Page 16 of Say You Will

Henry stiffens next to me.

Gabriel inserts himself close enough to put his arms around me in a hug that reeks of alcohol, though Henry never relinquishes his hold. “It was great to see you, Franki. We’ll have to catch up soon. I apologize for the misunderstanding.”

“It’s good to see you too.”

Gabriel steps back and his expression gentles. “I hope the last five years were kind to you.”

None of the McRaes liked or trusted my mother. Somehow, after years in her presence, I’d almost forgotten that.

“They were educational,” I say with a rueful smile.

Henry frowns at his brother. “I believe you were going somewhere.”

Gabriel’s smile returns, and he lifts what remains of his drink, finishing it in one go. Then he turns and strides away, and I’m left standing, speechless, in the circle of Henry’s arm.

I wait in silence for him to move or say something. After several fraught moments where neither of us seems to know what to do next, Henry removes his arm, steps back, and shoves his hands in his pockets.

“You don’t like dancing, or you find the idea of dancing with me, specifically, unappealing?” Henry looks almost bored as he asks the question, eyelids heavy, expression flat.

I lift the shoes in my hand and stick my left leg out through the thigh-high slit in the dress. “It’s the heels. I can’t wear a lift with them. Nothing to do with you.”

His hot gaze lingers first on my foot, then slowly works his way up my leg farther and farther until his attention lands squarely on my eyes. I stare back, breathless with wonder. Henry has never looked at me like that in my life.

He leans in subtly closer. “How long are you staying this visit? A week? A month?”

I’ve spent my life “visiting,” so it’s a reasonable assumption. “I’m hoping it’s not a visit at all. Where I land on the East Coast permanently is going to depend on what job I can find and cost of living. I don’t suppose you know of anyone hiring someone with almost a master’s degree in history?”

Those blue eyes of his sharpen with interest. “I may, indeed, know of a job opportunity for someone with your qualifications, but I thought you wanted to complete your PhD.”

I smile in confusion. “Did Bronwyn mention that? A PhD was the plan. I suppose it’s tacky to talk finances, but the truth is that I can’t afford to finish school right now. I need to build my credit first.”

Expression intrigued, he says, “So, practical considerations have gotten in the way of your dreams?”

“That’s life. It’s time to shift gears and figure out a new plan.”

His smile is slow, and, if I’m honest, devastating to my hormones. I can barely believe the thought that keeps bouncing down to tap me on the heart, but I’m almost certain that Henry is into me.I can feel it.

A passing waiter offers us champagne. Henry shakes his head, but I give the man a smile and accept. Having something to sip is a good way to give myself a few extra seconds when I don’t know what to say next.

“Where are you staying?” he asks.

“With your parents in the Hamptons until I find my own place. I’m heading back there tomorrow.”

He straightens with a satisfied expression. “No one mentioned that to me. It’s been a long time since you were at the house.”

“If it were up to my mother, I’d still be in LA. But it was time for me to take the leap, if you know what I mean.”

He nods. “I absolutely know what you mean.”

“What have you been up to for the last five years?”

“Work,” he says.

I nod and wait for him to expound. When he says nothing, I nod again, take a sip of champagne, and glance around the ballroom as I try to think of another question that’s slightly more specific.

When I look back at his face, dawning awareness lights his features, and Henry tips his chin down and says, almost triumphantly, “I’ve also taken violin lessons and a cooking class.”

My face breaks into a wide smile. “Cool.”

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