Page 200 of Face Off

“You brought food without enough beverages. Poor planning has consequences.”

“I had a beverage until you stole it.”

Rider accepts another whiskey from the bartender and glances toward the staircase. “Charm has been gone eight minutes.”

“I didn’t ask you to time her.”

“You’ve checked the stairs eleven times.”

Easton joins us before I can respond. “Twelve.”

“I fucking hate all of you.”

Cade’s former coach laughs and claps me on the shoulder. “You boys haven’t changed much.”

“Cade has,” Briggs says. “He owns decorative napkins now.”

“They came with the venue,” Cade tells him.

“You approved them.”

“Bliss approved them.”

“And you accepted her authority without challenge. Marriage has already destroyed you.”

Cade takes the drink a server offers him and looks toward the ballroom entrance. “I’m not married yet.”

“Run,” Rider says.

“You drove here with me.”

“I’ll steal Briggs’s rental.”

Briggs shields his plate. “You’ll have to leave the food.”

“I’m reconsidering my offer.”

Their voices move around me while I search the ballroom again. Charm’s friends from the boutique occupy one of the tables near the dance floor. Crystal speaks with Elenore and Becky beneath an arrangement of yellow roses. Lance has positioned himself beside Harrison and two men who appear rich enough to believe conversation with them should be considered a privilege.

Charm isn’t with any of them.

I tell myself she went upstairs to finish getting ready for dinner. The argument on the patio left both of us angry, and she deserves enough space to decide whether she wants to continue it later. I told her I would talk when I was ready. She said she understood before looking at me like understanding and accepting had become two completely different forms of pain.

She still disappeared without saying anything.

Briggs follows my attention. “Want me to check the ladies’ room?”

“No.”

“I have extensive experience entering places I’m not welcome.”

“That isn’t a qualification.”

“It demonstrates courage.”

“It demonstrates why security recognizes you.”

“I’m memorable.”