Page 66 of My Silver Lining

“Hey,” she said, taking my hands in hers. It wasn’t for show. It was just to comfort me. “That’s not the only reason. He couldn’t get over to you quickly enough when we arrived. It’s obvious he likes you, which is probably why he wants you to date his daughter. You’ve got this. Let’s type up a few things, and we’ll get that out of the way, and then we can have some fun.”

We huddled together, and she helped me type up a few thoughts, and it felt damn good that she was here.

I liked Lulu Sonnet.

Hell, I didn’t want to admit how much I liked her because I knew it would freak her the fuck out. She was scarred from her past and trusted very few people, but for whatever reason, I wanted to be one of them.

I didn’t know what it meant.

But I knew that I felt things that I’ve never felt before.

I knew that I looked forward to seeing her.

I knew that I wanted to sleep in that bed beside her tonight.

Regardless of what it meant, if we never kissed or touched or did anything moving forward, I wanted this woman close to me.

The DJ interrupted my thoughts, letting us know that dinner would be served soon, and everyone made their way to their tables. The servers came around to fill our glasses with red and white wine, and Lulu and I were having a great time.

Joseph, Denise, and Chloe were at our table, along with Joesph’s brother and his wife and Denise’s three sisters, who were not only staring at me, but I caught them staring at Lulu just as often.

We had the option of steak or lobster, along with salad, potatoes, and rolls. Lulu and I got one of each entrée and shared. I wasn’t even sure if we were acting anymore as the conversation flowed around the table, and we took turns sharing our meals and laughing.

Everyone fucking loved her.

Aside from the diva beside me, who was sulking the entire time Lulu spoke. She had the table completely enraptured, including me.

“Okay, we’re just going to tell you,” Linda, Denise’s younger sister, said. “We’ve had a couple of cocktails, so we have no shame at the moment.”

“I love it when the no-shame feels hit,” Lulu said with a laugh.

“We’re kind of superfans of yours.” Linda shrugged.

“Yes, we follow you on social media. We were so happy you broke up with that tool. And you’ve clearly upgraded,” Mandy, the oldest sister, said, as she waggled her brows at me.

“I couldn’t agree more.” Lulu bumped her shoulder against my arm.

“It’s time to do the toast, isn’t it, Daddy?” Chloe interrupted, and everyone turned to look at her.

“Sure, sweetheart. This is perfect timing,” Joseph said.

“Come on, Rafe. It’s you and me.”

I turned to look at Lulu, and she stunned the shit out of me when she put a hand on each side of my face and tugged me close and kissed me.

Her lips were soft and sweet, and I wanted to pull her onto my lap and kiss her all night.

She pulled back and winked. “Break a leg, Rafael.”

Denise’s sisters were clapping and giggling, and that appeared to enrage Chloe.

The lines were graying for me.

That kiss felt real.

And the fucked-up thing about it—I wanted it to be real.

eighteen

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