“You’ve got this.” I rest my hand on his rock-hard thigh, giving it a squeeze. “You’ll be fine.”
“Should I apologize to Candice now?” I can tell by the expression on his face that he’d like to get it over with.
“Sure,” I encourage.
“Hey, Candice?” She turns to look at him. “I just wanted to apologize for being such a jerk to you earlier.”
“It’s okay,” she says sweetly.
I nudge him in the ribs again.
“And I’m sorry for being a complete ass to you over the last few years.”
“It’s fine.” Candice tilts her head. “You don’t have to apologize for who you are.”
Ha. So basically his baby sister just called him a complete ass.
“I’m turning over a new leaf, thanks to Sarah.” I smile up at him. No more jabs in the ribs for him. “I’m trying to right my wrongs.”
“I think that’s really great,” Candice says. “Can’t wait to see who you apologize to next.”
I laugh. I can’t help it.
We arrive at the venue a few minutes later, just as Jared predicted. It’s being held at an exclusive club in the financial district downtown, and as we get out of the car, I can already hear the beat of the music outside. When I glance over at Jared, the look on his face is nothing short of pained.
“Are you all right?” I ask him once we’re out of the SUV.
“I hate parties with loud music,” he says, glancing up at the tall building before us.
“It’s a rooftop party,” Candice tells us. “Meaning it’s outside. So of course you can hear the music.”
“Still.” He’s grimacing, like he’s going to be led to the torture dungeon.
“Oh my God, you are such an old man.” Candice takes Jared’s hand and leads him up the steps, and I fall in behind them. “Let loose for once in your life and have some fun.”
“I know how to have fun,” Jared says, sounding like a hurt little boy.
I keep my comments to myself. He does know how to have fun—the bathroom incident was a hell of a lot of fun, not that we can tell Candice about it.
But she’s right. He’s so serious all the time. Cranky. I’m sure most everyone who knows him believes he’s just…unhappy.
That is the saddest thing ever.
The moment we enter the building’s lobby, I am in awe. It’s so warm and welcoming, with exposed brick walls, rough-hewn wood beams crisscrossing the ceiling and comfortable-looking leather chairs placed closed to one another for intimate seating.
I’m tempted to plop my butt in one of those seats and test it out, but Jared takes my hand with his free one, leading us to the bank of elevators.
“Everyone’s already up there,” Candice tells us once we’re all in the elevator. “They’ve been texting me for the last twenty minutes, asking when we’re going to get here. Especially Kevin. He really wants to talk to you.”
“That was my fault,” Jared says, his expression dead serious. “I was running a little late. You can blame me.”
“Actually it was really my fault,” I add. “It takes a long time to blow dry my hair.” And blow someone else too, ha ha.
I am on a roll tonight. At least in my head.
Jared sends me a look and I pinch his side, making him jump.
“You two.” Candice shakes her head. “Are being ridiculous.”
The doors sliding open saves us from saying anything else. We exit the elevator and make our way down a short, dark hall before another set of double doors appears before us. Jared pushes them open first, and it’s like opening a portal to a whole other world.
There are people everywhere. Music is playing, waitstaff are walking around with trays laden with appetizers or glasses of what I assume is wine, and in the center of the rooftop, there’s a giant square surrounded by brick, with a fire burning in the middle. People—mostly women in short-sleeved dresses—are sitting around it trying to keep warm. There are flowers and balloons and a giant banner that says Congratulations Rachelle and Kevin! hanging above the open walkway where we enter the party.
Jared takes my hand once more, his palm sweaty, and I glance up at him to see that his face is impassive, his jaw like stone. A tiny muscle moves there, though, barely noticeable. But I see it.
I notice everything about him.
“Hey?” I tug on his hand and he glances down at me, frowning. “It’s going to be all right, you know. Just relax and have fun.”
“Okay.” He blows out a harsh breath. “You’re right. I need to relax.”
