I’m not classy. I’m not sophisticated. I’m a farm girl. And I’m terrified I’m going to make a fool of myself tonight.
What feels like seconds later, we are in the city and Lake maneuvers his dirty, beat up truck through the city streets. And then he pulls into a parking garage.
“Name?” a guy who looks around our age asks with a charming southern accent.
“Lake McCain,” he rattles off to him.
“All right,” the guy says, a smile curling on his face. “One of Sage’s brothers. Tell me, did she ever mention me before she went and married that tatted nerd?”
Lake chuckles and shakes his head. “You think my sister talked to any of us about her love life?”
“Right,” the guy says with a little nod. “This is Sage Dohring we’re talking about. ‘K, park in spot G17.”
Lake gives him a little nod and pulls forward.
I take in the cars as we roll down the aisle. They’re all brand new. And very, very expensive.
“What is it that this company does again?” I ask as I feel my heart rate pick up.
“I honestly don’t really know,” Lake replies as he pulls into our spot. He puts the truck in park and climbs out. He walks around and opens my door for me, holding out a hand and helping me out.
“Promise not to let me fall on my face tonight?” I say as I loop my arm through his for balance. “Don’t let go?”
“Not until you tell me to,” he says, his voice low and serious.
I’m tempted to look up at him, to try and see what’s there in his eyes. But I don’t.
It’s too terrifying.
Lake leads us through the garage toward a set of elevators. There’s a row of cars right in front of it, and my eyes grow wide at one in particular.
There’s this burnt orange sports car that looks like something straight out of the space age and honestly doesn’t even look street legal. This thing was meant to fly, not drive down normal roads among the likes of my dirty truck.
“That’s Julian’s,” Lake says quietly as he pushes the up button for the elevator.
“Hmm,” I say, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.
I tell myself that I’m not scared of rich people because I’m scared of their judgment.
It isn’t until the elevator opens again and we step out that I realize how hard I’m gripping Lake’s arm.
The lobby of the building is huge and grandiosely decorated. Lights shimmer everywhere, flowers hang about in abundance. Banquet tables line the edges of the space. Centerpieces that must have cost thousands of dollars dot along them. And everyone is dressed elegantly. A small part in the back of my mind was terrified that Lake was going to be overdressed in his tux and I’m stand out in my borderline prom dress-evening gown. But not even close. Everyone is dressed to intimidate, not impress.
“Holy crap,” I mutter under my breath.
I thought I said it quiet enough no one else would be able to hear, but Lake replies, “Yeah.”
People mill about, chatting, laughing, drinking expensive wine served by people in white shirts and black vests. Lake and I stop in the middle of the room. A waiter immediately offers us some wine. I take water instead, and to my surprise, so does Lake.
I’m a loud, loose drunk, so I’d rather not lose my head tonight.
“There’s that brother that came home from war and immediately ditched us all.”
Lake and I both turn to see a couple walking up to us. The only way I can describe them is adorable. He’s boyish-faced, with this spikey light brown hair. He gives the same lopsided smile Lake does. And at his arm is this tiny blonde woman that has a smile bright as the sun.
Kaylee—at least that’s all I can assume she is—stretches up on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around Lake’s neck. Lake wraps one arm around her, picking her a good five inches up off the ground as he does. His other arm never lets go of mine though.
“Are you free for dinner tomorrow?” she asks. “The kids have been asking about you, everyone’s missed you so much.”
“Um,” he says, looking over at me, as if seeking permission.
“Of course,” I say, my stomach full of nervous butterflies. “Sunday is always your day.”
Kaylee smiles brightly, her shoulders shrugging up to her ears just slightly when she does. “I’m Kaylee, by the way,” she says. To my surprise, she wraps her arms around my shoulders too. I awkwardly hug her back as best I can without letting go of Lake and falling over.
“Sorry,” Lake says, his voice awkward. “This is Riley James. My boss.”
It makes me uncomfortable, him calling me his boss. I never thought of myself that way.
