Page 16 of Owning His Girl

As I approach my parents, they welcome me with open arms. I hug them tightly, trying to bridge the emotional gap that has grown between us.

My mom is the first to pull away, her eyes searching my face for any sign of trouble. "Fiona," she breathes out, her voice filled with worry. "How are you doing, darling?"

I try to keep my smile in place, but it's getting harder by the second. "Doing just fine, Mom," I reassure her. There's a pause as a new song starts playing in the background and I decide to change the subject. "Isn't this a wonderful party?"

Her eyes flicker over to Wes who's standing next to me, his hand still firmly holding onto mine. She gives him a small nod before turning back to me. "Yes, it is," she agrees, sounding anything but convinced.

It's Dad who steps in then, saving me from further questioning. "Nice suit, Wes." His voice is measured, giving nothing away.

"Thank you, sir," Wes answers politely, maintaining his cool even under my father's sharp gaze.

Then my father's eyes flick between Wes and me, as if trying to decipher our relationship. "You two are perfect together," he beams, "I always knew you'd find what truly matters in life."

I feel Wes stiffen beside me. Before I can respond, he interjects with a charm that could disarm even the prickliest guest. "It's all about finding the right time, sir," he says smoothly, giving my father a polite nod.

There's no trace of the man who just moments ago had me unraveling with desire back at the house—now he's the picture of decorum.

"Indeed," my father replies, oblivious to the tension coiling in my gut.

With a final pat on my shoulder, my parents drift back into the sea of well-dressed attendees, disappearing as quickly as they came. I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding and turn to Wes.

"Thank you," I murmur, grateful for his ability to navigate these choppy social waters.

"Anything for you," he whispers back, squeezing my hand once more before we venture deeper into the party.

Laughter echoes through the opulent ballroom, but it's the familiar voice that catches my attention. I turn to see Jake Andrews strolling towards us with his trademark charming smile from our childhood adventures.

"Hey, Fiona," he greets me warmly, taking my hand in a gentle shake. "Long time no see."

I can't help the grin that spreads across my face when I see Jake. His presence is like a burst of energy in the stiff atmosphere of the event.

"It's good to see you," I say, giving him a hug.

"You too," he responds with a smile, before turning to catch up with Wes.

They share a quick hug like brothers, and it's clear their bond is as unbreakable as ever.

But before we can catch up further, Eliza bustles over with her infectious energy. "Fiona, Wes, you made it!"

"Wouldn't have missed it for anything," I reply, hugging my sister tightly. She pulls back and introduces us to her roommate with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Guys, this is Melanie Watts," Eliza gestures towards the stunning blonde beside her, who gives us an endearing yet shy smile.

"Nice to meet you, Melanie," I say, flashing a warm smile. "I'm Fiona Parker."

She returns my handshake with a firm grip and a polished smile. "Melanie Watts," she introduces herself. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Fiona. I've heard great things about you."

I laugh at her teasing tone, feeling instantly at ease with this woman who exudes effortless charm.

"Only good things, I hope," I playfully reply, noticing the way Jake's eyes linger on Melanie for just a moment too long before shifting back to me.

The four of us make our way to the dinner table, the mahogany surface reflecting the soft glow of candlelight. As we take our seats, I find myself next to Wes and surrounded by an eclectic mix of personalities.

"Melanie," Wes says, his voice pulling me back from my private reverie, "how's your brother doing with his new role as fire chief? Must be quite an adjustment for him."

She beams, pride evident in her eyes.

"Dean's taking it all in stride, but yeah, he's definitely got his hands full. Between the job and the newborn, he's juggling more than ever. Lily and the baby are keeping him grounded, though."

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