug it down.

There was a guy off to the side who caught my eye. He raised his glass and smiled, but I pulled my gaze away, not wanting to give him the wrong idea.

“It looks like you have an admirer.” Molly grinned. I should have known she would pick up on it. She didn’t miss a thing.

“He’s just being friendly,” I said, looking over her shoulder. To my horror, the guy started walking my way. He had a confident swagger as he cut through the crowd. He was cute, but I wasn’t interested. My life already had enough drama.

“Hello, there,” he said, his voice loud enough to carry over the music. “Mind if I join you?”

Before I could answer, Molly cut in. “She doesn’t mind at all. I actually need to check in with my husband. Do you think you could keep her company for a minute?”

The man looked happy to be of service. “Of course.”

I shot her a glare, but she just winked back at me as she walked away. I was going to kill her.

This woman was not the sweet, shy Molly I grew up with. This new version of her was the exact opposite of how she used to be. Since she’s been with Finn, she’s changed. She was more confident and assertive, more like I used to be.

“I’m Danny.” He held his hand out, leaving me no choice but to take it.

“Harlow.” I glanced over at the table, where I could feel Brooks watching me. His jaw clenched, and his eyes narrowed into slits.

“Can I buy you a drink?” Danny asked, completely clueless about my lack of interest.

“I’m fine, thank you, though.”

He started to inch closer, so I took that as my cue to back away. “It was nice meeting you, but I should get back to my table.”

“Why are you leaving so soon? You got somebody waiting for you?”

“As a matter of fact, she does, Danny,” said the deep voice from behind me.

I turned to see Brooks standing there. His expression remained calm, but his eyes practically dared the man to take one step closer.

Danny hesitated, glancing between the two of us. He raised his hand in mock surrender. “Sorry, boss. I didn’t know she was with you.”

Brooks swung a hand along my waist, pulling me against his chest. “Danny, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Harlow.”

He looked at my left finger and started to squirm. “I had no idea, boss. Congratulations.” He started backing away like he couldn’t get out of here fast enough. “Sorry for the misunderstanding.”

Brooks lifted my hand and ran his thumb over my ring. “Did you miss this rock on her finger?”

The poor guy looked one second away from wetting himself.

“Yeah, it’s pretty dark in here.” He looked around as if searching for an excuse to leave.

“Ahh, that explains it.”

Danny swallowed nervously. “Congrats on the engagement. I need to go make a call.”

---