One Tiny Lie – Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,45

up into his vivid eyes. Tonight, they had a golden cast. “Oh, yeah? Why’s that?” Her heart was beating fast, a thrill of excitement wrapped around her.

He slid his arms around her waist. “So, I can do this!” He twirled her around and then dipped her.

Laughter floated from her throat as he stood her back upright. He pumped his eyebrows, a streak of mischief overtaking his features. “We could rehash the other night.” He looked at the pool.

Her eyes bugged. “Oh, no, we can’t. My mom would tan my hide. Yours too.”

He chuckled. “I’m sure you’re right.” He sighed in mock disappointment. “I guess I’ll have to console myself with good food, great wine, lots of dancing, and the best company in the world. Speaking of food, what’s on the menu tonight?”

“You’ll be happy to know that it’s not chicken parmesan,” she quipped.

He rewarded her with a broad smile. “That’s good to know.”

He took her hand. “Come on. Let’s go check out the food table.” They were almost there when Margot came sauntering up, a bright smile adorning her lips. She was wearing a snug white dress, which complimented her olive complexion and dark hair. Margot’s movements were as graceful as a cat.

“Hello, you two,” she said cheerily.

“Hello,” Luna said, forcing a smile.

Margot turned to the guy next to her. “Do you remember Peter Sedgwick?”

A charming smile spread over the guy’s lips. Wow. He was pretty with his blonde hair and bright blue eyes—almost prettier than Margot. “Hello,” he said with a slight bow. His accent was British.

“Hey,” Hudson said politely, but Luna could tell he wasn’t in the mood for small talk.

Margot homed in on Hudson. “You and Peter have something in common. He loves to sail. In fact, he won a division of The Cowes Week Race last year.”

“Oh? Which class?” Hudson asked, a mild interest kindling in his voice.

“IRC Class One.”

Margot laughed. “Now, gentlemen, you have to understand that Ava and I have no idea what IRC means.”

“It stands for International Rating Certificate,” Peter explained. “It’s a classification for keelboats that allows them to race against like vessels.”

Hudson and Peter chatted back and forth about sailing for a few minutes.

“I saw your mom earlier,” Luna said.

Worry clouded Margot’s features. “Was she drinking?”

“Yes, she was.”

“I hope she doesn’t make an idiot out of herself,” Margot said quietly, so the guys wouldn’t hear.

So Maggie had a drinking problem. That’s why she said what she did to Beverly. She was probably drunk. Luna felt a dart of guilt for her snarky comment.

Hudson looked at Luna. She sensed that he was as ready to get away from Margot and Peter as she was. “Ava and I were just getting something to eat,” Hudson said. “If you’ll excuse us—”

“We’ll go with you,” Margot blurted.

“We will?” Peter asked, wide-eyed.

Margot laughed lightly. “Sure. Why not? I’m hungry.”

Luna groaned inwardly, not wanting a repeat of the sailing experience where Margot and her date were stuck to her and Hudson like extra appendages.

Hudson slid his arm around Luna’s shoulders as he pulled her close. “You’re welcome to join us.” He grinned. “So long as you don’t mind me putting one hundred percent of my focus on this amazing lady.” He leaned in and kissed her full on the mouth. For a second, Luna forgot that anyone else was even around. All she could think about was the sizzle of Hudson’s insistent mouth on hers and how it shot electricity through her. Then, Hudson pulled back, and Luna caught the flicker of pain and resentment in Margot’s eyes. Their gazes met for one long moment before Margot turned to Peter and gave him a doting smile.

“Maybe we should give them their space,” Peter suggested, looking uncomfortable.

Margot’s face fell. “Really?”

“Come on, beautiful,” Peter said. “Let’s go dance. We’ll eat later.”

Margot looked like she was about to protest, but Peter pulled her away.

Luna turned to Hudson, having just now realized what he’d done. “Smart move.”

Laughter danced in his eyes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Hah!” A grin slid over her lips. “So, was the kiss just for Margot and Peter?” she taunted.

“Partly,” he admitted. He encircled her waist, pulling her to him in a swift movement. His voice went husky. “But this one is just for you and me,” he uttered, as his lips took hers.

The evening passed like a blissful dream. Conversation came as easily as breathing as Luna and Hudson ate, then danced. Todd got up and gave a great speech and toast. He expressed