Page 100 of Surprisingly Us

My parents are here, Hannah and James, Hunter and Sophie, the Cartwrights, Hunter and Hannah’s parents, Emma and Griffin, Choe and Barrett. Rhys’s grandfather, Ward, andEdith. Even Jerrod and Corinne made the effort to come, which I know Rhys wasn’t thrilled about, but they’re another affluent couple that can help raise funds for this special cause. It makes me happy to see such a great turnout for the event.

I spot Rhys and a beaming smile breaks out on my face. Weaving through the crowd of guests, I rush over toward him. It’s only when I’m a second away from throwing myself into his arms that my brain reminds my body that he’s not that kind of boyfriend. Being around Rhys and not wanting more with him physically is starting to become a challenge. My body easily forgets itself in his presence, and my brain has to reel it back in.

But Rhys quickly eliminates the few inches I’ve left between us and pulls me into his arms. A squeak escapes from my throat when he lifts me off the ground.

“You were wonderful,” he whispers against the shell of my ear.

“Thank you,” I say. As he slowly lowers me to the ground, I feel every inch of his body against mine and it makes my core ache.

Our relationship is fake, but the way I’m starting to feel toward Rhys, the fondness, the attraction, thedesireis starting to feel very real.

He leans back to take in my dress.

“And you look absolutely stunning.”

“You look pretty good yourself.” I reach up to pinch his bow tie between my fingers.

His tux is classic and black. He looks gorgeous, so I feel guilty when I realize I’m wishing that he’d have worn something more unique. The way he does when we’re hanging out together at home. A fun pop of color or a wild pattern that only he can pull off. That’s the Rhys I’ve grown fond of. Classic black tux Rhys is sexy and all, but there’s something passive about him thatdims his otherwise self-assured smile. Some people are more comfortable fitting in, but Rhys thrives on standing out.

“Are you hungry? Can I get you a drink?” He asks.

“Yes, and yes.”

Rhys leads me to the food table and I get the biggest thrill from the way he holds my hand, firm and protective.

I load my plate up, while Rhys gets me a drink from the bar. Then, we make our way over to the balcony staircase where Mila, the director of Leg-Up, is giving an introduction for the evening. She gives an overview of the program and encourages attendees to peruse the silent auction.

“We’ve been so fortunate to be contacted by an anonymous donor who will be matching all donations tonight up to ten million dollars.”

My jaw drops. “Oh my god.” I turn to Rhys. “Did you hear that?”

“Yeah,” his lip curves up, but his eyes don’t match his smile. “That’s great.”

Mila finishes her speech, giving recognition to me and Sebastian for our volunteer performance and the silent auction sponsors, but I’m only half listening. I stare at Rhys’s profile while he lifts his drink to his lips. Something’s off with him. I lift my hand to his cheek.

“Hey, are you okay?” I ask.

“And now, I’d like to recognize Colette Davenport for being a champion of this project. She’s generously donated her time and her talents to our program. Colette, would you come up and say a few words?”

Rhys turns to me, a half-smile on his face. “Yeah, you need to go.”

I set my drink on the table nearby and make my way up to the front of the crowd. Mila gives me a hug, then hands me the microphone.

The speech I practiced comes out somewhat coherent, and when I’m done, everyone claps.

That’s when I notice Rhys walking toward me.

“Rhys?”

“May I have your attention?” Rhys says into the microphone, then laughs. “I guess I have your attention just by way of radio frequency.”

“What are you doing?” I whisper.

“As we celebrate all the dancers in the showcase tonight and raise money for Leg-Up, I want to give a much-deserved applause to my beautiful girlfriend, Colette Davenport. Her dedication and determination to putting on this showcase and making this evening possible is unmatched. This woman has danced away with all our hearts, but especially mine.”

Rhys turns from the crowd to face me.

“What—” I start but he cuts me off.

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