Page 68 of Fake Out Hearts

“Anytime,” Margo says, smiling. “So how are things going?”

“Really well, honestly. Theo’s parents were just in town, and I had a great time getting to know them both. I was kind of sad to see them go.”

“Now there’s something you don’t hear about the in-laws every day,” Callie jokes, making me chuckle. “Good for youthough. I’m glad to hear everything is coming together for you and Theo. He definitely seems like he’s in a better mood lately.”

“Yeah, you must have some kind of magic or something,” Margo adds.

“Well, I don’t know about all that, but I’m glad to hear it. Especially after what you told me about the rough season he’s been having.”

“I don’t want to count my goals before they’re scored or anything, but I have a feeling that’s going to change too,” Margo says, her blue-gray eyes dancing. “Noah’s had a lot of positive things to say about Theo’s playing lately. And I’m sure you have something to do with that.”

I shrug. “Maybe.”

“Maybe?Maybe? Girl, look at you!” Callie exclaims, gesturing up and down at me. “Of course you have something to do with it.” I blush despite myself and wave her away. “I’m serious. There’s not a man on Earth who wouldn’t be affected by all of this.”

“Okay, okay. I get your point.” I’m embarrassed, but it means a lot anyway. A thumping sound echoes throughout the ballroom, making us all look around. But I realize it’s someone I don’t recognize tapping on the microphone stationed at the front of the room on a raised stage area.

I glance around the room, looking for Theo, and I spot him off to the right of the stage area. He’s leaning against a wall next to a tall blonde woman in a shimmering silver dress who throws her head back, laughing at something he must have said to her.

Her hand lands on his wrist, and although it’s innocent, jealousy still slides down the back of my throat like an ice cube, chased by the burn of shame for feeling it at all. For all I know, she’s the wife of a manager or something, but seeing him act like this with another woman, regardless of who she is, pulls at me.

This isn’t real, and Theo isn’t yours. Don’t forget it.

I swallow the lump in my throat and take a sip of champagne as the person at the front of the room launches into a speech that I’m not absorbing at all. To be fair, no one else in the room seems to be either, but they’re all good at pretending.

I finish my champagne by the time the guy wraps it up, then start looking around for another waiter to replace it. The jazz music returns over the speaker system, and people start dancing all around us.

Theo is gone, and so is the woman he was talking to, thankfully. I’d really like to dance with him so I can ask what that was all about, but before I can find him in the crowd, a devilishly handsome man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes appears wearing a smile.

“Looking for a dance partner?” he asks with his hand extended. I hesitate for a second, then smile and put my hand in his.

“You read my mind.”

The guy chuckles and leads me out into the gaggle of other dancers by my hand. There’s a slower song playing, so I rest my free hand on his shoulder while he places his on my hip, and we gently start to sway to the beat. I’m not sure he’d win any awards for rhythm either, but he can at least keep tempo, which is more than I can say for a lot of guys.

We’re just starting to settle into a groove when someone taps on his shoulder from behind. It’s Theo, and he doesn’t look happy.

“Can I help you?” the guy snaps at Theo, and that seems to piss him off even more.

“Yeah. You can start by taking your hands off my wife.”

The guy immediately drops his hold on me and stands with his jaw flapping like he can’t find words. “Sorry. I didn’t know,” he finally says, then with a confused look in my direction, hehurries off into the crowd to put as much distance between himself and Theo as possible.

Theo takes his place, taking my hand in his, and fixes me with a smoldering gaze. “What was that all about?”

I shrug. “Just working the crowd. I was actually looking for you but caught his eye instead.” Theo doesn’t say anything, just keeps staring at me. “You’re pissed, aren’t you?”

“I can’t say I’m thrilled.”

“Really? Because you seemed captivated by the conversation you were having with that woman.”

Theo’s serious expression breaks instantly, and he raises his eyebrows. “Did seeing me talk to another woman make you jealous?”

Shame roils in my stomach. “It shouldn’t have.”

Theo laughs. “That’s not what I asked. You’re jealous, aren’t you?”

We take several more steps together before I answer. Theo’s eyes bore into mine, and although I’d rather not admit it, he’s right. And why should I hide it?

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