Page 32 of Everything In Between
Inside, Kelsey leads me through the main lobby to the ballroom where the gala is taking place this evening. The space is ornately decorated with beautiful flower arrangements adorning the center of each table with delicately lit candles encircling each piece.
“Oh, Jersey!” a woman calls my name and hurries over to me—Kelsey’s mother. “I’m so glad you could make it again this year!”
I hug her back, accepting her air kisses on both sides of my face. “Thank you so much for the invitation again.”
“I don’t know if you had a chance to meet my son or his wife the last few times you’ve been in attendance,” she says and motions to the couple standing behind her.
“Theo and I met in passing last year, but I’m not sure I’ve met your wife,” I say to Kelsey’s brother.
He gives his wife a warm smile when he looks down at her. “This is my wife, Whitney. Whit, this is Jersey Matthews.”
“Lovely to meet you.” Whitney offers me her hand. “It’s such an honor to have you in attendance.”
“Really, the honor is all mine,” I say, graciously as I accept her handshake.
“Kelsey has spoken very highly of you,” Whitney says, beaming at me. “We appreciate your generous donation to the charity auction this year.”
“Hopefully, it will raise good money for your organization. I’m always happy to be involved when it’s for a charitable cause.”
“We’ll let you get settled in for the evening,” Kelsey’s mother says, breaking up the introductions. “I’m glad I got to catch you before everything gets crazy. Kelsey”—she looks to her daughter standing by my side—“will you show Jersey to her table?”
“Sure. We have you at your usual table tonight.” Kelsey motions for me to follow her and then wraps her arm through mine.
I wave at her family. “It was a pleasure to see you all.”
“Have a great time this evening.” Whitney gives me a warm smile.
As Kelsey and I weave our way through the many round tables adorning the ballroom, I say, “This is a good turnout thisyear. I don’t remember there being so many tables the last few years.”
She nods in agreement. “This is the largest number of attendees we’ve had so far. We’re very fortunate that so many people are willing to donate and show up.”
“I love that.” I pat her hand looped through my arm.
Before we make it to the table, there’s a commotion by the front doors. “Oh, someone important must’ve just walked in,” Kelsey muses and tilts her head. We take a few steps closer until the new guest comes into view.
“Oh my gosh,” I exhale when I catch sight of him. He’s unmistakable with his athletic frame, broad shoulders, muscular thighs, and his sharp jaw.
“Is that?—”
“You didn’t tell me he’d be here,” I whisper to Kelsey.
She looks as surprised as I feel as she shakes her head. “I had no idea. My mother handles the guest list.”
As if he can feel the weight of my gaze on him, Hayes straightens up, his neck craning to peruse the room. When his eyes land on me, it seems to knock all the breath out of my lungs. My heart jackhammers in my chest when his face splits into a wide grin, eyes gleaming with unabashed delight. His expression beckons to me like a bright light shining among the dim ballroom.
In the weeks we’ve been talking over text and our FaceTime call, I seemed to have forgotten the sheer impact that being in his presence has.
He wastes no time pushing past the people crowding him and making a beeline toward me.
Kelsey makes an amused sound and then slides her arm out of mine. “I better go see if my mom needs help with anything. I’ll leave you to it.” With a wink, she leaves my side.
Moments later, Hayes is standing in front of me. He rakes his eyes over my body, and I’m seconds away from spontaneously combusting. His hands twitch at his sides and I wonder if he’s going to hug me, take me into his arms, cup my face,touchme.
I surprise myself when I realize I want him to.
“Hi, Jersey,” he says, his voice low, only for me. His deep timbre sends a delicious shiver down my spine, and I inadvertently take a step closer to him.
“Hi,” I say back, my voice barely a whisper.
