Page 36 of Only ever you-Ana & Byron
Ana rolled her eyes and gave Cadi a murderous look. Cadi only blew her a kiss and turned back to Gray, confidently tucking herself under his arm.
Ana lowered the bouquet slowly.
Byron was watching her from across the lawn; tie loosened and jacket off. There was something in his eyes that made her look away.
***
Later, at the reception
The fairy lights glowed. The wine flowed. Byron nursed his second whiskey and watched Ana from across the tent. She tossed her head back and laughed at something Cadi's uncle said. The soft line of her neck caught the light.
After a moment of hesitation, he walked over.
"Fancy a dance?" he asked when Ana looked up.
Ana turned, one eyebrow arching. "Don't think your model girlfriend will like that. You know the one with legs up to her collarbones?"
A muscle in his jaw ticked. "Magazine photos don't mean much, Ana."
She hesitated on hearing his old nickname for her.
He held out a hand. "Come on, Ana for ol' times sakes."
His palm was warm as he led her onto the makeshift dance floor. Her hand rested lightly on his shoulder, his arm tightened around her waist.
"So," he asked after a beat, "how's your boyfriend?"
She gave a noncommittal shrug. "You know. Nice."
His lips quirked, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "No one would call me nice. He proposed, I heard?"
She looked at him. "Yes."
He swallowed. "You gonna say yes?"
"I haven't decided."
He nodded and pulled her closer so her face rested against his chest.
"It's been five years. I have missed you so much, Ana," he whispered. "Reckon we could be friends?"
Ana stared at him. Her voice was quiet.
"You hurt me so badly, Byron."
"I know. And I am sorry. Sorrier than you will ever know."
"I don't think being friends is a bad idea," she added after a moment, her nose pressed into his shirt. "But I don't think it will be simple."
"Was never simple with us, love," he said.
She didn't answer.
They danced in silence for a moment. His hand flexed at her back, thumb brushing the edge of her spine.
"Let's just finish this dance," he murmured, "Talk about the heavy stuff tomorrow. At least you are talking to me."
He felt her slight nod against his chest.
