Page 145

A phone call, but the voice is blurry—I couldn’t make out who that person was. But he or she sounded angry.

What happened that night?

A dull throb begins at the base of my neck—another one of those damn headaches.

Suddenly, Dayton clasps his hand over mine and gently tugs it off the railing.

“You look like you were going to break it.” He chuckles. “You’re brave, Lexy. Maybe you’ve changed, but those guts of yours sure haven’t. It’s amazing.”

I stare at his thumb circling my wrist. Slowly, he lifts my fingers and blows on them, like he’s trying to warm me up.

But instead of warmth sweeping through me, the pain in my head only intensifies.

My lungs constrict.

“Lexy… May I take you on a date?” He kisses the back of my hand.

My eyes fly up to his and just as I open my mouth to respond—

“A sweet reunion, huh?”

I quickly snatch my hand away and turn around.

Ethan stands next to the ballroom doors, looking irresistibly handsome in his tux. Even from the distance, I sense anger and hurt pulsing off him. He fists his hands at his sides and his eyes blaze into mine.

“Ethan, I—”

“I thought things changed,” he rasps, his eyes turning into a glacial glare, reminding me of the ice monster who visited me in the hospital. “It’s all in my head, apparently.”

“We were just chatting. Nothing’s happening.” I step toward him but suddenly stop myself. Why am I explaining myself to him? We aren’t anything. Sure, we’ve had a few special moments, but that’s it.

“I wasn’t aware Lexy answered to you.” Dayton steps closer to me.

I tilt my chin up. “I answer to no one but myself.”

Ethan scoffs and shakes his head. “No, she doesn’t answer to me and she can damn well take care of herself.” Then, as if catching himself, he straightens and blows out a sharp breath. “I have a party to host. Excuse me.”

He spins around and disappears inside the ballroom.

I start to follow, but Dayton tugs my arm.

“Lexy, is something going on between you and—”

“I’m sorry, Dayton.” My words come out in a rush. “I-I don’t feel this way about you. You’re a good friend. I have to go.”

Before he responds, I run back inside, trying to find the infuriating man who occupies my mind and awakens my body.

Chandelier light sears my eyes the moment I step through the doors, the heat from the fireplaces pressing against my skin. Laughter and clinking of glasses, rustling of bejeweled gowns—everything blurs together as bodies move across the dance floor.

My eyes skate over the throng, trying to find a tall, lonely silhouette.

Ethan’s an introvert. He’ll be seeking a quiet corner somewhere.

Just then, a clang in the far corner catches my attention. Rex stumbles, and a champagne flute shatters on the floor. He flushes and wavers on his feet like he has had one too many drinks. A few ladies rush up to hold on to him and he unleashes a smile I’ll bet anything is fake.

I frown. What’s going on with him?

“There you are!” Taylor rushes up, her black ball gown sweeping behind her. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”