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Elijah whispers into my ear. “So, where did your friend Gemma run off to?”

As if I’m going to play matchmaker for him after he showed up with Esther as a date. “She went away.”

“That’s a bit unspecific.”

“If you’re really interested in my best friend, you’ll figure it out.” I fold my arms, refusing to engage further.

Elijah eyes me up with a smile. “I’m beginning to see why my cousin is so obsessed with you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Without him being obsessed over you, I probably would have never found my little gem.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“I was lucky he dragged me to the party that night.”

So that would mean. Connor was there.

“Consider it a thank you.” Elijah detangles himself from Esther, leaving her to chat with my mother about wedding plans, and saunters off toward the back rooms.

Meanwhile, my father continues talking animatedly with Connor, their voices a low drone in thebackground.

Obsessed? Connor is the last person who could be obsessed with me.

He is hot and cold, push and pull, and I want to grab him by that perfectly knotted tie and—

Father claps Connor on the back. “At this rate, you’ll be part of the family in no time!”

I choke on my champagne, sputtering as I try to catch my breath.

Connor’s gaze flicks to mine for a brief second before he schools his expression back to polite interest. “You’re too kind. I’m simply doing my job.”

“Nonsense. A job is what you do from nine to five. You’re here evenings and weekends, always making sure everything is in order.” Father waves his glass in emphasis, champagne sloshing over the rim. “A man doesn’t give that kind of time unless he cares about the work and the people. Isn’t that right, Mary?”

All eyes turn to me.

“I-I suppose so.”

Father beams, but Connor’s jaw clenches.

“Speaking of caring,” Mother cuts in, “have you given any more thought to our offer? We’d happily set you up with some of Mary’s friends. I’m sure we could find a lovely match.”

My friends?

“Mother!” Shit. “I mean… Don’t bother him. He probably has a lot of work right now.” Before I can blurt out something else, I shut myself up by drinking the rest of my champagne.

“I appreciate your concern, but I’m quite content with the woman I currently have by my side,” Connor says. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to check on something.” He doesn’t wait for a response, already stalking across the hall.

What does that mean? Is he fucking someone else? A strange feeling settles within me, but Elijah’s words echo in my mind again.

Obsessed.

With a tight smile, I nod to my parents and hurry away from that suffocating conversation.

The hallway outside provides a breath of fresh air, though it’s still stifling. No matter how hard I try to stay detached, Connor still finds a way without even trying. It’s infuriating how easily he can ignite me and then sit back with that smug expression as if enjoying the show.

Deep breaths. Connor is impossible, and yet…

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