Page 21 of The Ampersand Effect

“Hang on, I’m coming, too!” Mike huffed from behind, lugging a bulky camera.

“You two aren’t getting out of here without a picture,” Erik called, hustling closer. “You look way too hot not to, and we can use it on the socials. And since you refused to let anyone else join you tonight, I’m counting on you, Tobin, to get pictures of Eddie when she accepts the award.” His glare landed on Tobin, who returned it with equal measure. “I’m serious. Pictures. Good ones.”

“Fine. But hurry. These shoes weren’t made for standing.” Tobin closed the helicopter door and shifted her stance, strikinga pose next to Eddie, their hands fashionably resting on their hips.

“Say cheese,” Mike said, snapping several photos from different angles.

“Those shoes may not have been made for standing, but I bet you won’t be able to stop the staring tonight, Cap! Legs for days!”

“I’ll stop you from staring if you keep opening your mouth, Mike,” Tobin shot back, but couldn’t hide the faint blush warming her cheeks at his compliment.

Erik shook his head, smiling, and lightly jabbed Mike in the ribs, trying to corral him from both his commentary and the photo shoot.

“All right, all right. I’ll stop. All joking aside, both of you look stunning. You’ll be catching glances all night. Have fun, eat, dance and don’t you dare bring this chopper back here until at least one a.m.! We’ll hold down the fort,” Erik said as he opened the starboard door for Eddie while Mike helped Tobin on the port side.

“Thanks, gents. Your chivalry raises the esteem of your gender,” Eddie said with a playful salute as they backed away from the helicopter.

Moments later, they were enroute to the hospital. Tobin had acquiesced to Harrow, letting her style her long dark locks into deep waves that framed her face and draped softly over her breasts, softening the hard lines of her lapels. She doubted she’d keep her hair down the entire night, but Harrow’s efforts made her feel elegant in a way the tux alone did not.

The tux she wore was stunning. When she draped the jacket over her shoulders while Harrow worked her hair, her only thought was staying warm. But when she moved to put her shirt on underneath, Harrow stopped her, a knowing smirk on her face.

“It’s obvious she’s gotten under your skin. Let her see a little more of it—let her come to you. And then see if you still want to silence whatever this is.”

Tobin tried to argue, but her resolve had faded. She’d been kidding herself, trying to suppress the curiosity and desire that had bloomed since her flirtations with the doctor. Her dreams were evidence enough, and her talk with LoLo had left her shaken and confused. LoLo’s directive hit her soundly in the heart. A heart that she wanted to try opening again.

Just thinking about Grier forced adrenaline into Tobin’s veins. Was she making a mistake? Derailing her carefully orchestrated plans? No—this was a risk, and it was thrilling. She imagined walking— no, strutting—over to the doctor, initiating the flirtations this time. Maybe she’d catch her by surprise. Or perhaps she should bide her time, letting anticipation build as they weaved in and out of each other’s sight all night, then cut in during a dance and literally sweep her off her feet. The possibilities made her pulse quicken almost as much as the fantasies that had consumed her all week.

The chopper touched down on the helipad, but before Tobin could disengage her harness, Eddie’s hand rested lightly on her arm. “Please try to have fun tonight, Tobin.”

Caught off guard, Tobin turned toward Eddie. Eddie’s stormy eyes held her in a steady, imploring gaze.

“We’ve worked hard for this,” Eddie said. “You’ve been with me through every growing pain and growth spurt that brought us here. This award is as much for you as it is for me. I want to celebrate you as much as I want to celebrate Parrish Aerial.”

Tobin didn’t know what to say. Eddie, thankfully, didn’t wait for an answer. She nodded once, imparting a finality to her statement, obviating a response. “Now, be a gentlelady and come offer me your hand.” Tobin unbuckled and made her exit,deciding movement was safer than whatever might come out of her mouth.

The hospital had sent an escort to guide them through the halls to the atrium where the gala was held. Tobin slid her hand comfortably into the crook of Eddie’s arm as they passed through the doors.

The atrium was breathtaking. The lights had been dimmed, with floating chandeliers casting soft amber light over the guests. Three walls of glass offered unencumbered views of the stars over Lake Aether, flanked by steep cliffs and shadowed woods. The hospital occupied one of the region’s most coveted locations, and the view emphasized why. Tobin and Eddie stopped, staring in silence from sky to water.

Just as Eddie tugged on Tobin’s arm to find their assigned table, Tobin felt the unmistakable sensation of eyes following her. She instinctively looked across the atrium where she met familiar amber eyes, framed by tendrils of chestnut curls around a heart- shaped face… and a gaping mouth. Tobin returned her piercing gaze, hungrily observing as the doctor snapped her mouth shut and ducked behind the nearest guest.

Eddie followed her line of sight, stopping beside her as Tobin abruptly halted their movement. “Subtle,” she mused.

Eight

Grier nearly choked on her tongue as she ducked behind a passing waiter, breaking eye contact with the captain and gasping for the breath she’d been holding.

Shirtless!Seriously? Captain Maes was toying with her. As if the tuxedo alone wouldn’t have had the desired effect, she had to forgo the shirt—and bra! All that exposed skin—Grier’s fingers were burning to explore it. She threw back a large gulp of her cocktail, trying to douse the heat rising in her chest.

Where the hell were Grant and Delta? Or Alix? Maren? They were literally just here. She needed a distraction. She needed camouflage.

“What are you doing?” Delta openly judged her.

“Oh! There you are!” Grier spun toward her niece. “I was looking for you.”

“Right.” Delta rolled her eyes. “You were practically squatting in that dress, Auntie.”

Grier swallowed the lump in her throat. “Fine. I saw the captain and I wanted to unsee her, so I ducked.”