He raised a single brow just a notch, barely noticeable, but I knew something I had said offended him. However, I didn’t want to analyze it, I needed to put some distance between us. Get back on my plan of snagging Patrick.
“Excuse me.” I rushed away. I passed another attendant with champagne. I grabbed a glass and drank liberally as I headed in the direction of the restroom.
I knew I was supposed to be with the wedding party and guests while Ronnie and Faith cut their cake, but I needed a moment by myself just now.
The restroom was empty when I got inside. Thankful, I walked to the sink and set my empty glass on the counter. Assessing myself in the mirror, I couldn’t believe the view staring back at me. My eyes looked luminous, filled with excitement that was accompanied by the flush of my face. My medium-brown skin had a cheery undertone to it. Evidence of the heat I felt pulsing in my face.
Pulling down a paper towel, I moistened it under the cool faucet water then patted my neck with it. I wanted to splash water on my face, but I didn’t’ want to ruin my make-up. That would bring questions from my family.
Looking down at the empty champagne glass, I knew the alcohol was the culprit for my unruly emotions and body reaction. I should never drink. When I was in high school and college, alcohol was responsible for most of my antics. I was a lightweight. One drink and I was game for anything crazy. Two beers and I was the ringleader.
Having budding feelings for Travis at my brother’s wedding was extremely crazy.
Staring at my own reflection, I demanded, “He’s just a friend. Hell, he’s like a brother to me.”
My body reminded me that the sensations streaming through me were not brotherly in nature.
“Damn it.” Squeezing my eyes shut, I forced myself to see Patrick Rockell’s face. Finally, once the man with the charming smile and carefree presence was in my mind, I felt more at ease. Patrick posed no threat to me. He didn’t really know me, rather the me I used to be. So, there was no risk. He would accept me at face value and never look any deeper.
Is that really what you want? My heart asked.
Giving myself a sharp nod, I knew Patrick was what I needed. What woman wanted to look into eyes, clear blue aquatic eyes, that knew all her sins? Not me.
Travis knew too much. He’d seen me at my worst, drunk and under the disapproving glare of my parents, too many times. Or worse, he’d seen me when I felt stupid and insecure as my dyslexia kept me from comprehending math formulas or geography facts. I’d easily fooled others outside of my family with my flamboyance and wild ways.
But Travis was too close.
Taking a deep breath that almost hurt, I exhaled hard and centered myself. I was letting my mind run out of control. Travis didn’t want anything from me. And, I certainly didn’t want anything more with him.
My resolve firm, I headed back out to the main ballroom of the hotel motivated anew to be in the arms of Patrick before the night was over. Once I was in his bed, things would naturally progress to something more—man and wife.
When I got back to the ballroom, my resolve to get Patrick was reaffirmed by the sight of my cousin shaking her backside practically in his face. A popular line dance was playing and Serita, I was sure, placed herself directly before Patrick. Boy was Serita working the moves. My cousin wasn’t even trying to be coy about it, she kept smiling and glancing over her shoulder to make sure she had Patrick’s attention. He sure was looking at the swaying ass.
Hell, almost every single man in the room had their gaze glued to Serita as she hopped and wobbled with the crowd to the music. I couldn’t fault my cousin for the attention she was getting, always got; she was stacked. Where God had given me legs, he’d given her curves in the hips and breasts area.
Serita wasn’t going to draw Patrick away from me when I’d been prepping him all day. Before Travis stepped in, Patrick was clay in my hands. I wasn’t going to sit back and do nothing. I’d have to figure something else out altogether.
My thoughts began running and clicking into place with a perfect plan. I just needed a cover. Seeing my aunt leaving the dance floor fanning herself as another line dance started, I went to her.
Taking my Aunt Renee’s arm, I steered her to the back hallway of the ballroom.
“Why are we going out here?”
“Shh.” I dragged her a little further away so no one could overhear us and whispered, “Aunt Renee, I need you to make my excuses.”
Giving me a side look, she asked, “For what, Kamari? What are you up to?”
“Nothing…much.” I tried to keep my face a neutral mask so she wouldn’t pick up on anything.
“Hm. Don’t try to look innocent. I don’t believe that for a minute. Just be careful and don’t get yourself into something you can’t get out of,” she warned, her gaze filled with concern.