Page 90 of One Pucking Surprise
The night wears on, the music growing louder as people flood the dance floor. Lainey and I are no exception, our bodies moving together in perfect rhythm. For a moment, it feels like nothing else matters—just the music, her laugh, and the way she fits so perfectly in my arms.
Then Jasper appears, his tiny hand tugging at my sleeve. “Uncle Zach, can I cut in?”
I grin, crouching to his level. “Oh, this must be payback for stealing your dance last time, huh?”
“Something like that,” he replies with a mischievous grin.
Lainey laughs, already crouching to Jasper’s height. “How can I say no to such a polite gentleman?”
I pretend to think it over. “Alright, ring bearer. I’ll let you dance with her, but only if you promise to return her to me before the night’s over.”
“You got it, Uncle Zach,” Jasper replies, his tone serious but his grin wide.
I press a quick kiss to Lainey’s lips before stepping aside, watching as Jasper leads her in an awkward but enthusiastic dance. She’s laughing so hard, her cheeks glowing, and it’s impossible not to smile.
I don’t go far, chatting with some of the guys from the team near the snack table. I join their conversation, but my attention keeps straying to Lainey. She’s glowing, her cheeks pink as she twirls with Jasper, her laughter filling the room.
When their dance ends, Jasper runs off, and Lainey heads to the other end of the snack table. She picks up something to nibble on; her gaze distant, as if she’s lost in thought. I’m about to walk toward her when I notice someone else approach her—a man.
My jaw tightens as I watch him approach her, and when he speaks, his voice carries just enough for me to catch the words.
“You’re still as beautiful as ever,” he says.
She turns, her face lighting up in recognition. “Drew? Oh my God! Is that you?”
Drew. So that’s him. He doesn’t look bad; I’ll give him that. Definitely someone Lainey could’ve dated or even married. My stomach twists as I watch them hug, his hands lingering on her waist a fraction too long.
“How have you been?” she asks, her voice bright.
“I’m good. But not as good as you, I see. You’re glowing,” he says smoothly.
I scoff under my breath. This guy is laying it on thick, and Lainey doesn’t seem to mind. She’s smiling from ear to ear, completely at ease with him. My chest tightens.
They fall into easy conversation, talking about work and catching up like old friends. Then Drew asks the question.
“So, are you married, dating, single?”
“I’m dating someone,” she answers easily, and I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. That’s right—she’s mine. Back off, Drew.
But then she asks him, “What about you? Are you married now? Kids?”
I bristle at the question. She knows he isn’t married, so why is she asking? Is she fishing for something?
“Nah,” Drew says with a casual shrug. “I’m single. Haven’t found the one, I guess.”
“Haven’t found her or let her get away?” she teases, her tone playful.
Drew’s smile falters for just a moment before he answers, “Yeah… she got away.”
The room feels like it tilts, my thoughts spinning. Is he talking about Lainey? And worse—does she know? Was she the one who got away from him? My grip tightens on the drink in my hand as jealousy coils hot and ugly in my chest.
I grab a drink from a passing server and down it in one go. Before he can walk away, I snatch another and chug it, too.
Wyatt appears at my side, his brow furrowed. “Whoa, slow down, Darling. Everything okay?”
“Everything’s great,” I say tightly, adjusting my bow tie like it’s strangling me. My gaze drifts back to Lainey and Drew, her smile wide as she laughs at something he says.
Wyatt follows my line of sight and lets out a low chuckle. “Oh, Lainey’s finally talking to Drew. How do you think she’s feeling?”
