Although, the sight of her in that figure-flaunting dress makes me determined to prod her along.
“I feel I should object to the way you’re looking at my sister.” Wyatt’s wry tone rips my gaze from Cat.
I raise a brow. “Are you?”
He shrugs. “Can’t be smart.”
Of course it’s not smart, but I’ve given up the good fight and am prepared to go down in flames. I don’t know how to keep good things, and she’s not going to be the exception.
I shake my head. “Never been known for my brains.”
Wyatt studies his sister, who hasn’t looked in this direction once as she’s made her way around the room, saying hello to the small pockets of people littered around in leather chairs.
He glances back at me. “Just promise we won’t lose you if things go south.”
I frown, thinking of the last time things went south. “I’m going to do my damnedest to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“Fair enough.”
The acquiescence surprises me, so I give him my full attention. “That’s it?”
His steely eyes, a shade or two darker than his sister’s, narrow. He contemplates Cat, then turns to me. “Our dad did the classic going out for a pack of cigarettes and never came back deal. My mom, she loved him too much, and it broke her. She died still wondering if today would be the day he showed up. Jackson couldn’t take it, and he had a talent we couldn’t understand, so he left to travel the world, cook, and meet interesting people. Then it was just Cat and me in this house, which at the time was crumbling down around us. Those were some lean, desperate years, and when I look back, I can’t believe we didn’t lose everything. But we turned it around, only I think along the way she got used to suffering and doesn’t know how to turn it off.”
I nod, turning back to look at Cat. Her hair flows in soft waves down her back, rich and glossy. “I want to make her happy.”
“That’s what I want for her too.” He crosses his arms over his chest.
“I’ll do my best.” What else can I do?
“I hope so.” He tosses me a glance. “Try not to fuck her over.”
“Understood.” I assess her, debating whether I should go to her or wait for her to come to me. I decide to wait.
Gwen picks that moment to move behind the bar and yell, “Okay, we’re all here, so we can start the drinking.”
I smile at the clapping.
“Everyone take a seat.” There’s a spot next to me at the bar, but when I turn to look over my shoulder, Cat has parked herself with Gwen’s sisters and Jillian and Leo.
That won’t do at all.
I stand, walking in her direction.
Her gaze catches mine and stalls.
When I reach the circle, I crook my finger. “You come sit next to me, Catarina.”
She rolls her eyes, but she can’t quite hide the flash of something I choose to take as excitement.
She shakes her head. “I like it here.” She leans into the highbacked leather chair. “More comfortable.” She smiles, way too sweetly. “But thank you.”
I sigh, shaking my head. “Are you determined to be difficult?”
“I’m determined to be comfortable.” Another sweet smirk flirts over her lips.
Of course, everyone is watching us with interest. I contemplate my options.
I could grandstand.