Page 55 of The Wedding Pact

He stares at me for a moment, as if he’s surprised by what I’ve just said and is processing it, before saying, ‘Shit. Really? I didn’t mean it to have that effect. I thought I was just sneaking out.’

I can’t help but laugh at that. ‘You do know you’re the star of the show here and everyone is aware of every move you make, right?’

He lets out a low groan. ‘Yeah, well, that’s the issue in a nutshell. I wanted to come here, but be incognito so as not to cause any more ripples.’

‘Dude. That was never going to happen.’

‘Yeah, I know.’ He rubs at the crease between his brows. ‘I should go and apologise.’

Before I can agree with this, he gets up from his chair and, after locating the best man, strides over to where he’s standing at the bar.

I watch as he holds out his hand in apology and obviously charms the guy with whatever he’s saying to him because he breaks into a wide smile and takes Raffa’s proffered hand and shakes it, saying something animatedly back to him.

Raffa returns a couple of minutes later, a satisfied expression on his face.

‘Fixed it. I apologised,’ he says. Clearly, I’m not getting any more information than that.

But that’s fine. I’m buzzed that he acted on my observation and was grown up enough to recognise that he’d made a mistake and had swallowed his pride and put it right.

I actually find that really hot.

There’s nothing quite like a man taking responsibility for his bad behaviour and doing something to make amends for it.

‘I bet he appreciated that,’ I say, picking up my drink and taking a sip.

Raffa does the same, then says, ‘And to answer your earlier question more honestly, yes, I’m a little envious of the other people spending time with you.’

I blink at him. ‘Wow. I wasn’t expecting you to admit to that.’

He leans in closer. ‘Well, I’m happy to surprise you.’

My heart begins to race. ‘Well, I appreciate your honesty. It’s really sweet.’

‘Sweet wasn’t what I was going for.’

His eyes seem to darken and I realise his pupils have blown out.

‘What were you going for?’ My voice is breathy with excitement.

He closes his eyes and frowns.

‘What, Raffa? Go on, say it.’

He shakes his head slowly, still not opening his eyes.

I let out an involuntary moan of frustration. ‘You are the most infuriating person I’ve ever met. Stop playing games with me and say what you need to say.’

Finally, he looks at me again. ‘I can’t.’

‘Why not?’

‘Because it would mess with things. With us.’

‘Not if you’re straight with me. I can take whatever you’ve got to dish out. I’m here for you as a friend, remember?’

‘And that’s also the problem.’

‘What? You don’t think I’m being a good friend?’ I ask. But I know that’s not what he means.