Page 113 of Our Chaotic Love Affair

But I couldn’t help noticing the way Armand watched his son when Cash sat back down. The calculating expression. The slight narrowing of his eyes. Then Armand’s gaze shifted to me.

I felt him assessing me, trying to figure out what role I played in his son’s sudden rebellion. I lifted my chin and held his gaze until he looked away first. Whatever he thought of me didn’t matter. Cash was making his own choices now.

“Cleo!” Melody waved me over to where she was standing with a group of women. “Come meet everyone!”

I joined them on the patio. The other Bancroft wives I recognized from the family gatherings. They were laughing, drinks in hand, forming a circle that looked warm and welcoming.

“Ladies, this is Cleo,” Melody announced. “My best friend, my maid of honor, and the woman who keeps my life from falling apart on a daily basis.”

“Former job description,” I corrected. “She’s going to have to learn to function without me soon.”

“Never,” Melody said fiercely.

Sylvie smiled at me. “Welcome to the family madness. Fair warning. Once you’re in, you’re in for life.”

“Even if you’re not officially family,” Mina added, glancing at my ring-less hand. “These Bancrofts don’t let go of people they love.”

“We’re very possessive,” another wife agreed. “In the best way.”

They pulled me into their conversation, talking about the wedding, about babies, about the chaos of loving Bancroft men. Melody was glowing, listening to advice about pregnancy and motherhood, beaming at the idea of having this many sisters.

I watched Melody soak in the love, the support, and the promise of never being alone again. This was Bancroft love. Overwhelming, all-encompassing, forever. And I’d missed my shot at it.

I excused myself to get another drink, suddenly needing air. I’d told myself I was fine with how things ended. That it was for the best. That Cash and I needed to figure out our own lives before we could figure out an us. Not that there was an us. It was sex. Bancroft men were known for their prowess. I got caught in the net. Not the first and definitely not the last.

But standing here, watching Melody be welcomed into this huge, chaotic, loving family, I felt the loss of it like a physical ache.

I wished I could have had this. I wanted to be a part of this big, beautiful family. If the timing had been different. If I’d been braver. If he’d been ready.

If, if, if.

I grabbed my Diet Coke from the fridge and headed back outside. Put on my smile. Rejoined the party.

Tomorrow was Melody’s day. Tomorrow I’d be the best maid of honor I could possibly be.

And I’d stand next to Cash Bancroft and pretend my heart wasn’t breaking all over again.

CHAPTER 37

CASH

Icouldn’t stop watching her. I tried. God knew I tried.

I focused on my brothers’ conversations, on the food, on the ocean view, on literally anything except Cleo laughing with the bridesmaids on the other side of the patio. It didn’t work.

My attention kept drifting back to her like a compass finding north. The way she threw her head back when she laughed. The way she made sure everyone had what they needed. The way she moved through the party making everyone around her feel lighter, brighter, more alive.

A month apart hadn’t dulled it. If anything, the wanting had gotten sharper.

“You’re staring,” Finn said beside me.

“I’m not staring.”

“You’re definitely staring. Have been for the last hour.”

I took a drink and didn’t deny it.

“When are you going to do something about it?” he asked.