Page 96 of L.O.V.E

When his body softened, melting into the mattress, I kissed his cheek and slipped out of bed. Before leaving, I dug the small wrapped box out of my handbag and placed it next to the vase on his nightstand.

“Merry Christmas,” I whispered, then made my way home.

Natalie

No expense had been spared for my uncle’s retirement party. The ballroom took my breath away. Square four-tiered crystal chandeliers dangled from the ceiling. Bronze paneled walls hid blue mood lights. Four mirrored columns framed the pristine white marble dance floor. I stood on the edge, watching guests sway and twirl to the live orchestra tucked in the corner of the massive room.

“Natalie.” An arm came around my waist. “My favorite niece. How’s the new job?” He dipped to accept a kiss on the cheek.

“Uncle Joe.” I leaned into his embrace. “Love the job. Kicking ass and taking names.”

“That’s my girl.” He looked out into the sea of moving bodies. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

A photographer floated around the ballroom, recording the festivities.

“Wouldn’t have missed it for the—wait.” My heart dropped three inches. “Why is Cole Adams here, and who is he dancing with?”

I studied the tall, curvy beauty in his arms. Dark hair fell in soft waves down her back. Small waist, ample bottom, long, toned legs. She moved effortlessly in a pair of—I ducked to get a better look—yep, Louboutin.

Cole held her intimately but not too close. But his smile. That rare, beautiful smile was all for her.

“Cole Adams?” Joe asked, his thick, white brows rising. “You know him?”

“Yes. We’re friends-in-law,” I said.

“What?”

“Never mind.” I grabbed my uncle’s wrist and begged, “Who’s the woman?”

“Oh. That’s—”

“Joe King,” came a deep voice from a short man wearing too many gold rings and one infectious grin.

Joe laughed. Then men embraced. Introductions were made.

And just like that, my uncle left me standing like a jolly green jerk, elated to see the man I’d walked away from, deflated by the stunning woman in his arms, and so shamefully envious that she brought his dimples out to play.

“Here ya go sweetie. Barolo.” Dad stood next to me, wine glass in one hand, whiskey neat in the other, looking sharp as ever in his new suit. “Who ya staring at?”

“Thanks.” I retrieved my liquid courage from his hand, then pointed to the crowded dance floor.

“Oh great! Cole’s here,” Dad shouted. He slapped my back. “Small world, huh?”

I lifted the glass to my lips. I hadn’t seen Cole since Christmas. Four weeks had passed since I’d left him sleeping in his bed. We’d texted. He’d called me at the stroke of midnight for New Year’s. He’d kept the conversations short and sweet.How was your day? I bought a new building yesterday. Your dad kicked my ass at squash. Leon puked all over my Brioni suit.

Not once did he ask where I lived, or worked, or if I missed him. We never broached the subject of dating or when I’d be back in town. He never mentioned the gift. Every night, I fell asleep browsing the pictures of him on my phone.

“Who’s here?” Mom cozied up to my left, the hem of her full skirt brushing against my bare leg.

“Cole Adams,” Dad said, pointing, and then…oh, shit. Waving.

Yes. Waving.

We’d been spotted.

I had no choice but to stand wedged between my parents with a fake smile pasted on my face, choking on the bile rising in my throat while Cole came our way, his hand on the back of the woman at his side.

I studied the grooves in the white marble. How did they keep the floor so clean?

---