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What I see is pure, feral lust. A gasp escapes his lips.
Bullseye.
I walk away. I love that I have that effect on him.
But as he navigates his way through groups of people, I see the reaction he has on many of the female guests. The word must be out that he’s single again. There isn’t a woman on his arm, and though there are a lot of good-looking guys here, Jett stands tall above them all. I don’t know if ?it’s because of his height, or the way he carries himself with poise and privilege. It could also be that his slicked-back, dark hair and that commanding face—all square lines and strong jaw—is hard to miss.
He doesn't have anyone. And he says he wants me.
Abigail, Madison’s mother, comes up to him with a smile on her face and longing in her eyes. My heart sinks to see her here. She rests her arms on Jett’s and leans in letting him kiss her on both cheeks. They talk and I watch, standing by like a third wheel. Alongside her is another woman, someone I haven’t seen before. She’s tall and beautiful, her hair scraped into a tight bun that shows off her stunning features. “So wonderful to see you,” she gushes, moving in for her welcome kisses. “It’s been too long, Jett. We’ve missed you.I’vemissed you.”
I feel out of place in this beautiful world with beautiful people. I stick out like a sore thumb, like a big green alien, but then I remind myself of how good I looked in that dress, when I finally plucked up the courage to wear it. It’s all about perception, and maybe I’ve had too low of an opinion of myself. I’m the one who’s made myself smaller, by making myself believe that anyone—like Alicia and these gorgeous women here—are better than me. Meanwhile, they’re too busy enjoying themselves to even think about me.
“How are you, Tiffany?” Jett asks.
“All the better for having seen you.” She playfully squeezes his hands. “So good to see you, Jett. Let’s let it all be water under the bridge.”
Jett’s smile is so fake, but I doubt that anyone else notices.
“I see you brought the nanny,” she says, barely glancing my way. Jett scratches his neck. It's a tell. He’s unsure how to answer. He could say I’m the PA, but on this trip, Iamthe nanny. I flash a dazzling smile at the woman.
A large, portly man comes over and talks to Jett. I look away, observing the crowd, and seeing where and how I can escape with Brooke. She tugs on my hand and I bend down. “Yes, sweetie?”
“Can we go and see the ponies?” she whispers.
“Sure, we can.” I was waiting to see if Abigail would say anything to me, but she hasn’t so much as looked my way. I catch the big guy assessing me. “Who is this delightful creature?” he asks Jett, loud enough that I can hear.
I give him a dazzling smile, while thinking that he sounds like a sleazeball. I don’t want Jett to see me looking miserable. “I'm taking care of Brooke,” I reply. “Would you please excuse us? We’re going to see the ponies.” I nod at Jett and leave. I grab Brooke's hand, and I see some of the moms from that disastrous lunch huddled in a cluster, talking and whispering among themselves. I catch sight of Celine and wave to her. She leaves the group and heads in my direction.
“Let’s say hello to Zara’s grandmother,” I say to Brooke. She happily skips alongside me as I walk toward Celine.
“Celine.” I’m so glad you’re here.” My heart blossoms and I feel happy that I came, if only to run into this lovely woman again.
“Cari! Brooke! I’m so glad you’re here. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get to see you again.” She kisses the top of Brooke’s head and gives me a kiss on the cheek.
Celine radiates sunshine. She has an aura about her, something that makes me feel at peace.
“Is Zara here?” I ask.
“Sadly no. She was earlier, but her dad took her home.” She makes a sad face. “We need to get you two together on a play date.”
“That would be lovely.” Brooke tugs my hand gently, reminding me that we were on a mission. “Celine, it’s been lovely seeing you. Maybe I’ll run into you later, but I promised Brooke we’d go find the ponies.”
“Go, go! My grandchildren had rides on them earlier. Enjoy yourself, young lady.” She smiles at Brooke.
We head off, but I don't know where I'm going, I have no clue where the stables are.We soon run into two girls who look so alike that I do a double take. They give Brooke a big hug and she seems enthralled. She obviously knows them, and through their conversation I discover that they are the daughters of the hosts. They lead us to the stables.
Brooke’s excitement reaches a fever pitch at the sight of the two gorgeous ponies. They have glossy coats of dappled gray and chestnut, and prance gracefully around a ringed off area. They whinny softly, drawing Brooke's wide-eyed admiration.
“Can I ride one?”
Can she? I don’t know, but I don’t want to go looking for Jett to ask him. “As long as she's got the appropriate gear,” I say.
“She will, we promise!”
Chapter 30
JETT