Page 8 of Beyond Question

Oh god, no.

He can’t.Wecan’t.

His hand moves to the back of my neck, cupping the base of my head. His thumb moves back and forth over that sensitive spot just below my ear.

“Paige,” he whispers, eyes searching mine. “I’d like to kiss you now.”

But I can’t answer that question in his eyes because panic has seized my lungs. I’m almost fifty years old; at what point does randomly hooking up at a baby shower become supremely uncouth?

As Travis leans in, I step backward abruptly, colliding with the doorjamb. Pain branches out from my left shoulder blade and I grimace as I try to ignore it. “Excuse me.” I duck past him and hurry down the hallway, back the way I came, putting as much distance between myself and those six-feet of temptation and trouble as I possibly can.

It occurs to me too late that I should have probably just snuck out front and called a cab, but the moment I step foot in the backyard, Rylan spots me and waves me over to where she sits around a small table with a few of the remaining party guests.

Shit.

Can’t sneak out now.

I plaster on a smile and head her direction, wishing I’d taken the opportunity to leave when I had the chance.

Though I detest small talk, I’m grateful for the distraction. If I have to stay in Whitestone a bit longer, better here at this table with Rylan, caught up in gossip and baby excitement, than trapped in a secluded hallway with a certain blond-haired, green-eyed lothario.

“Are you okay?” Rylan asks as I settle into an empty seat between her and her mother.

“You look a little flushed,” Marnie says, her eyes flicking all over my face. “Let me get you some water.” She stands quickly, then leaves the table, and I turn back to her daughter.

“I’m fine,” I tell Rylan. “Probably just the wine.”

She nods, but it’s obvious she doesn’t believe me. On one hand, she’s seen me drink wine plenty of times. On the other hand, I’m a terrible liar.

I sigh and try to focus as the conversation returns to baby talk around me, wishing that wine was to blame for my current state. Oh, if only.

Chapter Four

Travis

The sun setting over the skyline and the East River, as stunning as it is, can hold my attention for only so long, and before I realize it, my eyes find Paige once more. She hasn’t left the table with Rylan since she sat down thirty minutes ago.

She’s avoiding me.

And rightfully so. I’ve done some questionable things in my life, but trying to kiss a near-stranger at my friend’s baby shower might top the list.

I groan, then toss back the last sip of my cocktail.

“Something on your mind?” Cabot says as he stops beside me on the dock.

“What?” I set the glass down on a nearby table. “No?”

“We’ve been friends for half our lives, Wilder. I know you.”

“And?” I cock a brow.

“She’s not your usual type.”

Leaning my forearms on the railing, I roll my eyes and look out at the water. “Clearly I’m not hers either.”

“No, you’re not.” Mirroring my posture, he rests his forearms on the railing and leans forward. “But don’t let it get you down. That woman is a menace.”

I chuckle as I turn around, leaning my elbows on the railing and looking at Paige again across the yard. “You only say that because she’s the first to ever threaten your crown.”