“It’s new.” I smile at Jude as he shoots a wink my way. “But I really care about him.”
“I’m happy for you both. He deserves happiness. He’s a good man, even if he hates goats.”
“Goats?” I stifle a laugh.
“More like he’s terrified of them.” Aubrey nods, her smile wide as she piles more food onto her plate. “We have a goat, and Jude walks around our yard like there’s a sniper out to get him.”
I take a few more slices of cheeses and meat, then follow her to an empty high-top table. It’s the perfect people watching vantage point. Most of the ballroom is visible, and we chat while watching groups meander through the silent auction tables.
Jude is a popular guy. Each time he moves away from someone, another arrives to chat his ear off. But I like watching him work the room. He has an easy smile, and I can see why he’s good at what he does. I wonder how many of these people are clients or vendors. Probably a mix of both. Getting to see this side of him is precious insight into a very complicated man.
When a man about Jude’s age comes over and slaps him on the back good-heartily, Chance lifts his beer to Jude as if he’s going to get another. But instead of hitting the bar, he walks over to our table.
“Missed you.” He hugs his wife and kisses the top of her head before meeting my gaze. “Can I join the cool table?”
“Right.” Aubrey pokes him in the ribs. “Don’t act like you aren’t using us to avoid someone.”
“God, he’s such a fuckwit.” He shakes his head. “I don’t know how Jude puts up with his shit. I’d tell him to bugger off.”
“Who’s that?” I ask, curious because he and Jude appear to be having a good laugh.
“Pierce Bowen. Rich little bastard who has no problem spending all his daddy’s money.”
“He really is the worst,” Aubrey says.
“Oh, I’m aware.” I bite my cheek, remembering the call Jude took from him in the car. “I just didn’t know what he looked like.”
“He’s a reason why we can’t have nice things.” Aubrey rolls her eyes. “Pretty package, ugly inside.”
“You think he’s pretty?” Chance’s brows shoot high and he shuffles to fully meet his wife’s gaze.
“Oh, stop.” She grins, then reaches up to twine her hands around his neck. “You know I only have eyes for you.”
“Damn straight,” he murmurs before capturing her mouth in a searing kiss.
I look away from their public display of affection, suddenly feeling like the third wheel. “I’m going to find the restroom,” I say, but they aren’t paying attention. They’re too busy kissing and ignoring everyone in the room. I kind of admire how unashamed and in love they are. Jude told me they have a baby at home, and he won’t be surprised if Chance knocks her up again soon. I can see why.
Weaving my way through the now-crowded ballroom, I finally make my way out to the hallway and follow the signs toward the women’s restroom. I spot the door just as my name is called.
“Rae! Hold up!” The voice is so familiar. Too familiar. A shiver races up my spine and my gut clenches as it connects with my memories. I want to hide. Ignore it. Pretend it doesn’t exist, but my brain doesn’t get the signal and my feet stop, my body turning toward the sound.
“Rae.” Ethan approaches, slightly out of breath but with a wide, surprised smile. “Rae, I can’t believe it.”
Neither can I. The ex-boyfriend I never wanted to see again, the one who inspired my cross-country move, stands before me with an expectant grin. His arms are open and waiting to draw me back into a web I never, ever thought I’d experience again.
Before he can touch me, I take a step back. “Ethan. Hello.” My words come out as cold as I feel.
He takes the hint and shoves his hands into his front pockets. “You . . .” He blows out a breath, his eyes traveling the length of my body in open appreciation. “You’re beautiful as ever.”
I shake my head. “Don’t.” I won’t stand here and act as if we’re good pals, or former lovers. This man broke me. My trust. My confidence. He hurt me badly. I try to resurrect that old anger but come up short. Where there used to be a mountain of pain, I feel nothing. He no longer has that power over me. I breathe out a sigh of relief.
“You’re a hard woman to get hold of. I tried calling.”
“Yeah.” I almost make an excuse, but decide to be strong. “I have my life here now, Ethan, and it doesn’t include you.”
His brows shoot high on his forehead. “Okay. Wow.” He rocks back on his heels, his smile faltering. “I really fucked up, didn’t I?”
“You did.”
