Self

Chapter 73

He went rigid, his hand slipping from Xandran grasp like it was on fire.

Xandra, taken aback, scrunched her brown and followed his store–it was Yara, just a stone’s throw away.

Yale’s frown deepened. “You invited Yara?”

Shane flashed a grin that could disarm anyone. “Of course, we’re all friends here.”

“And you didn’t think to give me a heads–up?”

Shane just shrugged it off. “Slipped my mind. No biggle, right?”

Yara had noticed Yale, too, but she looked away quickly like she had better things to do.

She was there to drop off good wishes and bounce. Books and research were calling her name, not some party.

With that in mind, she made a beeline for Shane. “Happy birthday, Shane. I hope you have many more days and moments just like this. Here’s a little something I picked. out for you. It’s not fancy, so don’t laugh it off, okay?”

She handed him a neatly wrapped gift box.

Shane accepted it with a low chuckle. “Thanks a bunch.”

He was the birthday boy, the star of the show, and after mingling with the guests, he was carrying a hint of wine on his breath.

“Having a blast, huh? How about we toast to that? A walter with a tray of drinks swung by, and he grabbed a glass of red. “Me first.”

He knocked it back in one, and Yara, caught in the moment, could not just stand there with an empty glass.

She emptied her glass, checked the time, and hinted that it was time for her to leave.

Shane raised an eyebrow. “Why the rush? The night’s young, and you’re already heading out.”

Yara looked like she wished she could sink into the floor, so Shane switched gears.” Stick around a bit longer, at least until we cut the birthday cake, yeah?”

“Sure.” Yara nodded, feeling the wine’s punch and the room’s heat teaming up on her. She needed air immediately.

While Shane played the host, Yara slipped away, following the archway to the garden’s cool escape.

Yale watched her go, his mood turning stormy. She had not looked at him all evening, and she did not even throw him a glance.

He considered going after her, but Xandra latched onto his arm. “Babe, I’m not feeling great. Can we find a spot to chill for a bit?”

Her voice was a whisper, her grip on his arm soft but insistent, like a flower that needed protection.

By the time he looked back, Yara was gone.

He had no choice but to let it go, his irritation barely hidden. “Alright, let’s go.”

The walk to the garden was short, but it was a green wonderland with rare trees that they would typically only see in special magazines. They were the kind that cost a pretty penny and needed special care, but there they were, one after another, owning the place.

The scent of wood and earth mingled with the chill in the air, and Yara felt the heaviness in her chest lift just a little.

Yara had planned to wander around for a bit.

Out of nowhere, a warm breath wrapped around her from behind, and the scent of alcohol tinged the air as it brushed against her neck. She figured it was Yale and tried to pull away, but then she caught a low, amused laugh.

Rooted to the spot, Yara’s eyes went wide.

It was Shane!

His hand found its way to her waist, the unexpected heat sending a shiver down her spine. Without a second thought, she wriggled free and stumbled steps backward.

“You’re drunk, and I’m not your date.”

Shane’s gaze held a mix of surprise and confusion, his eyes as round as a startled. bird’s.

He let out a soft laugh. “I know what I’m doing.”

Yara looked at him, her eyes clouded with confusion for a moment.