Maya scoffed. “You did not get me a gift card.”
“I did.” I lifted my shoulder in a shrug. “I figured it was time for you to choose what you want instead of me trying to guess what you want. It’s easier that way.”
She laughed. When I didn’t join in, her smile wobbled, then faded. “Oh. I—thank you.” Confusion mixed with a bit of hurt flashed across her face before she quickly covered it up.
My throat constricted. “You’re welcome. Happy Birthday, Sal.”
We lingered in the quiet, neither of us speaking. Tension rippled down my spine like electricity before a storm.
We’d reached a threshold in our relationship, and every muscle in my body hummed from the effort it took to keep me from crossing it.
“There you are.” Vivian’s voice floated from across the room, disturbing the silence. She came into view and gave us an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Maya, it’s almost time for your entrance. Riley K.’s here, and the crew is on standby.”
“Thanks, Viv. I’ll be right there.” Maya’s eyes stayed on mine for another second before she sidestepped me and left.
Her arm brushed mine on her way past. A spark flared on my skin, and I clenched my jaw to keep from reacting.
Then she was gone, and I could breathe again.
Instead of looking for her grandmother’s earring, I stared out at the dark grounds surrounding the estate and waited for the remaining warmth from Maya’s presence to dissipate. Her gift—herrealgift—weighed heavily in my pocket.
I should’ve gotten her something else. It was too intimate for what we were; I didn’t know what I was thinking when I’d picked it.
After a short while, I roused myself from my daze and did a thorough sweep of the conservatory. There was no diamond earring in sight.
I called my assistant on my way back to the party and asked her to deliver a Delamonte gift card ASAP.
She did, and I left it in the room with other guests’ presents.
I didn’t speak to Maya again for the rest of the night.
CHAPTER 17
Maya
“I’D SAY THE PARTY WAS A HUGE SUCCESS.” SLOANEstretched her arms over her head. “Everyonewas talking about that aerial entrance stunt—as they should, because it was inspired. Viv, you nailed it.”
“Thanks, but it was Maya’s idea, not mine,” Vivian said with a smile. “She told me what she wanted, and I took care of the logistics. That’s all.”
“I could never.” Alessandra shuddered. “Trying stunts like that when I’m not professionally trained would give me hives.”
“It was nerve-wracking,” I admitted. “But I’m always down for a little danger as long as it’s in a safe, controlled environment.”
“So no more sleeping in the woods with Sebastian?” Isabella teased.
“Absolutely not. Once was enough.” I busied myself with opening the next gift so my friends didn’t see the conflicting emotions on my face.
Part of me had thought Sebastian wouldn’t show tonight. Things had been so weird between us lately, which was why I’d been shocked to see him in the conservatory. I’d never admit tothe way my pulse skipped a beat when I saw him, or the way I’d felt a twinge of disappointment when he’d reacted to my arranged marriage predicament with as much interest as someone reading Apple’s terms and conditions.
But secretly, deep within the chambers of my heart, I couldn’t deny the feelings I’d had.
My birthday party ended over an hour ago, and it was an annual tradition for me to host a gift-unwrapping after-party with my family. This year, however, my family was busy chatting with the remaining guests and overseeing the cleanup downstairs, so I’d invited my friends to stay behind instead.
Vivian, Ayana, and Sloane were a given, and I’d been happy to include Isabella and Alessandra at Sloane’s request as well. I didn’t know them as well as the others, but I liked Isabella’s humor and Alessandra’s down-to-earth personality.
Their significant others were hanging out downstairs, waiting for them to finish, but Ayana had assured me I didn’t need to worry about the time. The guys could entertain themselves for a few hours, she’d declared.
“This isgorgeous.” Alessandra unfurled a hand-embroidered shawl. “I want to bury myself in this.”