“Yeah, you do. You’ve got this.” I lean against him, breathing in his delicious scent. Candice has already abandoned us, and I can hear people calling her name in greeting. But everyone loves Candice.
And maybe that’s hard for Jared to deal with. He’s the least popular of the Gaines siblings. If he’d put himself out there more, he could change that. He’d be just as beloved as Candice and Kevin.
Hopefully tonight he can make a change for the better.
Twenty-Nine
Within ten minutes of walking into the crowd, Jared and I are separated. I don’t know how it happens, and I have no idea where he went in such a short span of time. I try to text him, but he hasn’t responded yet, though I’m not worried. He wasn’t exaggerating—this party is pretty loud. And packed.
Here’s the deal. I expected one of those staid, boring parties you see in movies with a few rich people staring at each other disdainfully while eating weird-looking appetizers and drinking white wine spritzers. Clearly, that’s not the case. This party is happening, with the majority of attendees appearing around my age into their early thirties, and these people seem to know how to have a good time.
Which is great—I’m ready to have a good time too.
The one person I do find is Candice, surrounded by her cousins who are all waiting their turn to hug her and tell her how much they miss her. She is so adored, it’s unreal.
I wonder if that bothers Jared. It has to, if he feels so unlovable.
Once Candice spots me, she pulls me into the cousin circle and introduces me to all of them. They smile and hug me like they’ve known me forever, and I return their hugs and greetings with the same enthusiasm. I do get that they were related on Jared’s dad side—their father is Marcus’s younger brother—but once we leave them, I confess to Candice I don’t remember any of their names.
“Don’t worry,” Candice tells me as we’re milling about. “You’ll meet them again. Probably at Kevin’s wedding.”
I hope I’ll still be around for Kevin’s wedding. Will Jared and I go the distance? Right now, all giddy and hyped from our earlier sexual interlude, I’m full of confidence and thinking we’re gonna make it for sure.
Give me a few days. I’m sure something will happen, or he’ll say something and my self-doubt will kick in.
“Oh, there’s Kevin! Let’s go say hi. And you’ll get to meet Rachelle,” Candice yells, pointing. I see Kevin standing next to one of those tall cocktail tables they always have at parties, looking handsome in a navy blue suit, white shirt and pale blue tie. The woman standing next to him is striking. Tall, willowy, with sleek black hair that hits just above her shoulders, and her long dress with the flirty ruffled hem the same color as Kevin’s tie. They’re smiling at an older gentleman who’s talking rather animatedly to them, and I start to hang back, afraid to interrupt their conversation.
Candice has no qualms whatsoever, barging right in and throwing herself at her brother.
“You look so handsome!” she squeals as she wraps him up in a smothering hug.
I stand behind her, shooting Kevin a sympathetic smile when his gaze meets mine, his eyes going wide as Candice attack-hugs him.
My heart pangs at the way Kevin is looking at me. He reminds me of Jared. And I hate that they aren’t close. They should be.
Once Candice lets go of her brother, she hugs Rachelle, a lot more restrained this time around. Rachelle returns
the hug, her expression serene, complimenting Candice on her dress, which is candy apple red and like a beacon amongst all the dark clothing we’re surrounded by, including myself.
“Rachelle.” Kevin grabs her hand and brings her to where I’m standing. “This is Sarah, Jared’s girlfriend.”
Rachelle smiles, her expression friendly, her dark eyes glittering. She’s even more beautiful up close. Her skin is smooth, and her lips remind me of a pretty pink bow. “It’s so nice to meet you. Kevin told me this morning that he thinks you’re so good for Jared.” She takes my hand, clasping it in between hers for a few seconds before she lets me go.
“Oh.” My cheeks are warm. I’m blushing. Flattered. I didn’t think Kevin really noticed me last night. I guess maybe he did. “That’s so sweet of Kevin to say, thank you. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too. Are you having fun?” She glances around, tilting her head back to stare at the tower of balloons we’re standing next to. They’re white and blush pink, mixed in with silver and gold balloons, and it’s downright artistic, how they’re arranged. Nothing like the balloon arches in our school colors when I went to prom.
