Page 96 of Naive in Love

The song ends, and he escorts me to the bar. He gets us a drink, and we find Lena and Preston. We talk for a couple of minutes before Charles and Rick approach, asking to see Preston and Ethan.

“What do you think of all this?” Lena asks.

“Of the gala?”

“That and all the networking. You should have heard his dad at the table. All business.”

I nod my head and refuse to speak of anything, not knowing how many ears may be listening.

“The usual.” I shrug my shoulders, trying to seem unaffected by her observation.

“How about we finish that dance, Sof?” Chad comes up to me, hand extended. I agree, my ingrained manners not allowing me to say no.

“So really?” he begins as soon as we are on the dance floor.

“Really?” I ask.

“You’re really dating Ethan. How did that happen?” he asks with a hint of disgust in his voice.

“Yes, I am. We met. And now we’re together,” I answer, knowing no one needs to know any more than that.

“Why? Haven’t you heard about him?” His brows come together.

“I have.” I keep it simple.

“And you’re still dating him?” The surprise sounds honest, but now I question it.

“What would I have heard that would keep me from dating him?”

“You know, he’s a player. I’m sure you’re not the only one he’s dating at the moment. He just brought you because his other girls would not fit in.”

I can feel the heat building around my neck, and I’m hoping it is not physically noticeable.

A tap on my shoulder startles me. “How about that dance?” Relief washes over me hearing Preston’s voice.

“Why haven’t you warned her about Ethan, man?” Chad asks Preston.

“No need to.” Preston grabs me and sweeps me away from Chad.

I am confused, wanting to talk to Preston, but scared because of all I heard this evening.

Preston notices my unease, so he picks my chin up to face him. “Sof, I’m on Ethan’s side. In case you were wondering.”

I trust Preston. I always have. I give him a tight smile, and we finish the song before we walk toward Ethan. He is tense, posture stiff, jaw clenching. As soon as he places his hands on my shoulders, his frame relaxes.

I take a seat next to Lena, and he sits beside me, placing his arm protectively around me and bringing me close.

He comes close to my ear whispering, “Did you get a dose of it already?”

How do I answer him? I hate to tell him his own cousins are speaking badly of him, but I cannot let him trust the wrong people either. I turn to look at him, our faces so close I can feel his breath. “I did, but it was more about you and your reputation, not me.” I frown.

He brushes his lips gently across mine. “You sure about this?”

“Absolutely.” My smile spreads wide with my new sense of determination. I was always so unsure of what I wanted to do and floundered, not making any true decisions. Making this one gives me a new sense of purpose. I know and trust he will do his damndest to protect me, and I want to do the same for him.

The evening goes on with more mingling and dancing. I notice Chad and his mother watching us on several occasions.

Ethan also seems more at peace throughout the evening now that he knows I am supporting his decision to pursue the family business. His posture relaxes, he smiles more and works the room with confidence.

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