Page 74 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

She nodded. “I’m not mad. It’s okay. Go ahead back to your guests. I’ll be fine.”

He glanced around then leaned back in and stole a quick kiss. “That’s for now, but there’s more for later,” he said, grinning.

Well, maybe not later, because Stacey would be with him later, but—eventually. In a few days, maybe?

Gia forced a smile. Still, he was right. This weird little charade would be over with soon. The party was the most important thing tonight, not her love life. She’d just have to keep reminding herself of that until it was over.

Seth turned to leave and almost walked right into one of the party guests. The man looked to be in his early forties, good-looking, wearing an expensive suit.

The man stepped back, glanced at Gia curiously from several feet away, then gave Seth a once-over. “Oh hey, man. Sorry.”

Was this Abigail’s oldest son? Gia thought he looked familiar. He seemed to have had several drinks.

“Ryan! Good to see you again. Making the rounds?” Seth asked.

Was that a note of concern in Seth’s voice? And, yes, that was it—Ryan Trewet, Tim and Abigail’s oldest.

“Sure am. And I seeyou’remaking the rounds, too.” He cocked a brow. “Where’s your, uh, girlfriend from earlier? She was really cute.” He socked Seth playfully on the arm.

What was going on here?

Seth still looked worried. “Uh, nah, that wasn’t actually—”

Ryan looked confused.

Seth cleared his throat and took a few steps back toward Gia. “Ryan, this is Gia Stewart. She’s my girlfriend.”

Gia smiled and said hello just as Stacey sauntered up. It appeared as though she hadn’t heard the exchange. “There you are, Seth! I’ve been looking all over for you.” She carried a glass of white wine, half finished, and she looked as though she’d had several others tonight. She turned with a flirtatious look. “Oh, hi, Ryan! It’s great to see you again!”

Gia glanced from Seth to Stacey to Ryan. She should steal away—now. Something wasn’t right.

Ryan cleared his throat. “Well, hello there, Ms. Californ-i-ay.” He shot a look at Gia and back at Seth. “Okay, I’ll just stay out of it,” he muttered, turning.

“Stay out of what?” Stacey asked, sounding innocent. She looked at Seth, who glanced back at Ryan then quickly looked away.

“Oh, nothing. Sorry, didn’t mean to intrude.” Ryan looked at Gia one more time then turned on his heels and left.

Stacey let her glance fall on Gia.

Gia raised her eyebrows. “Hi Stacey. How’s your evening going?” she ventured.Careful, now.

Stacey narrowed her eyes at Seth. “What was Ryan intruding on?” She turned back to glare at Gia.

Seth shoved a hand in the pocket of his suit pants. “Nothing. Gia’s coordinating the event tonight. I was just checking in with her to make sure everything’s been running smoothly.”

Gia nodded, maybe a little too eagerly. Was she buying it? “That’s right.” She cleared her throat as Stacey’s expression grew more concerned. “And things are going just fine,” Gia continued. “I’ll be on my way now. I’ll check in with you later, Seth.” She slipped past Stacey to leave.

Stacey eyeballed Seth. “It’sher, isn’t it?” she hissed.

Gia caught her breath and looked back. Stacey sized up Gia. “She’s the new girlfriend, isn’t she?”

Gia’s eyes flew wide. She looked to Seth.Now what?

“It all makes perfect sense. You two have been working on this for weeks together, haven’t you?” She glared at Seth. “That’s why you’ve been so excited about throwing this rager.” Her tone was full of sarcasm.

And rage.

Seth took Stacey gently by the arm. “That’s enough, Stace.”

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