Page 112 of Game Changer

Mari’s eyes are damp as she reaches for Harlan’s hand.

I raise my glass. “To love that finds us when we need it, not when we’re looking. May your hearts always surprise you in the best ways.”

Everyone repeats and clinks their glasses.

I take a sip, the bubbles dancing down my throat. I feel Clay’s eyes on me the entire time.

“That was really good,” Brooke says, hooking an arm around me when Harlan and Mari go for their first dance.

We watch them twirl slowly on the floor.

“You going to do that someday?” I ask.

“Get married? Never.”

I laugh. “What if you find the right person?”

“No such guy. It’s better to live your life on your own terms.”

I’m in line for the powder room when I read the email again.

“Thank you for everything.” My attention snaps up and I see Harlan emerge.

“My pleasure. It’s been a beautiful day.”

His brows draw together as he takes in my expression. “Everything okay?”

I nod and tell him about the email from my boss.

“That’s good,” he prompts.

“Yes. It is.”

With a perplexed smile, Harlan excuses himself.

It is good. It’s a chance to move forward without the shadow of my ex looming over me.

It’s the proof that I can handle my own life, even if my life isn’t as thrilling as my sister’s or a professional athlete’s.

After checking my makeup in the mirror, I head back out.

There’re several couples and groups already dancing, and I linger at the edge of the floor watching.

Someone taps my shoulder. I turn to find Clay staring down at me, his smoldering intensity on full display.

“Dance with me.”

I take his hand, and he leads me to the floor.

There are eyes on us. I feel them.

“I know you’re not Harlan’s biggest fan, or Mari’s,” I say. “So, thank you. For what you did for my sister.”

“I didn’t do it for her. I did it for you.”

I stare up at him, his hands warm on mine.

At the front of the room, words were easy.

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