Sheena and Chelsea hurried back to the party. She gently bumped into her friend’s side as she said, “But you always knew in your heart that us normal people without titles were still amazing.”
Chelsea peered out the window at the end of the hall to see the patio where partygoers gathered to enjoy their drinks and the warm evening breezes. The noise of the ballroom blossomed through the house and the laughter seemed like it was part of the walls. “Sheena, look around you at your new home. You weren’t born noble, but you’ve clearly transitioned. Better than most. The King and Queen of Avce just danced at your party.”
Sheena lifted her chin and nodded. This was all true. The party was supposed to help reestablish Matteo and her doubts seemed petty. She was here to support him, and she’d invited her friends to show off their work. “I hope they enjoyed some of the paintings.”
“That’s rather obtuse,” Chelsea said, unwilling to change the subject.
Sheena’s lips still tingled from Matteo’s kiss—she needed to get back to him, so took a step down. “Okay. You’re saying I should look forward to the future, not backwards.”
Chelsea joined her on the next step. “Absolutely. Charles was a mistake but so what? We all make them. I’ve lived down my own.”
She was right. The past was just that. She certainly didn’t need to let her heart bleed out because she thought she was in some sort of deep romance. Matteo was good and easy and perfect for her. As they made their way down the stairs, she hugged her friend and said, “Thanks, Chelsea. You’re my best friend for a reason.”
Chelsea winked. “Good, now go and find your husband.”
“On my way.” Sheena gave a mock salute.
Matteo would be near the front door to thank people as they left. She didn’t see him, but she headed in that direction to stand beside him.
However, halfway across the room, a hand rubbed against her arm and goosebumps grew. Charles. Drat. Her heart raced, but she looked over her shoulder and slowed her step as he said, “Sheena.”
The last thing she should do was react. She turned. “Charles. Not now.”
He gently squeezed her arm and nodded at her like they had something to discuss. “I just wanted to thank you for letting me come to this party. This has been the most eye-opening night of my life.”
Huh? The tone of “eye-opening” meant he’d learned something. She straightened her spine and refused to ask or care what. Whatever Charles did was no longer her business so she kept her head high and said, “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”
She disentangled her arm and continued through the room. She noticed Matteo’s rigid posture as he stared at her.
She quickly took her place beside him so they could speak to each guest as they departed. Matteo instantly turned his full attention toward her and she saw the red tint of his cheeks. “Did Charles speak to you again?”
Heat coursed through her. He’d seen. She nodded and looked away as she said, “Yes, but it wasn’t a big deal.”
“Why?” He stepped forward.
Her heart raced. The last thing they needed was a scene. The goal of today would be ruined and she refused to let anyone hurt Matteo’s entry into polite society. So, she stepped in his way and said, “He thanked me for letting him stay at the party.”
He met her gaze, searching, but shook his head. “I still think I should have kicked him out.”
She pressed her hands against his chest and felt his hard muscles tremble. Her own body shook the slightest bit. “Matteo, we’re friends, yes?”
He narrowed his eyes. “Why?”
Her breath caught in her throat. Matteo was her future. Their life could be good, if he let it. She held out her hand for his. “If we’re friends, then I hope you trust me like I trust you.”
He took her hand and their palms pressed together. “What does that mean?”
The racing of her heart reminded her she was with the man that mattered. She let out a sigh. “Once the party ends, we’ll never see half of these people again and Charles will disappear. Just trust me, and I’ll trust you, and there is no need to make a scene.”
He relaxed next to her. “That’s a long-winded way of saying ‘leave the guy alone.’”
She met his gaze and the gleam in his eye was back. Good. This was the man she’d known forever. She stood next to him, still holding his hand to keep their connection. “True.”
“I will do what makes you happy, Sheena,” Matteo said, and then they were interrupted.
The Duke of Oakley Woods and his pregnant American wife shook their hands and left. Once they were alone again, Sheena brushed her shoulder against her husband to get his attention. “I want us to be happy and to always stay friends.”
He kissed her hand as he gazed into her eyes. “I don’t know if I just want friendship with you, Sheena.”
