Lexi headed toward them.
Nigel dropped his hand, looking around. “Thanks for inviting us.”
Will laughed. “Trust me, if I were in charge of the guest list, it’d be more like the party you guys threw. That was a lot of fun.”
“Speaking of, we should go for dinner or something; the four of us or six, I guess. Becs and Jackie are pretty inseparable and now that they’ve got Lexi back in the mix, we might be in for a lot of get-togethers.”
The idea of planning couples get-togethers and having more of Lexi in his future appealed to him in a way he’d never expected.
“There she is,” Nigel said as Lexi came the rest of the way to where they stood. “Hey. Great to see you and be part of the celebration.” Nigel leaned in to kiss Lexi’s cheek.
After greeting him, she moved back, closer to Will. “Good to see you too. It’s quite the party, isn’t it?”
Will put an arm around her waist, smiling as she nestled into his side like it was the most natural thing in the world. “My parents know how to host an event.”
Nigel chuckled, nodding. “I’ve been to my share of these things, whatever the celebration. They don’t always feel so welcoming so I’d say you’re right.”
As a former pro athlete, he’d likely attended far bigger events than this. And maybe if Grand Babies had gone the route Will’s father had wanted, they would’ve opened up more doors, but in this moment Will was perfectly content with exactly what he had. And he didn’t see that changing anytime soon.
In a flurry of glitter and satin, Jackie joined them, a little squeal leaving her mouth as she hugged Lexi.
“I was sad we didn’t do the whole dress-up thing earlier this week but it worked out for the best because this dress is gorgeous. Your future sisters-in-law have amazing taste.”
Lexi pulled back from Jackie, her smile a little more forced than it’d been. “They absolutely do. I’m so glad you guys are here. Where’s Becca?”
Jackie hooked a manicured thumb over her shoulder. “On the dance floor. What have you been up to? Your texts are so quick and we haven’t been able to nail you down to a girls’ night.”
Will smoothed a hand over the soft skin of Lexi’s back, hoping his touch lessened the tension coiling in her.
“Actually, I started a new job and I’ve been busier than I expected.”
“Congratulations,” Jackie said. “What are you doing?”
Lexi stood a little taller next to him. “Technically, my title is operations manager for a soon-to-be-opened second Side Tap location.” She leaned toward her friend just a little. “But really, it feels like I’m just on a huge shopping spree and it’s amazing.”
They all laughed. “I would love that job. But seriously, carve out some time because we want to hang out and talk wedding stuff. I’m pretty sure Becca will be wearing her own ring by Christmas.”
“I was just saying to Will that we should all go for dinner. We’ve been to Side Tap a couple of times. Maybe we should go there,” Nigel said, wrapping an arm around Jackie’s waist.
Jackie nodded. “Yes. That’s a great idea.”
Lexi tensed beside him before blowing out a breath. “Actually, we’re having a Halloween party there. You should come. You’ll love it. Costumes mandatory, great food. I’ll email you the information.”
“We absolutely will, but I still want some solo time,” Jackie said.
The emcee for the evening tapped the microphone, letting them know speeches would start soon.
As they walked back to their table, Will noticed his mother gesturing somewhat dramatically as she spoke into his father’s ear. His dad’s posture was rigid, like he was a cement version of himself.Just do the right thing, Dad. Don’t let ego get in the way.Will looked at Lexi, saw her glancing around the room, and stopped.
“You okay?”
She met his gaze, her own vulnerable and sweet, unleashing a protective streak in him that he didn’t know he had. She nodded. “I am. I hate lying. I mean, at least we’re actually together but Jackie sees me as who I used to be and that’s not who I am now. She put me on some sort of pedestal and thinks I’m a better version of who I was. It makes me feel awful for lying, but also like a complete fraud. She wants to get together and pick up where we left off but I feel like if she knew who I am now, she’d want nothing to do with the real me.”
People milled around, jostling past them to get to their seats. Will ignored them, turned Lexi into him, bending his knees so he could see her eyes.
“Who you are is a woman who has worked her ass off, fighting back against some hard knocks to land on her gorgeous feet. You’veknocked me off mine and I couldn’t be prouder to have you here with me tonight, celebrating and spending time with my family. Sometimes our own self-doubt colors how we think others see us. She may have put you on a pedestal, Lexi, but so what? You deserve to be there. You’re an incredible woman. You guys were teenagers the last time you were close. You weren’t rich or powerful then. Just a great track star. Whatever she liked about you then is still inside of you. Only better.”
Desire slid over his skin when she pushed her hands up into his hair, likely making it stand up at odd angles. He absolutely did not care and he tugged her closer, despite the crowd around him.
