Page 77 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

I nod because it’s true.

I am worried about seeing them. Aside from a few quick texts to let them know I’m alive, I haven’t truly spoken to either of my parents since I quit Evans Inc., not to mention the words I’d like to have with my mother about trying to meddle with my dating life.

I’m also nervous about being back here with Sutton, especially with how I feel about him now.

“Will your parents be here?” I ask him.

“I’m sure they will be. They never miss a chance to come to these things. Too many opportunities and too many pockets they want to get their hands in.”

“Areyounervous? I’m sure after that big blowout, things are likely tense.”

He shrugs. “I have to face them eventually.”

“True.”

The men drop our coats with the attendants, and I take a steadying breath.

“You good?” River asks.

I nod. “I’m okay. Just glad to have you here to drink with.”

“Cheap booze and all?”

“I plan to drink ’em dry.”

She chuckles. “That’s my girl.”

“My lady?” Dean says, holding his arm out to River.

“Don’t even pretend you’re a gentleman.” She rolls her eyes, bypassing him and strutting into the room like she belongs there.

Sutton’s hand finds the small of my back, and he guides me into the ballroom.

The place is gorgeously decorated. Beautiful arrangements filled with pink, coral, and yellow blooms sit in the middle of every table, drawing your eye instantly. There are candles on the tables and the lights are dimmed to a muted yellow, giving the room a romantic feel. Soft music plays in the background as people talk and mingle.

“Oh! The bar!” River says excitedly, tugging Dean in that direction.

He laughs. “Fine. One drink and then we find my parents.”

“Boo!”

“She is aware that it’s awful, cheap liquor, right?” Sutton asks as they walk away.

“Free is free,” I explain. He wrinkles his nose in disgust. I laugh. “Come on, Mr. Too Good For Cheap Booze. Let’s go get drunk so we can survive this thing.”

I grab the lapel of his jacket and drag him to the bar.

Dean and River are grabbing their drinks as we approach.

“Gotta go mingle,” Dean says. “Have fun.”

River gives me a finger wave over her shoulder as my brother pulls her away.

I lift my hand to the bartender, and he saunters my way with a flirty smile.

“What can I get for you, gorgeous?”

Sutton growls next to me, and I won’t deny that his jealousy presses all the right buttons.

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