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She nods, then gives me a knowing look. “And now, you too. He’s been acting different, you know? Smiling more, looking more at ease.”
I shake my head vehemently. “That has nothing to do with me. We’re just friends.”
“Mm-hmm,” she mumbles, making it clear that she’s not buying it. But I know I’m right. She doesn’t have the full story.
Colton and I have an arrangement, nothing more. Even if I briefly thought that might change after what happened at the wedding, I was clearly mistaken. We’re both lone wolves. This would never work.
27
Cracked Open
Jane
Once I put the finishing touches on my makeup, I check myself in the mirror again. I’ve paired a cute little black dress featuring off-shoulder sleeves with some silver heels and a matching pouch, but I know it doesn’t matter if I look pretty, because I’ll be standing next to Colton. And Colton in a tux is nothing short of breathtaking.
Boy, was I right. My heart jumps to my throat when I see him waiting for me in the living room, keys in hand.
“Jane,” he says, barely loud enough for me to hear. He clears his throat. “You look great.”
“Thanks. So do you.”
“I got you this,” he says, retrieving a small velvet box from inside his blazer. “I was planning to give it to you at the end of the night, but I think it’ll go well with your outfit.”
My cheeks heat up as I take the small box. “Why? This is—you don’t have to give me anything.”
“It’s a thank-you gift,” he says with a bright smile. “So, thank you. For helping with the charity and planning tonight’s event.” He squeezes my hand, sending sparks crackling through my arm. “I couldn’t have done it this quickly without you. This wasn’t in the contract, so really. It means a lot.” His laser-sharp gray eyes make my mouth go dry.
Swallowing, I say, “Of course. I was happy to. It’s a great thing you’re doing here, and I’m glad I could be a part of it. Besides, we’re friends. Friends support each other.” Not to mention I’m forever in his debt after his help with Zander. I thought I’d never feel secure again, yet Colton gave that to me.
We lock eyes, and my knees nearly buckle. I wish I could look away, but I can’t. Those eyes . . . they have the power to draw me in like quicksand.
“Open it,” he says.
I shake myself out of my trance. “Right.” Untying the small bow, I open the box. Inside is a pendant with the letter J made of rhinestones. Or are they diamonds? It’s attached to a thin silver—probably white gold—chain. I draw my eyebrows together. “Colton, this is too much. I can’t accept this. I—”
“It’s my pleasure,” he says, taking the pendant out of the box. “What you did for me means a lot. This is my way of thanking you, so please accept it.” He shoots me a questioning look, as if asking to put it around my neck.
Nodding, I gather my hair up. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that I can’t say no to this man. And when he’s acting all sweet and perfect, like he is now, surrendering doesn’t even seem scary anymore. It’s like succumbing to comfort.
During the car ride, I stay mostly silent. I’m scared that if we talk, I might say something stupid, like admit my real feelings to him.
When we enter the Grand Ballroom in Beverly Hills, the decor blows me away. I might have picked every detail—from the pink rose centerpieces to the elegant silverware and satin tablecloths—but the whole setup looks even better than I had imagined. I’m glad we didn’t go with the drapes. These painted ceilings really bring everything together, highlighted by the glittering gold chandeliers.
Colton seems relaxed tonight. He flashes a big smile to everyone we pass by, showcasing his devilish dimples. As we make our way around the room to greet people, part of Colton is always touching me. His hand burning the small of my back. His body warming mine when our shoulders rub. His finger brushing a strand of my hair away.
“Jacob,” he says as we come across a man with a large beard. “So good to see you. Thanks for coming.”
“Of course,” Jacob says, shaking his hand. “And this is the woman who changed you, then?” He offers me a grin.
I smile back, expecting Colton to say he hasn’t changed. But that’s not what’s coming out of his mouth. “Yes,” he says, wrapping his arm around my waist to bring me closer. “This is Jane. Love is a pretty powerful thing.”
I steady my breathing, trying to focus on Jacob rather than those damn dimples or Colton’s scalding hand on my waist. I know we’re supposed to act in love and all that, but does he have to be so over-the-top? I’m dying here.
They talk about the charity and the different causes it will support, and I somehow find the strength to participate.
When they wrap up their conversation, I excuse myself. I need a break. Between the necklace and what Colton said about love, I’m about to implode. Spotting Marcie and Jules in the corner of the ballroom, I walk in their direction, only stopping to accept a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
“Hey,” I say, hugging each of them in turn. They both look spectacular. Marcie is wearing a long dark-blue satin gown, and Jules a knee-length emerald dress. They let their long, shiny brown hair down as usual. “Thank you for coming.”
