Holding her in his arms again had been the most exquisite form of torture. When she’d purred in his ear, his insides had exploded like a Roman candle.
But she’d been drinking champagne all night, and experience told him that dance was merely another “Cat”-and-mouse game. She may think of him as some lowly carpenter to toy with, but he wouldn’t be her fool twice.
“Is that scowl for me?” Jackson slapped Hank on the back. “You know I was just having a little fun. I’m not really trying to steal Amy from you.”
“I might be pissed if I actually considered you any kind of threat,” Hank joked, thankful Jackson had no idea what he’d really been thinking.
“Well, we’ll never know because, unlike my brother, I’m not looking for love.” Jackson’s gaze veered across the crowd to David and Vivi, who were approaching them. “But I’m glad some people find it.”
Hank ignored Jackson and stole a glance at Cat, who was sitting beside her father at her table with her chin propped up in her palm. Her unfocused eyes stared into the distance while she mindlessly tapped her pinky finger against her cheek. When he’d first seen her tonight, she looked brittle, like she might snap in two at any time. Curiosity pricked him, but whatever had her preoccupied wasn’t his business.
“Hey, you.” Vivi tugged at Hank’s forearm. “How about dancing with the bride?”
David nodded in agreement, so Hank set his glass down on the bar and led Vivi to the dance floor. Her big smile made him grin. Meeting her last summer had been a breath of fresh air. She might be a pip-squeak of a girl, but the size of her heart more than made up for her tiny stature.
“Thank you for dealing with my dad.” Vivi’s gaze drifted to the floor. Her suddenly somber expression kicked his heart. No bride should have to worry about anything on her wedding day, especially Vivi. “I didn’t realize he had so much to drink so early.”
“Forget about it and enjoy the night,” he said, raising her chin with his fingers. “Nothing but good memories, okay? Besides, I have to eat some crow. Seems you were right about David after all. He never once looked at Laney the way he looks at you, and now here we are dancing at your wedding.”
As the words left his mouth, he wondered if he could remove the foot he’d just stuffed in there when mentioning David’s ex-girlfriend. Fortunately, Vivi seemed unaffected by his blunder.
“You should always trust my instincts.” She grinned. “Speaking of which, I saw you and Cat dancing. Does that mean the frost has thawed?”
Hank hadn’t thought his and Cat’s indifferent behavior last summer had been particularly noteworthy, but apparently he hadn’t been as nonchalant as he’d hoped. Had Cat told Vivi anything about their past? Annoyed with himself for giving a damn, he spun Vivi away and back again. “Your friend Amy seems like a nice girl. What’s her story?”
Vivi frowned before she wiped the expression from her face. “Well, Amy is a good friend and a thoughtful person. A lot like you, actually.” She then pinned him with her saucer-eyed stare. “She’s great, Hank. But wouldn’t you rather be with someone who challenges you, who pushes and surprises you . . . who excites you? Because I know someone who might do all that and more.”
Vivi glanced over to where Cat was sitting.
“Why do newlyweds always try to play matchmaker?” Hank asked before playfully dipping her as the song ended. He kissed her cheek, cutting the conversation short. “Congratulations, Mrs. St. James. I’m really happy for you.”
He led Vivi back to her husband, but she promptly stole Jackson for a dance. Hank had never warmed to David, who still struck him as a bit aloof. However, they’d spent a little time together whenever David had visited Jackson throughout the past year.
“Thanks for dealing with Vivi’s father, Hank. I’m sure you prevented a disaster tonight.” David sipped his drink. “We owe you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
David glanced toward the crowd and said, “Jackson seems more scattered than normal. Everything okay at work?”
“It’s been busy.” Hank watched Jackson and Vivi rather than meet David’s eyes.
Due to the financial strain caused by his mother’s illness and his baby sister’s college tuition, he shouldn’t complain about the extra hours and extra pay. But Hank knew enough about David to recognize his indirect way of checking up on his younger brother.
Hank wasn’t without concerns for his friend, either. “We’re struggling to keep up with all the deadlines he’s promising to meet. It’s been stressful.”