Page 42 of Under His Touch
“I guess I won’t.”
“Anyway, I changed the seating arrangement, and put you next to her. You guys can treat it like a date, get reacquainted and see if she’s right for you.”
She sips her wine, and it takes every ounce of strength I have not to bend forward and lick the moisture from her lips. Instead, I harden myself, and take a measured step back.
“We should get inside.” She checks her watch. “Dinner will be ready in a minute.”
She makes a move to go, and I cup her elbow. She spins back to face me. “Megs,” I say.
“Yes?” As she looks up at me, with those big inquisitive brown eyes, I want to tell her the truth. I want to tell her she’s the one for me, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I love her and don’t want to hurt her.
“Thanks.”
“You’re...you’re welcome,” she says, stammering a bit, and I hate myself even more.
“I’ll leave you two to catch up.”
I swallow down the bile punching into my throat as she pulls her elbow away and disappears inside. I follow her in, and make my way to the tables set up for dinner. I find Sara and she waves me over. She pulls the chair out for me and I sit next to her.
“Sara,” I say.
“Alec.” She shifts a bit closer to me. “It’s so good to see you again.”
“You, too.”
“So,” she begins. “Have you talked to Megan?”
I give a nod. “Is this something you want to do, Sara?”
She gives a laugh, and tosses her hair over her shoulder in a flirty manner. “I am so done with relationships
, and I’ve been working my ass off at the firm, trying to make partner. Like your old-school board of directors, marriage and stability go a long way with my senior partners. It’s the only way a partnership is going to happen for me, and I like the perks that come with being on your arm.” I nod, not at all certain about this. Megan was right about everything. Sara is smart, and a great conversationalist, but looking at her reminds me of the woman I can’t have. “But we don’t have to rush into anything just yet,” she says, as if she can read my hesitation. “Let’s go on a few dates, see how compatible we are.” She gives me a come-hither smile and I instantly understand she’s talking about bedroom compatibility.
Megan takes a seat at the other side of the table, a few chairs down, and some guy who looks about her age, pounces into the seat next to her. He instantly engages her in conversation, and I wonder how well they know each other. Did she put him next to her on purpose? Is she interested in him?
Fuck me.
I tamp down the raging jealousy taking up residency in my gut. I want her happy, and if that guy can do that for her, give her the family and happily-ever-after she wants, then I need to stop being a selfish prick and get on board.
Soon enough our meals are served, and we all make small talk and dig in. Once dessert arrives, Dave stands, taps his spoon on his stemware to gain everyone’s attention and smiles at those around the table.
“I would like to thank everyone for being here tonight to celebrate this special occasion,” he begins. “Or maybe you’re all here to give pity to Jeannie for putting up with me for the last twenty-five years.” Laughter erupts and when it dies down, he says, “She wasn’t an easy one to catch, I tell you. But she was worth the chase.” He bends down and gives his wife a kiss. “Jeannie,” he says, “you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You’re kind, thoughtful, generous, have given me a beautiful family.” I glance at Megan who has tears in her eyes. “Every day my love for you grows stronger, and every day my belly grows bigger, thanks to all the amazing meals you put on my plate.” We laugh as his gaze moves around the table, and I swear he’s talking to me and me alone when he holds my gaze and says, “If you’re lucky enough to find someone who gives your life purpose, someone you can’t wait to fall into bed with every night, and more importantly wake up to every morning, then hang on to her with everything in you, and if she doesn’t see it your way, and she’s worth the fight, then for God’s sake fight.” As we chuckle, he lifts his glass and we all follow suit. “Here’s to the best twenty-five years of my life, and here’s to many more.”
After his speech, guests are socializing while dessert is being cleared, when Sara’s phone rings. She reaches into her bag and checks the display.
“Shoot, I have to get this.” She rolls her eyes. “Work.”
“No problem,” I say.
She excuses herself from the table and finds a quiet place to take her call. My gaze slides to Megan’s and I find her talking to the guy beside her, but his gaze keeps drifting to her breasts. Son of a bitch. I push from my chair, and I’m about to grab him by the scruff and tell him to get some goddamn manners, when Sara touches my arm.
“I have to go.” She goes up on her toes and puts her mouth to my ear. “This is so not how I wanted tonight to end.”
“Yeah,” I say as Megan excuses herself. She gives her aunt and uncle a hug, and heads toward the balcony. I relax slightly when douchebag doesn’t follow. I turn back to Sara and try to focus on what she’s saying to me.
“I’ll call you tomorrow, and we’ll make plans,” she says. “I’m really looking forward to getting reacquainted.” She gives me a slow, simmering smile, one that tells me exactly how she wants our next date to go.
“I’ll see you soon, Sara,” I say, and bend to kiss her cheek. She’s an attractive woman, but I feel no spark. I guess that’s a good thing since I want a marriage in name only. We get a few raised eyebrows from those around the table and I suppose if we do go through with it, the display will go a long way.