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Jeremy opens the door to the restaurant, and I slip inside and plaster on the fake smile I’m accustomed to providing whenever needed.

“It’s just a quick lunch, not a funeral,” he jokes, and I laugh. “What? You know how much you love to hear about Jemma’s latest puppy shopping experience.” Jeremy continues with a playful chuckle, and I giggle at his comment. He knows damn well I hate every second of it.

Jeremy’s business partner’s wife is obsessed with taking her small dogs everywhere with her, and each time we meet, she tells me of their latest antics and purchases. I get lumbered with listening to her while Jeremy and Corbin talk business, and I hate it, but it’s one of the things I do for my husband, one of many things.

Do I wish my life was different? Of course, but I make the most of a dangerous situation and, honestly, I’m grateful for that opportunity. So, I straighten my shoulders like I’m going to war and raise my chin as I sashay into the restaurant like I’m happy to be there.

Jemma screeches in the high-pitched excitable voice when we enter, “They’re hereeee!”

“Oh, dear God, please make it quick,” I grumble under my breath as we approach the beaming couple.

Jeremy takes me by the elbow and lowers his mouth to my ear. “Just smile and be polite.”

Ugh, why is it so difficult to be a nice person sometimes?

“Oh, .” She tsks as she takes me into her arms, squeezing the life out of me. “If you would only let me take you to my designer, we could have you dressed in something much more elaborate.” I glance down at my strappy blue dress. It hugs me perfectly, and I love it. The color reminds me of his eyes.

My hair is curled and bouncy, and my blue high heels match my outfit and purse perfectly.

I feel good.

She throws the feather boa over her shoulder as she looks down her nose at me.

Corbin chuckles obnoxiously. His stomach looks fit to burst out of his shirt as he takes another sip of his wine. “Jem has amazing style, don’t you, munchkin?” He squeezes her ass cheek, and I scrunch up my nose and snatch a glass of water from off the nearby table.

“Let me tell you all about my babies’ trip down Rodeo Drive this week.” She talks about how her dogs received pedicures to match hers, how she purchased them diamond necklaces in a floral style, and how they ate at her favorite restaurant that caters to vegan dogs like hers. I zone out as she tells me about the elocution lessons her babies receive that allow them entry to such establishments.

A shiver rakes down my spine, and I swallow hard at the intensity behind it. A feeling of being watched overcomes me, and I search the room to find the culprit. Being brought up in the Carrera family, I know only too well what it feels like when there are eyes on me.

When my gaze locks onto familiar bright-blue eyes, my heart lurches, causing me to gasp for air. It can’t be him.

We stare at one another like we’re the only people in the room while my blood races wildly through my body.

It’s him.

Those bright-blue eyes drill into my own, and the next thing I know, the glass I’m holding slips through my fingers, the water splashes up to my legs, and the shattering of the crystal glass has me snapping out of my trance.

“Are you okay?” Jeremy rushes to my side as a server picks up the broken glass surrounding my feet.

My eyes instantly dart back to the space I saw him, and my stomach sinks. Thought I saw him.

He’s not there.

Of course he’s not.

I give my head a shake and glance down at the mess. “I’m sorry.”

Jeremy’s concerned eyes find mine. “Are you okay?”

My lips straighten into a tight smile. “Yes. It was just an accident. I’ll go tidy up in the restroom.”

He nods. “Okay.” Then he glances down at my wet dress. “That’s probably a good idea.” Giving me a stern look, he turns back to his conversation with Corbin, essentially dismissing me.

My legs wobble as I head toward the restroom, completely unnerved by what I thought I saw or, more importantly, who.