Page 23 of Claimed By The Other Brother

"Jane and Sarah. They're my bridesmaids."

"Ladies." Dax shakes their hands, and I don't miss the way they both light up under his attention.

"We've heard so much about you," Jane says, her voice slightly breathless.

"All good things, I hope," Dax repeats with a small smile.

Sarah laughs a little too loudly.

"Of course."

Miles's phone buzzes, and he pulls it out again, frowning at the screen.

"I need to take this. Work. I'll be right back."

He walks away, leaving me standing with Dax, Jane, and Sarah.

"So, you flew in from New York?" Jane asks.

"Yesterday morning." Dax's attention shifts to her, and I feel the absence of his gaze like a loss.

"I'm staying at the Waldorf Astoria."

"That's where the wedding is tomorrow," Sarah offers helpfully.

"I know." His eyes flick back to me.

"Convenient."

I should say something. Make conversation. Play the role of gracious bride-to-be. Instead, I'm acutely aware of how close he's standing, the scent of his cologne—something expensive and woodsy—the way his presence seems to fill the space.

"We should find our seats," I say finally.

"I think they're about to start serving."

"Of course." Dax steps aside, gesturing for me to lead the way. As I walk past him, I swear I feel his eyes on my back.

The seating arrangement places me between Miles and my father, with Barbara on Miles's other side and Dax beside her. Directly across the table from me.

Which means I have a perfect view of him throughout the entire meal.

The first course arrives—a burrata appetizer with heirloom tomatoes and basil. Conversation flows around the table, light and easy. My mother is talking to Barbaraabout the wedding flowers. My father is chatting with one of Miles's groomsmen.

And Dax is watching me.

"Scarlett," Barbara says, leaning slightly toward me, "Dax was just telling me about the new podcast network he acquired. I thought you might find it interesting, given your PR background."

I turn my attention to him. "Oh? What kind of podcasts?"

"True crime, investigative journalism, some political commentary." His voice carries easily across the table.

"We're expanding our digital media footprint. Podcasting is the fastest-growing sector right now."

"That makes sense. Audio content is huge." I find myself leaning forward, genuinely interested.

"Do you handle the PR in-house, or do you work with an outside firm?"

"We have an in-house team, but we've partnered with external agencies for specific campaigns." He picks up his wine glass, and I notice his hands—strong, capable, with a expensive watch glinting at his wrist.