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“That would be petty.”
I smirk. “You’re right. But I don’t give a fuck either.”
This makes her smile. “Without that breakup, I wouldn’t be back in New York.”
“Hey, Siri,” I say.
“Yes,sir?”
Lexi chews on the corner of her lip as I continue, but I see her face soften.
“Please add a reminder to my to-do list. Send Lexi’s ex-boyfriend athank youandget fuckedcard in two weeks.” I shoot her a wink.
“You have your Siri call yousir? That’s veryMr. Greyof you.”
“It’s easier than having her blast my name to whoever is listening. I don’t need my phone name-dropping me—ever.”
We enter the valet area and I turn to her. “Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be,” she says.
The car rolls to a stop, and the doors are opened for us. We take one last glance at one another and nod.
It’s showtime.
I walk around the front and meet up with her, wrapping my arm around her waist and resting my hand on her hip. She leans into me, her body melting against mine, and I feel her warmth.
“New York’s most eligible bachelor,” she whispers, and I know she’s done some research. “Let’s show them what you’ve got and get rid of that ridiculous title.”
We move up the steps of the venue’s entrance, and it’s almost like a red-carpet event. Tomorrow, I can only imagine what the headlines will say because I can hear the cameras clicking as we enter like we own the fucking place. Her head is held as high as mine.
She was right. Everyone is watching, and while the attention is focused on us, we’re too focused on one another. When I meet her gaze, it’s like no one else exists. The crowd and wandering eyes fade away, and I relax—something that never happens in public.
We’re led to the outdoor area with Bermuda grass and hanging lights that glow yellow. It’s easy to imagine we’re somewhere in the countryside as a pianist and string quartet play popular music. I remove my arm from Lexi, grab her hand, and scan the outdoor area until I find my brother. He lifts his champagne glass from across the room. He’s impressed; everyone is.
I lean in and whisper close to her ear, “Weston is at our twelve o’clock. He’s talking to our mutual friends Jaxon and his brother, Anthony. Their family found success in software—Silicon Valley and all that. By the firepit are my best friend, Samuel, and his soon-to-be wife, Heather. At our three, the tall guy chatting with the redhead, wearing a gray suit, that’s Charlie. His real name is Chance; we call him Charlie to give him shit because it’s his father’s name, who he hates.”
She nods. “Jaxon. Anthony. Both are in software. And Charlie with his daddy issues. Got it.”
A laugh escapes me, and when I turn my head, I see Weston stalking toward us, wearing a smirk.
“Hello, Lexi,” he says, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. “Nice to see youagain.”
“Tone it down.” I cross my arms over my chest.
“You chose the Charger tonightandarrived late?” Weston shoves his hands in his pockets and glances back at Lexi. “What have you done to my brother? The car though …” He meets my eyes. “Can’t get over that one.”
“I know what it means.” She places her arm around my waist and grins.
“Of course you do.” He chuckles. “What else do you know about my little brother?”
He’s getting under my skin and he knows it.
“A lot.” Lexi blinks up at me before turning her attention back to him. “But I think you should tell me what that Mustang represents. You kinda owe me for tricking me.”
His head falls back with laughter. “No can do. Bros before hos.”
I expect Lexi to be offended, but she joins in on the joke. “I’ll find out whyyouchose that car, Weston. That’s a promise.”