“To Nash and Anna!” the entire table toasts in chorus.

I swallow the lump at the back of my throat, forcing a smile as I lift my wine glass in the air. My eyes flit, momentarily meeting Nash’s once again, an unspoken truth passing between us from across the table before he turns to Anna, whispering something into her ear and leaning in close to place a kiss on her cheek.

I tip back my head, finishing what’s left of my wine, placing the glass back down on to the table and lifting my napkin to wipe my lips. My cheeks flame as my heart sinks in my chest at the sheer thought that I’ve lost him. But it was me who saved him that night. It was me who was always saving him. And damn it, I am not going to give him up without a fight. I won’t let Anna take him away from me. He needs me just as much as I need him.

Chapter 6

I can feel Nash’s eyes on me as we stand together on the patio looking out over the immaculately landscaped golf course and all the way to the shadows of the pine forest lining the boundary in the distance, looming in the darkness. The moonlight reflects over the still lake, sprinkled upon the water like diamond dust. The stars twinkle high above, glowing like a million fireflies against an inky night sky. In the distance, a choir of crickets chirp through the woods, accompanying the soft tune of the music playing from inside the club as it seeps out into the calm night air, filling the silent void between us. It’s almost romantic. Almost.

Yes, Nash’s eyes are on me, but I pretend not to notice the intensity within his gaze as he continues watching me. I can’t trust myself to look at him. I’m not sure what I might be capable of if I so much as chance it.

“So …” He finally breaks the awkwardness of the silence, nudging me playfully with his elbow as we continue down the steps. “You and Harley, huh?”

I swallow the guilt at the back of my throat, offering him a fleeting glance with a smile so tight. “Yeah.” I shrug nonchalantly, focusing intently on my Mary Janes as we follow the flagstone path.

“I never thought I’d see the day Alice Murphy and Harley Shaw got together!” He laughs a somewhat derisive laugh, and it annoys me.

I look to see him glancing up toward the clear night sky, a slightly smug grin lingering on his lips, and I turn to face him, placing a hand on my hip. “What’s so funny?” I ask a little abruptly.

He looks at me, his eyes widening a moment before he relaxes again, his smile returning. “Nothing.” He shakes his head. “I just never expected the two of y’all to get together, that’s all.”

“Why?” I press. “Is it so hard to imagine another guy wanting to be with me?”