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I frown. What the hell is happening at the marina?
If Collins wasn’t here, I’d ask. But I’m too impatient to get inside. So, I just nod and beeline for the closest door after saying goodbye to Cammie.
The heat and commotion inside the house are a shocking contrast to the freezing quiet outside. I push through the crowd, scanning the room as quickly as possible, finally spotting Collins standing under the dining room chandelier, talking to Indy and her fiancé, Tony.
Collins looks stunning. Her auburn hair is curled, falling in loose waves over her shoulders. She’s wearing a short, sparkly dress with a flared fit that conceals her baby bump.
I stall in place for a few seconds, watching them converse,wondering if I imagined Collins by the doors.
Someone jostles into me from behind. “Sorry, man!”
I wave a hand in acknowledgment, then continue walking, passing through the living room and into the dining room. The party planner, Lucy, had most of the furniture cleared from the first floor, including the massive table that’s usually centered in here. A champagne tower has taken its place tonight.
Indy spots me first, waving as I approach. “Kit! Hey! Awesome party!”
“Thanks, Indy,” I reply, holding a hand out to greet Tony once I’m close enough. “Nice to finally meet you, man.”
“Likewise,” he responds, grinning. “Thanks for inviting us.”
“No problem.” I glance at Collins, who’s sipping what looks like sparkling water from a flute.
It feels like déjà vu. Like the last time we were in the Hamptons together.
“Collins was just telling us about her new job,” Indy informs me, then glances at Collins. “I was bummed to hear you were leaving, but it sounds like a great opportunity.” Her attention returns to me. “Have you lined up a replacement, Kit?”
“Not yet,” I mutter, the feeling of déjà vu increasing when Collins swallows and still doesn’t meet my gaze.
She’s talking to one of the waiters now, asking him about the appetizers on his tray.
Indy glances between me and Collins, a knowing look flashing across her face before she looks at her fiancé. “We haven’t made it to the buffet yet, and I should probably have more than champagne for dinner if I’m going to make it to midnight. Nice talking to you, Collins. See you later, Kit.”
Tony echoes Indy’s goodbyes before they move into the living room.
Collins is staring at the champagne tower.
She saw me outside.
I clear my throat. “Hey.”
I can hardly hear her answering, “Hey,” over the loud music.
“Wasn’t sure you were going to make it.”
“Traffic was bad. Don’t let me keep you from outside.”
I sigh. “Collins …”
“Don’t worry about it, Kit.” She glances around the dining room. “I forgot how huge this place is. Lucy did a great job decorating.”
I take a step closer, erasing the polite distance between us. “Iamfucking worried about it. I don’t want you to think—I just went outside for some fresh air. She—I barely know her. Idon’tknow her. She dated Flynn. Well, not really dated.”
“People are staring.”
I don’t move. Or look around to confirm. “So?”
“Is Indy the only other person you invited from the company?”
“No,” I admit. Levi and a few other guys I’ve been on teams with are around here somewhere. “You don’t work for me anymore, Collins.”