Even though the idea of her pursuing him frightened me a little, I grinned. “And you have me now.”
He kissed me slowly. “Yes, I have you. That is if you don’t run for the hills after the information I just gave you.”
“Mr. Rowe, I suppose I will keep you. But I still find it ridiculous that your ex came to your wedding party.”
“She invited herself, I am sure. I couldn’t put it past my father to extend an invitation, though. My mother would never do it.”
I scowled and clung to him more tightly, wishing I could find a way to patch up the rift in his relationship with Jefferson. His heart appeared to be bearing a heavy burden.
“This is the reason she was so hostile to me inside. She wants us to split up.
He laughed. “No matter what she says, don’t let it affect you. She is the joke here.” He kissed the side of my jaw. “By the way, you looked so hot when you were trying to fight her. ”
He nibbled my flesh as I laughed. “I have some time on my hands. I might fight with her if it entertains you. Where is the jello?”
He hissed, “That show is for my eyes only.”
He surprised me with a kiss, pushing me against the wall and taking command of the situation. My hand slipped down his back to grab his hand. It was a shame that someone cleared their throat. Nicholas’ moan almost drowned it out…
Almost.
But it was time to be polite hosts.
Geoffrey was standing there with a sheepish look when we turned in the direction of the noise.
He cut in, saying, “I thought I’d interrupt before this went X-rated. Your absence there is standing out more and more. Is everything okay?”
Nicholas and I pulled out of our embrace and he took my hand before asking, “Shall we have dinner, then?”
Geoffrey promptly left and I nodded, asking Nicholas to follow after. I was really happy to see only friendly people at our table.
I sat down between Nicholas and Lory, grinning as I did so. Apart from Francis, his date was also seated at our table.
Under the table, Lory grasped my hand and bent close to whisper. “Did anything happen?”
I gave her hand a squeeze. “It’s okay. I swear.”
She examined me with a doubtful look but allowed me to lie. Salads were served and I enjoyed the light conversation around the table. Francis introduced me to his date, but she looked utterly bored throughout the meal and didn’t speak much.
I somewhat felt bad for the woman because Francis seemed to pay attention only to Lory, who he was debating with.
During supper, Nicholas chuckled in my ear. He gestured at Lory and Francis and asked, “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”
I laughed and threw the idea out into the wild. “Maybe we should launch a matchmaker agency.”
There was no doubt that I would question Lory later.
Nicholas dragged me out onto the dance floor after dessert, hugging me tightly as we swayed to the music. Although I’d never been much of a dancer, I would have done almost anything to be in his arms.
After a few songs, Clara came over, appearing hesitant to speak. She undoubtedly believed I was upset with her, which made me feel horrible.
“If Rosemary being here caused you both any discomfort, I wanted to apologize.”
I released Nicholas’ hand and pulled her into a tight hug. “It’s okay.” I pulled away and placed her hand in Nicholas’. “Why don’t you dance with your mother? I have to use the restroom.”
They smiled at me and I felt lighter immediately. I knew one thing, and that was: family always came first. I had gone a very long time without my parents and I would give anything to spend more time with them. I was going to make it my life’s mission to treat the Rowes well and help Nicholas have a better relationship with his family along the way.
I went to the bathroom, thinking about what had happened. I had just finished washing my hands when Rosemary entered. My body automatically prepared itself for the assault I anticipated from her.
“Well, well… It’s the young Mrs. Rowe…”
I wore a large smile. “Yes. And if it isn’t the whore ex.”
She made an effort to maintain her composure, but I could see the flicker of rage in her eyes. She walked up to the sink next to me, turned to the mirror, and fluffed her hair with her blood-red-tipped claws.
“You realize that you don’t stand a chance, right?”
I rolled my eyes as I spoke, “You have lost your mind if you believe Nicholas would ever take you back.”
She giggled before facing me. “Is that what Nicholas told you? You are so naive, you little child.” She looked me up and down, her eyes holding distaste.
I wanted to tear her hair from her head. I wouldn’t be satisfied until she was bald. “The naive girl who is wearing the ring.”
She scoffed and waved the words away. “A young thing like you is just a passing phase. Just like the other women he rolled around with trying to get over me. I give it one month before you file for divorce.”
I gripped the edge of the counter, trying not to shake with anger. “Keep deluding yourself, Rosemary. I am sure it makes you feel better. But consider seeing a therapy because if you don’t understand that even if Nicholas and I split , you would be the last woman on the planet if you go to, you’re bordering on a threat to society.”
She drew nearer, her eyes narrowing. “He’s only ever loved me and no other woman. He will never love anyone else.”
What she said made me recoil. My own insecurities about my connection with Nicholas came to the surface. After all, the foundation of everything we had was a contract. He might never be able to love me, but it was possible.
Was she correct?
Surely she wasn’t the only person he would ever love.
Was there ever a chance for me?
She grinned triumphantly when she caught a glimpse of my reaction. I was losing my will to fight, and I only wanted to get away.
The door suddenly opened, and I exhaled in relief as I saw Courtney and Lory stroll in.