“Drake,” Lake’s brother says, extending a hand and shaking it. “Thanks for taking care of my brother and giving him something to do.”
“Um, not a problem,” I say, steeling a side look at Lake. “It’s the least I can do to thank him for his service.”
I wonder if his family has any clue as to why Lake sought me out. About the debt he feels because of Cal’s sacrifice. I have no guesses either way.
“Damn,” someone from behind Kaylee says. My eyes dart up to take in one of the most beautiful male faces I’ve ever seen. “I get in so last minute, I don’t have time to invite anyone, and you devil dog bring in a woman like this?”
Kale McCain saunters up, a devilish smile plastered over his face. His suit looks expensive, and tailored to hug every chiseled surface of his body. His hair is puffed up and slicked back in that signature way of his.
“Don’t talk with your dick tonight, as usual. Please?” Lake says, but there’s teasing in his voice. “You’ll scare her off.”
“Excuse me,” I say in mock offense. “I can handle myself. I’ve dealt with homo sapiens with penises before.”
“Oh ho!” Kale says, his mouth forming into a big O. “I like her! She’s got some spunk.”
“Seriously, Kale,” Lake says, his eyes shooting a warning at him. “Knock it off.”
Kale holds his hands up in surrender. “Sorry, can’t help it.”
“Really, he can’t,” Kaylee says, barely able to keep from rolling her eyes.
“So every male in this family has hit on you then?” I ask her, trying to ease into conversation. It’s not easy and I feel awkward doing it.
“He told you about that?” Kaylee asks, her expression pained. She turns accusatory eyes on him. “Lake!”
He chuckles and gives a little shrug.
“And we all know who’s the champion, because who’s married to her?” Drake says as he wraps an arm around his wife’s waist and pulls her close to him. She does this little giggle and presses her lips to his briefly, a smile huge on her face.
Seriously, it’s like these two just walked off the pages of a fairytale.
It’s kind of sickeningly cute.
“Have you guys seen Sage yet?” Kale asks, standing on his toes and surveying the huge space. “I wanted to talk to her before she and Julian have to go in front of everyone.”
“Not yet,” Drake says. “Though I’d take a guess she and Julian are off in some office doing unspeakable things.”
“TMI, Drake,” Kale says, shaking his head. “TMI. I lived with Sage. And, basically, Julian for a few weeks there. I don’t need all that imagery up in my head.”
A chuckle breaks out of my chest, and I look up at Lake. He shakes his head, even as he smiles. “Seriously,” he says, looking down at me. “They’re bad.”
“Wow,” I say, feeling slightly uncomfortable. “I, uh, I think I’ll excuse myself for a minute. I need to use the restroom. I think I can make it there by myself.”
“’K,” Lake says and cautiously lets my arm go. I can feel his eyes watching me as I walk away, carefully making sure I really will make it on my own. And that makes me blush just a little.
I only wobble slightly.
There’s also a rock in the pit of my stomach, walking away from Lake’s family like this, knowing they will
be talking about me as soon as I’m out of ear shot.
It’s a trick, using the facilities in the dress, but I manage. I was alone when I walked into the restroom, but when I come out, there’s a woman fixing her lipstick and hair. She’s gorgeous, and wearing a dress that makes her look like a million bucks. She gives me a little smile as I start washing my hands.
Suddenly a man stumbles into the bathroom. The both of us look over at him and he leers at us, after looking confused for only a moment.
“Well, I see this is where the real party is,” he says with a big grin. He takes two steps forward, a nearly empty wine glass in his hand. “Ladies.”
“Get the hell out of here,” the other woman says, giving him an annoyed look.
“Come on,” he says, a nasty smile curling on one side of his face. “Let’s all have a little fun.” And to my horror, he starts undoing his belt buckle.
I take four quick steps toward him and shove him, hard, in the chest. “She said get the hell out of here.”
“Whoa!” he says with a laugh, holding his hands up in defense. “I thought we were all having a good time at this party. Apparently I was wrong.”
