Chapter 31

“I didn’t come here to dance with strangers,” Jesse said, without taking his eyes from her.

“Aw, they’re only strangers until you get to know them.” Sliding his arm around Emma’s waist, Ethan pulled her away from the edge and into his side. “Now if you’ll excuse us, I’d like to take advantage of how beautiful my date is and show her off on the dance floor.”

She felt both Jesse’s and Gideon’s gazes heavy on her as she and Ethan brushed past and walked down the sloped balcony to the ground level. Every step away eased some of the knots in her stomach, but when they reached the bottom, Emma glanced up and saw them still watching her. Her heart thudded. She might not know the reasons or the details, but she was sure of one thing.

Jess wasn’t here for fun.

Jess was here for her.