Chapter 68 Chapter 34 (2)
FAE
Jigo didn't let go of my hand until we greeted Tammy Marquez at the entrance to the function hall. He stood proudly beside me as Tammy admired the way I carried myself in her evening dress from her fashion line. At first, Tammy thought I was a new model she hadn’t discovered yet and couldn’t believe Jigo when he said I was a lawyer.
But she seemed more convinced when Jigo introduced me as his girlfriend. Tammy kissed me on both cheeks again while greeting the man who chose the most beautiful and obviously intelligent girlfriend—according to her. She even asked if I could model her fashion line because, as she noted, lawyers could model, too.
Jigo didn't release my hand as we mingled with guests once we were inside and did not release me even when we held wine glasses and chatted with the other guests. He was being so clingy there was no question with just one look at us that we were together in a way he was never with other women in his arms before. Word quickly spread that I was Jigo's girlfriend from the first introductions, and I noticed that the line of people waiting to meet me didn't seem to end. They appeared genuinely happy to see us—or at least that was the impression I got. I was again praised for how I carried one of the designs in Tammy’s fashion line. After greeting all the guests at the door, Tammy approached us again to ask permission to take our picture, just the two of us, for her press release about the launch party.
But, of course, not everyone was happy.
Some didn’t bother to whisper, their eyes filled with speculation and doubts about what they saw. Beneath the smiles and cheerful greetings, I sensed that they were beginning to figure out who I was. There were familiar faces at the party and few 'innocent' questions circulated about Carl. Despite this, Jigo remained by my side, attentive and affectionate, playing the role of the devoted boyfriend. He didn’t hold back on the PDA. Chaste kisses on my hair, on my temple, on my cheek… so sweet. He wasn’t known to display affection when with someone at events. But they saw a different Spencer Myrick that night. Among good friends who believed in us, he was showered with teasing. And their looks observed me, analyzed me, because he had never introduced anyone as his girlfriend. I was the first. They were looking for what he saw in me.
And in many of those eyes, I saw approval—thank god! In many of his friends' faces, I saw how they liked seeing their friend happy.
We hadn't gone home yet, but it seemed our mission here was successful. This would reach Jigo's Lola Leah if it hadn’t already.
He leaned down. "I want to dance with you," he whispered to me. "C’mon." He took my glass and set it on a passing waiter's tray, then led me to the dance floor near the band playing slow music. Once there, he pulled me close and hugged me, no space between us, his arms claiming me possessively. "Look at me."
I lifted my gaze at his command. His eyes gave me a warning before he leaned down. Our lips met in a brief yet tender kiss. Then he lifted his head from mine. He smiled at me. He looked relieved.
“There you go. You’re blushing. But smiling. I told you it’s going to be okay.”
"You kissed me here on the dance floor. Of course I'm blushing."
He leaned down again, pulled me close to him, and gently swayed with me to the slow beat of the music. "Don’t overthink and dance with me."
"I think others have already connected me to Carl," I said. "I wonder what they're thinking now?"
"That we're a good match and look happy and in love."
I couldn't argue with that. That's how it felt exactly that I was getting light-headed with happiness. "Well, I’m sorry to those hoping to be your potential hookup tonight," I teased him. Then I winced. "Though they might not be willing to stop hoping you’re a rebound from Carl yet."
He laughed softly, his eyes crinkling on the sides, merriment on his open expression. "Do you remember that night, Fae? I was so into you I was trembling the whole time I first took you. So, sue me because until now I still feel so lucky that you chose me as your rebound.”
My smile disappeared. "Baby… I’m teasing you, okay?"
"And to hear you call me baby… all the time… until we’re old, Fae… I know I got the better end of the deal here. So I don't care if they call me a rebound. I'm good. I get to bring you home tonight."
I held both sides of his head and pulled it down, then gave him a kiss. He looked surprised, but after a moment he pulled me back again, almost lifting me off the floor as he kissed me back.
When he finally let me down, he was laughing. “That’s the first time you kissed me first the whole night. You're learning.”
"And that’s important?" I laughed, asking.
He nodded. "You've marked me, babe. Claimed me as yours. Thank you," he said, grinning as people approached to pat him on the shoulder or tap him on the back in congratulations.
Oh my god, what's happening? I glanced around briefly and saw nothing but smiling faces. Even the women were smiling, too, as if touched by our display. And I thought, who wouldn't be? When I looked back at my husband, he couldn't hide how happy he was.
And in love. He really looked so in love that it obliterated any remaining doubt in my heart. Only heartless people would not be affected by his happiness.
We danced to the next song, and the next, and the next, undisturbed because everyone could see that tonight, Jigo and I only had our eyes for each other…