“Go call a cab, you drunk idiot,” I say, shoving him again, this time not quite as hard. “And watch the signs next time. The little figure with the dress is the women’s restroom, in case you forgot.”
He gives us both a put out expression, and turns and walks away.
“I hate drunk people,” the woman says. She washes her hands and dries them off.
“Tell me about it,” I say. I turn back to the sink and finish washing my own hands. “Looks like there will be plenty of them before the night is over.”
“Which is why I’m only staying as long as I’m needed,” she says, giving me a side long look and a smile. “Do you work here?” she’s phrased it as a question, though she seems pretty sure of the answer.
I shake my head as I dry my hands. “I’m a plus one.”
She nods her head and grabs her clutch from the shelf above the sink. “Well, have a nice time. Don’t let the drunkards get you down.”
“Thanks,” I say as I follow her out. “I’ll try.”
I make my way back to Lake. Everyone has gathered to the center of the room and is facing the stage that is set up in front of the reception desk. I loop my arm back through Lake’s, who gives me a little longer than necessary look of evaluation, and wait with everyone else.
A man who looks to be in in his late fifties gets onto the stage. Just before he starts talking, Lake leans over to Drake and whispers, “Where are Mom and Dad?”
“Dad wasn’t feeling very good, so they had to stay home,” Drake replies.
“Thank you all for coming,” the man on the stage says. “This week has been a hallmark one for Digit Securities. And this is a hallmark week for Spirit Financial. As many of you know, myself and Digit’s CEO, Sage Dohring, have been in talks with Spirit for the last few months. And I am pleased to announce that the purchase of Spirit by Digit closed yesterday. Let’s have a round of applause for the woman who made all of this possible.”
Everyone starts clapping and the attention of the room focuses to a couple standing next to the stage. A man leads someone up, her arm looped through his. He’s wearing a tux, just like everyone else. There’s a hint of some kind of tattoo poking up from his collar.
He turns when they get to the stage, revealing Sage Dohring.
The woman I just talked to in the bathroom.
A little breathy chuckle escapes my lips as everyone keeps clapping for several long minutes. I expected to hate Sage before we arrived. Instead I find myself immediately liking her from just the few moments we spent together.
Sage goes into some speech about overcoming hardships and how Digit rose from the ashes some time ago. She talks about the technology her husband, Julian, invented. And how the two of them had the idea to buy Spirit and how they executed the deal. Blah, blah, blah, money, money, CEO talk.
But I have to respect Sage. She’s confident. There is no hesitation in her, speaking in front of all these people.
And Julian stands to her side, complete admiration on his face. It’s easy to see he worships the ground Sage stands on.
Julian gives a few closing remarks, mostly complimenting his wife and cracking a few cocky, sarcastic jokes, and then everyone is released back to the party.
“Didn’t know that’s what this party was for,” Lake says, absentmindedly placing a hand over mine, holding me firm and steady by his side. “As if they weren’t rich enough before.”
“Don’t try to act like it bothers you or something,” I say, giving him a sidelong smile. “I can hear it in your voice. You’re proud of her.”
I bump him with my shoulder, and he gives a little smile. “Maybe a little.”
“There they are,” Drake suddenly calls, his eyes fixing at a place beyond my shoulder. I turn to see Sage and Julian walking up to us. Drake, Kaylee, Sage, and Julian all exchange hugs, and I stand back, feeling incredibly awkward.
“Guess you aren’t fully avoiding us all,” Sage says as she wraps her arms around Lake. She’s tall with those heels on. She presses a kiss to Lake’s cheek. When she backs away again, her eyes finally turn to me. “Well, hello again.”
“Hey,” I say with a little chuckle.
“Have you two met already?” Lake asks, giving us a quizzical look.
“Not really,” I say.
“But you could say we’re kindred spirits,” Sage says with a wink. “I’m Sage, by the way.”
“I figured,” I say with a smile. “I’m Riley James.”
“My brother’s plus one,” Sage says with a little grin. “It took some coercion, but I knew he’d find someone amazing to bring.”
