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My cordial smile became a little tired by the time the appetizers were served, but Rex sat beside me and drapedhis arm over the back of my chair, and every once in a while, his thumb would slide over my shoulder in a soft, private caress.

“Thank you for doing this,” he said when our plates were whisked away and our glasses were topped up, though we were instructed not to drink from them until the next round of photos were taken.

I met his gaze. “Were you serious this morning, Rex? About you and me?”

“Still doubting me?”

Biting my lip, I shrugged. “A little. I’ve had a lot of men let me down in my life.”

It wasn’t just Travis. If I were honest with myself, I’d admit that Gabe disappointed me every time he thought so little of me. And before him was my dad. When my parents got divorced, Dad blamed us for never calling him. He blamed me when he forgot my birthday, because I was supposed to remind him. Even though I was a child. I washischild. Our relationship became strained, and it never recovered. I always felt like I wasn’t quite enough to be worth it to him.

Was it any wonder I acted out? I was a hurt preteen who’d been rejected by the most important man in her life. The only way I knew how to deal with it was rebelling. And I guess I never stopped. After my marriage broke down, I figured the only way I’d make it with another man was to finally get around to fixing my personality. But Rex was making me think differently. Maybe I didn’t have to change. Maybe I was good enough to date—good enough to love, even—just as I was.

Rex leaned over and pressed a kiss to my lips, and a flash went off. I pulled away and sawone of the photographers glancing at the screen on the back of their camera. “Cute,” she said.

“Excuse me, photos of the bride and groom, please,” Blair called out, staring the other woman down.

The photographer nodded and started shooting in Blair’s direction. Rex chuckled softly beside me, and I softened against him. It wasn’t so bad attending this thing with him by my side. And if he was serious about dating me for real…well…I could get used to feeling like I had a partner in crime.

We had dinner, made toasts, and then were invited up to the rooftop for drinks. Trundling up the steps behind the bridal party, I glanced over my shoulder at Rex, who said, “We’ll stay for ten minutes and head home.”

I saw the unsaid promise in his eyes: that we’d pick up where we left off last night, and he’d make it up to me for leaving me alone.

The rooftop was strung with fairy lights, and a multitude of heat lamps kept the temperature comfortable. Rex caught my hand and twirled me into his arms, and we joined the other couples on the dance floor under a blanket of stars.

It wasn’t my wedding, and I didn’t particularly like the couple getting married, but I had to admit this rooftop was pretty nice.

“You look beautiful in that dress,” Rex said quietly. “You look beautiful all the time, Abigail.”

I flushed and plucked at the lapel of his jacket. “Not bad yourself.”

“While you were at work, I asked Gabe to go to lunch with me next week. I want to let him know about my intentions with you.”

“He doesn’t own me, you know.”

Rex smiled. “I know. But he’s my best friend.”

I tilted my head to concede the point. “And what are your intentions with me?” I asked.

“Steak and wine dinners. Lazy Sunday mornings. A long, protracted campaign to win your cat over to my side.”

I laughed, delighted. “That might be tough.”

“I ordered treats and half a dozen catnip toys online today. They get here on Monday. He won’t be able to resist.”

“You’re really serious, huh.”

Rex pulled me closer. “You have no idea.”

“Who knew blackmail was such an effective dating strategy with me.”

It was Rex’s turn to laugh. “Woulda done it years ago if I’d known.”

He twirled me once, twice, and then on the third, he caught me around the waist and kissed me. Right there, in front of everyone, he kissed me like he meant it—and I knew it wasn’t for show.

Giddy and overwhelmed, all I could do was nod when he asked me if I was ready to leave.

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