“So much fun. Your party is amazing.” I smile, instantly afraid I sound and look fake, so I take it down a notch. Jared would be proud. “It’s beautiful up here.”
“Right? I love how all the buildings surround us.” We are indeed surrounded by tall buildings, including the famous Transamerica Pyramid, which is directly in front of us. “It’s like decoration we didn’t have to pay for.”
“It’s gorgeous. I love it. I think everyone else is having fun too.” I smile, nodding toward the crowd. I still don’t see Jared. Candice has left us too, though she’s easy to spot with the red dress.
“Where is Jared?” Kevin asks as he approaches us, stopping to stand directly beside Rachelle. He slips his arm around her slender waist, pulling her close to him, and she goes willingly. They’re an attractive couple. They look good together.
“Oh, I don’t know. I lost him as we made our way through the crowd.”
“Probably hiding in a corner somewhere,” Rachelle says with a faint smile.
I frown. How would she know that? I mean, that sounds like something Jared would do, but I didn’t think they were that close. He told me he rarely talks to Kevin, so how would Rachelle know that Jared is standoffish? I guess Kevin could’ve told her.
For all I know, Rachelle might not be a big fan of Jared. And I really couldn’t blame her. He doesn’t spend time with his brother—her fiancé—and that might be upsetting.
“How long have you two been together?” I ask, curious.
“Oh, what’s it been, Kev?” She glances up at him with adoring eyes. “Three years?”
“More like three and a half.” He drops a kiss on the tip of her nose. Yeesh, they are almost sickeningly sweet together.
“That’s a long time,” I say.
“We’ve known each other for longer than that,” Rachelle says, turning her focus on me. “Through Jared and—”
“There you are! I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
I turn at the sound of Jared’s voice, relief flooding me at seeing him. I didn’t realize until I had him in front of me that I was feeling untethered. Adrift. This is his family’s event after all, and I don’t really know anyone here.
But I know him. And I am so, so glad to see him.
“Hey,” I say softly, smiling at him when he sweeps me into his arms and kisses me right on the mouth, his lips tasting of liquor. Not a quick peck either. More like a lingering, I can’t wait to get you alone later type of kiss. Nothing like that squeaky-clean nose kiss Kevin delivered to Rachelle.
I mean, nose kisses are cute, but I prefer Jared’s greeting for sure.
He pulls away first, his gaze for me only, and it is scorching. I’m blushing again, and I take a step away from him, needing the distance.
“Kevin.” Jared goes to his brother and hugs him, the shocked expression on Kevin’s face priceless. Bet he wasn’t expecting that. “You look good, man. This is quite the party. Congratulations.”
“Thanks, man. You’re enjoying yourself? This place is awesome,” Kevin says. “Rachelle found it. Well, actually it was Evelyn’s idea—”
“Rachelle.” Jared’s already abandoned his conversation with his brother, turning his focus on Rachelle. He offers her a polite hug, not near as enthusiastic as the one he gave Kevin. “You’re looking as beautiful as ever.”
“Thank you, Jared,” she says, taking a big step away from him.
Yep. I knew it. She doesn’t like Jared. He’s got some major making up to do with his brother and his brother’s fiancé.
The brothers resume their conversation, leaving Rachelle and I standing in front of each other and not saying anything. Talk about awkward. I wish I had a drink in my hand. Where’s one of those waiters wandering around with the tray full of wine glasses? I need one badly.
Rachelle is the one to break the ice first. “How did you and Jared meet?”
“Oh.” I stand a little straighter, remembering what we went over yesterday. “At a work function.”
That is so general that no one would question it. At least, that’s what Jared thought.
“Do you live in Monterey?”
“Seaside actually.” I probably shouldn’t have said that. Seaside is the poorer side of the Monterey Peninsula. “I’ve lived there my entire life.”
“Oh. That’s nice. Monterey is such a beautiful area to live in.” She nods, her lips curling in a faint smile. “How long have you two been together?”