“She’s my boss,” Lake says. There’s something in his voice that sounds like he needs to clarify our status. I’m not sure how I feel about that.
“I’m Julian, by the way,” he says, stretching his hand forward. “And anyone my wife calls a kindred spirit must be an impressive woman.”
I chuckle, shaking his hand. “I don’t know about that, but I don’t have much patience for drunk assholes.”
This makes everyone laugh, and there’s a knowing look in Julian’s eyes, like there’s more weight behind that statement than I know.
“You run a horse ranch, right?” Sage says, accepting a glass of water from one of the waiters.
I nod, taking a sip from my own.
“No wonder you can handle yourself,” she says with a wink. “So, Kale,” she turns to him. “How long are you in town for?”
“I have to leave Monday morning,” he says distractedly. His eyes are following some girl that is walking in the opposite direction. “I’ve got a shoot at home Tuesday, and then I head to Milan on Wednesday.”
“Your life is so hard,” Kaylee teases with a bright smile on her face.
Kale returns his attention to us, flashing his brilliant, crooked smile.
All these McCain boys have that lopsided, wicked smile.
A band starts playing in one corner of the room, and Julian and Sage, Drake and Kaylee head off to the dance floor. Kale breaks off to find someone single to talk to. Leaving Lake and I alone.
“Is it okay if we find somewhere to sit down?” I ask, rolling one of my ankles in an attempt to stretch it. “My feet are killing me.”
Lake chuckles. “Yeah, come on.”
He leads us to the edge of the room, to a bench that is in front of one of the long, huge windows. Carefully, he helps me sit and then sits at my side.
We watch people for a few quiet moments. They talk loudly, drink, laugh. Everyone seems to be having such a good time.
“I have to admit,” I say, watching Julian and Sage dancing. They’re synchronized, good, like they’ve done this before. “I kind of came here tonight expecting to hate you sister, from what you’d told me.”
Lake looks over at me with a small smile on his face. “That doesn
’t surprise me,” he says. “Sage isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.”
I nod. “But she’s honest. She gives it like she is. I wish more people were like that.”
I used to be more like that. Now, I’m not entirely sure who I am.
“That’s one of my only regrets about enlisting,” Lake says, watching her and Julian. “I missed their wedding while I was on this last tour.”
“There’s always a sacrifice, being in the service,” I say.
He doesn’t say much about that. We continue to watch people quietly.
“Does any of this appeal to you?” I ask eventually. “The corporate world? All the money and glitz and glam?”
Lake shakes his head. “Not really. My sister is who she is and she loves her job, but most of this seems so fake to me.”
I nod. “What do you want to do? Now that you’re done in the Marines?”
Lake doesn’t look at me. His eyes stay fixed on the crowd, and I feel the air around him shift. It grows heavy. Something akin to sad. “I don’t really know. I just don’t want to waste away my life doing something meaningless. I kind of envy you, actually.” He looks back at me, his eyes so near, but so unreadable. “You’re doing something you love already. You’re where you’re supposed to be.”
I’d never thought of it that way. But it’s true. I’m doing what I want to do for the rest of my life.
And I’m really blessed to have that.
The song ends and another begins.
Kaylee practically skips over to us. “The party won’t be half as fun if you both sit there all night,” she says. She grabs Lake’s hands and starts pulling him to his feet. “Come on you guys! I’ll let you borrow my husband for a few minutes, Riley!”
Lake gives me a wide-eyed look as Kaylee drags his huge self off to the dance floor.
“My wife is a little enthusiastic, as you can see,” Drake says, his hands stuffed in his pockets as he watches them go. “She’s really happy Lake is home.”
“He said they’re close,” I say as I stand. I leave my shoes under the bench. My dress is long enough, no one will be able to tell. And Drake isn’t very tall.
“They are,” Drake says as he holds a hand out and leads me to the floor. The song is slower, so he puts a hand at my back, holding out my other. This should feel awkward, dancing with the brother of the man who works for our family, like we’re friends or something. But it doesn’t, surprisingly. There’s something easy and calm about Drake.