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Maybe Jack can sense the tension running through me because he squeezes my hand and pulls me to one side just inside the entrance. “Still okay?”

I bite the inside of my cheek as couples continue filtering into the venue and then blow out a long breath, focusing on Jack. “I’m good. Just nervous.” It’s as honest as I’ve been with him all night.

When his huge palm wraps around the nape of my neck and pulls me into his chest, I loop my arms around his waist. I’ve spent the past four years with Tyler, refusing to show vulnerability. The determination that got me to the top of my sport also became a fixture in my relationship with him. Each second of our time together felt like running on loose sand. Everything felt like the biggest effort with the least reward. But being around Jack feels easy, even when our history tells me it absolutely shouldn’t. I should feel awkward around the guy who I barely spoke to for years. But I don’t.

“Jenna’s here tonight with her boyfriend, isn’t she?” he asks, tucking a piece of wavy hair behind my ear.

I nod.

“Then try to focus on them and not the asshole sitting opposite us at dinner.”

I stab into my dessert,and my fork is halfway to my mouth when Jack leans down and whispers in my ear, “Want some clotted cream with that cheesecake?”

I narrow my eyes playfully. “American desserts are superior.”

Jack picks up his beer and smiles around the glass as I cast a quick glance at Tyler.

I was correct on two counts. He didn’t attend alone, and I definitely don’t give a shit about the blonde who’s been all over him this entire dinner.

In fact, I’ve barely paid any attention to my ex all night—if only the same could be said for him. I’ve felt his eyes burning into me since the second we sat down, and even with Jack next to me, I’ve been uncomfortable as fuck.

On my final bite of cheesecake, I set my fork down and push back my chair. “I’m going to go to the restroom.”

Jack reaches out and grabs ahold of my hand as I turn to leave. “Do you want me to get you a drink or anything?”

I look down at our hands and then across at Tyler, his eyes laser-focused on them. I know I have a match tomorrow, but it’s also my birthday, so why not?

“Yeah, thanks. How about a prosecco?” I reply, turning to leave the main room.

Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I’m searching through my bag for blush when the door swings open and Jenna strides in.

“Well, that dinner was … something.”

I nod as I reapply my makeup. “You noticed.”

She comes to stand beside me and watches me in the reflection. “Babe, I could’ve noticed from Sydney. Who’s the girl he’s with?”

I shrug. “Who knows? Could be one of many he likely has on call.” I snap the lid shut on my compact. “Not that I care.”

Jenna gives me an appreciative look. “That’s my girl. Although you know Tyler isn’t the only one who can’t stop staring at you. I mean, other than me because … damn.” She drops her eyes down the length of my dress. “You are a smokeshow.”

I bite my lip and check out Jenna’s strappy black gown. “I can’t say I haven’t thought about spending the night with you either. Lee had better watch out.”

She chuckles and spins back to the mirror. “But seriously, Jack is a boy obsessed.”

I pick up my clutch and drop my shoulders in the reflection. “As my date. It would be kind of weird if he didn’t pay attention to me, no?”

She scrunches up her nose. “Still not buying it. Anyway, I need to pee. See you back out there.”

I get as far as stepping out the restroom door when I come face-to-face with Tyler, waiting on the opposite wall.

“Kendra,” he calls.

I opt to ignore him and make a break for it down the hallway and back toward Jack.

“Kendra!” he repeats, but I keep walking.

“Kend.”