“Not long.” I smile in return. “A couple of months. It’s been a total whirlwind.”
Oops. Maybe I shouldn’t have added that last part.
Rachelle’s eyes alight with interest. “Really? Such an interesting way to put it. A whirlwind.”
Uh. I need to explain myself. “He’s just—a total romantic.” Sort of. “Always giving me gifts.” That part is true. “He’s very generous.” In all ways, if you get my drift, lady.
“Generous? Jared?” She laughs, but it’s forced. As in, not real. I’m frowning. I don’t know if I like this. “I’ve never heard him be described that way before.”
How the hell would she know how people describe Jared? I mean, yes she’s been a part of the Gaines family for over three years. I’m guessing she’s seen Jared at his absolute worst, or at least described that way. Maybe?
I don’t know. I don’t truly get the family dynamics here.
“He’s extremely generous,” I tell her.
“And so you’re happy with him? Truly?” Her delicate brows lift in question as she waits for my answer.
That’s a totally weird and invasive question. In fact, this entire conversation has been weird.
“Very happy,” I stress. “He’s such a wonderful man. And trust me, no one can give me an orgasm like Jared. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go in search of a drink.”
I escape before she can say anything in response, but I saw the shocked look on her face when I said the word orgasm.
Blinking wide eyes, mouth formed into a little O. I stunned her silent.
I probably shouldn’t have said that, but her questioning made me more than a little upset. Not full-blown mad, but just…why would she ask me if Jared made me happy? What kind of question was that?
“Hey. Sarah, wait up,” Jared says from behind me.
Slowing down, I turn, waiting for him to catch up, which only takes a few seconds. “Where are you going? You didn’t even tell me you left.”
“Sorry.” My smile is strained and I give up, letting it fall. Should I tell him the truth? That I didn’t like Rachelle’s line of questioning? I don’t want to fill his head with negativity, so I decide to keep my opinions to myself.
“I’m dying of thirst,” I finally say, which is the absolute truth. “Let’s go find a bar.”
“I know exactly where one is.” He plac
es his hand on my elbow and steers me to the right, bending his head so he can whisper, “You are so fucking sexy in that jumpsuit.”
My skin goes warm at his words, and I realize quick he’s staring down the front of it. I’m giving him a nice view of my boobs, lucky guy. I suddenly feel anxious. “Am I flashing too much skin?” I tug at the front of the jumpsuit, pulling it up, but it doesn’t really budge. It feels like I’m showing some major cleavage. Probably too much. I’m meeting his family, for God’s sake, not going out with the girls for a weekend in Vegas.
“You’re fine. You’re not flashing too much skin, promise.” He slings his arm around my shoulders, keeping pace with me as we head toward the makeshift bar. Of course, there’s a long line. I’m not the only one with tremendous thirst. “I wish you were flashing more, to be honest.”
We take our place at the end of the line, and I count the people ahead of us—it’s eight deep, making us the ninth. I hope those two dudes with the trendy-looking mustaches mix their drinks extra fast.
“Thank God I’m not,” I tell him, glancing down at my chest once again. Maybe it’s not so bad. A hint of cleavage, nothing too scandalous. He’s just excited because he had his hands all over my boobs only a few hours ago. I know I can’t get that moment from the bathroom out of my head. I’m guessing he’s feeling the same way. “This is a family function, Jared.”
“I know, and all I can think about is when can I get you naked next.” His arm is now around my waist, his hand resting basically on my ass. He has no shame, I swear.
“In a few hours,” I promise, sending him a closed lip smile. “We have to get through this party first.”
“You’re right.” He glances around, nodding and smiling at someone he must know before he resumes his attention on me. “I told Kevin we all need to get together soon. A double date or whatever. He said they’d love to.”
Hope lights me up. He wants us to double date with his brother and Rachelle. This means he still believes we can be an “us.” I don’t know how I feel about spending an entire date with Rachelle as company, but I’d do it for Jared.
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