Page 194 of Chasing Infinity

Placing my hand in Grace’s, we open the doors and make our grand entrance into the ballroom. A few people look up as we pass, waving or giving us broad smiles. I spot Charlie and Eli near the bar, and we walk toward them together.

Charlie looks up as soon as we near, and he gives us a grin, setting his drink down and wrapping me in a big hug. “Hey, Addie. You look great.”

I pull away from my best friend and straighten the lapels of his suit jacket, “As do you, Mr. Mayor.”

Charlie grimaces and then rubs the back of his neck nervously. “It’s been a week, but I’m still not fully used to it.”

Chuckling, I pat his chest. “You’ll get used to it soon enough. Hey, Eli,” I say, turning to my other friend, who’s leaning against the bar. “You’re looking very dapper as well.”

He gives me an appreciative grin. “Thanks, Addie.” Then he looks between Grace and me. “You both look incredible, too.”

“It’s nice to have an excuse to dress up,” Grace chimes in, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Now, how about a drink for the ladies?”

We share a laugh, and the guys step out of the way so we can place our orders with the bartender. As soon as I have my glass of wine in hand, I back up and look around the room, taking in all who are in attendance.

“He’ll be here in a little bit,” Charlie answers my unasked question. “Last I heard, he was just finishing a call and said he’d be here shortly.”

I take a sip of my drink, feeling my cheeks heat up at my obviousness. “Thanks. Where’s Wyatt tonight?”

Charlie winks at me, fighting back a smile as he answers, “He’s over there, talking shop with a few of his other friends.”

I nod, following his gesture to see Charlie’s husband deep in conversation with a few other men in suits.

We spend the next hour or so catching up from the week. Though we live in a small town and see each other often, it’s nice to have a chance to chat outside of our everyday social events. I can only chat so much with Charlie and Eli when they come in for breakfast, and throughout the week, I don’t see Grace much with how busy her business is.

Finally, surprising us all, Eli asks Grace to dance with him. His cheeks heat up with embarrassment, but thankfully, Grace doesn’t roast him too badly, surprising us again when she accepts without argument.

Charlie and I watch our two friends walk hand in hand to the center of the dance floor. He looks at me with a raised eyebrow, and I shrug. This may be the start of something new for the two of them.

“I suppose we better get out there too,” Charlie says, holding his hand out.

I set my empty wine glass on the bar, slide my hand in his, and let him lead me to the dance floor. The song changes to something a little more upbeat, and Charlie and I dance across the floor. He twirls me dramatically, making me laugh out loud.

When the music starts to slow down, Charlie brings me closer to him, and we sway together. I smile softly to myself. “I don’t know if I tell you this enough, Charlie, but I’m so grateful you’re my friend.”

“You can’t just say that now that I’m the new mayor,” he teases back. “But thank you, I’m glad we’re friends too. You’re one of my favorite people.”

“Likewise,” I say with a grin.

“Mind if I cut in?” a deep voice, one that I would recognize anywhere, interjects. Charlie looks over my shoulder and smiles.

“Of course,” Charlie says as he lets me go. “She’s all yours.”

I turn around to face Noah and suck in a breath. He’s standing before me all done up in a full tuxedo, and his hair, neatly cut and styled, makes him appear almost larger than life. He watches me with gentle blue eyes as he extends a hand toward me, inviting me into his hold. I take it without hesitation, loving how my skin still tingles as I slide through his.

Noah pulls me closer to him until we’re flush together. I rest one hand against his broad chest, feeling the rhythmic beating of his heart. It’s beating rapidly as he brings me into him.

“Hey, beautiful,” he whispers as soon as we’re close together.

I lean back and smile at him. “Hey there, handsome.”

He gives me a lazy smile and then leans his head closer until his cheek rests against mine. His hand slides to the small of my back, applying slight pressure until our bodies are pressed against one another. Vaguely, I’m aware that the band has switched to a slower tune. Taking advantage of Noah’s closeness, I rest my cheek against his chest. The delicious smell of his cologne tickles my senses, and I breathe him in—mahogany and apple.

Home.

As the melody continues, I close my eyes, letting Noah sway us together for a few minutes. When the song ends, another starts up without any interruption.

I pull back from Noah and look up into his eyes. “I’m so glad you made it.”

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