“We don’t discriminate. In fact, we have more women in our engineering and manufacturing departments than men. We’ve learned they tend to be more productive and creative.” I hum in agreement.
We’re stopped by the buffet making our plates when I hear a high-pitched squeal.
“Bash! I heard you’ve been hiding a girlfriend from us!” A curvy brunette girl in a stunning navy gown approaches. She’s practically shaking with excitement.
A man is by her side, staring down at her adoringly. The second he looks up, I instantly know this man is Bash’s brother. While older looking, they share the same eyes, sharp jawline, and proud nose.
Bash beams as he turns us to face his family. With a palm on my back and his plate in the other, Bash proudly presents me.
“Lizzy, these are Margot and Matthias, my brother and his wife. Guys, this is Lizzy, my girlfriend.”
Margot grins at me and pulls me in for a hug. “You have no idea how happy we are to see Bash with someone. In the six years I’ve known him, he’s never had a girl.”
I barely notice her pulling back as her words resonate in me. He’s never had a girlfriend before. I’m his first? But why?
When Margot steps back into her husband, I notice that he’s studying me, not in an uncomfortable way, more out of curiosity. I guess he’s trying to figure out who the girl is that’s finally won his brother over.
He shoots Bash a questioning look to which Bash returns with an indecipherable one. Margot pinches her husband’s side when she realizes he’s just been staring at us.
“My apologies. I’m not used to seeing my baby brother with a date. My interest is piqued by the girl who has him so enamored.”
The slight shake of Bash’s head that I’m not meant to see and the grin Matthias breaks out in is all the confirmation I need that Bash has spoken to him about me.
“It’s very nice to meet the two of you. Bash speaks so highly of y’all and of little Nico.” Margot’s eyes widen at my words then she turns to Bash.
“I really like her. Don’t be like your brothers and do something stupid,” Margot threatens. Matthias sputters a laugh so harsh and abrupt, we all turn to him.
“What?” Margot demands.
“Nothing you want to know. Just that Bash may take after his big brothers more than you realize.” There’s a twinkle inhis eye that makes me curious. It doesn’t feel like a compliment, and the foreboding look he gives me is a bucket of ice water dousing me.
“Isn’t it time for your boring speech? Did you at least make it different than last year’s?” Bash jabs at his brother.
“Shit, it is. I’ll catch up with you guys later.” Matthias steers his wife towards the front of the room towards the stage.
“Not if I can help it,” Bash mutters. I know he loves his brother, but Matthias was certainly trying to rile him up.
“What did he mean by you take after your brothers?” The words tumble from my lips before I can stop them.
“My brothers all love their wives fiercely. There’s nothing they wouldn’t do for them. I think Matthias could see how my feelings for you are similar to theirs.” He lifts my right hand to his mouth and kisses it.
My heart races at his slight declaration of love. I know he didn’t say the words, but the sentiment was there. And I realize I return the feeling.
“Maybe after this is over, we can use my gift certificate to get a room in the hotel.” When Bash remains silent, I add, “This is the same hotel at the trivia prize. Isn’t that crazy?”
When more silence ensues, I chance a glance at him and instantly wish I hadn’t. His face is pinched tight, his lips pursed as his jaw clenches. He’s warring with himself, and I can’t understand why. Why wouldn’t he jump at the opportunity to stay at a hotel for free with his girlfriend?
“Bash?” I whisper his name, needing something from him.
“I can’t.” His voice is a broken plea, begging me to understand. But I don’t. Because he’s rejecting me.
Matthias’s voice booming through the room is the perfect distraction, allowing us to fall into silence that for once isn’t comfortable. After his ten-minute speech is over, ourconversation is stilted, awkward in a way it never has been before.
We leave soon after, and the car ride is just as uncomfortable. I wish I were able to get past this, but my hurt and embarrassment are too fresh.
When he walks me to my door, I don’t stop to kiss him. I’m halfway through my doorway when he reaches out and grabs my arm. He gently pulls me into him and cups my cheeks in his warm hands.
“Let’s not end tonight like this. We had an amazing time. You were the most beautiful woman there, and I’m beyond lucky to have had you with me. I wanted to go up to a hotel room with you. More than anything. But I can’t. Not yet.” His voice is soft and rough at the same time, filled with unconcealed need.