Chapter 322
Chapter 322:
A mellow wash of orange light slipped over the resort as evening settled in, and Gracie drifted somewhere between dreaming and waking. A faint tickle brushed her forehead, making her stir.
She mumbled sleepily and lifted a hand, only to bump into something warm and solid.
Blinking herself awake, she found a devastatingly handsome face mere inches from hers.
Quiet amusement tugged at the corner of Brayden’s mouth as he studied her. “Not completely awake, are you?” His breath skimmed her cheek, and color rushed up her neck in an instant.
She jerked her gaze aside as she replied, “Sorry… I didn’t realize you were so close p>
A soft laugh slipped from him. “We’ve got half an hour before dinner. Go wash up and get ready p>
Flustered, Gracie shoved back the blanket and all but fled to the bathroom, her brisk footsteps making it painfully clear she was desperate to escape the charged moment between them. Brayden let out a soft, knowing chuckle before drifting into the living room, settling onto the sofa with quiet patience.
Nearly thirty minutes passed before Gracie finally emerged in the resort’s evening gown. The white strapless dress hugged her silhouette in all the right places; soft light skimmed along her collarbones, and her loose hair spilled down her back. A spark of heat crossed Brayden’s gaze, his throat tightening as he took her in.
Sensing the weight of his stare, Gracie shifted uneasily. “Do you think I should throw something over this? It feels… a little much p>
“No need.” Getting to his feet, Brayden offered his arm with quiet grace. “You look incredible tonight p>
The straightforward praise caught her off guard. Color crept up her cheeks as she curled her fingers around his arm. “Let’s get moving. Tonight won’t be easy p>
Music swelled through the banquet hall, lights glittering above a sea of guests and murmured conversations.
When the two of them stepped inside, heads turned almost immediately.
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Drawn by pure admiration, Jessie closed the distance before anyone else could. “Gracie, you look absolutely stunning tonight! You should dress like this more often instead of living in jeans and that plain white tee. You’re hiding a masterpiece of a figure p>
Gracie offered a soft smile, though her attention drifted toward Theo standing a short distance away.
He lingered beside Eaton, his sharp, brooding stare fixed on her in a way that tightened her chest with unease.
“Why don’t we go say hello to Eaton first?” she suggested lightly.
Brayden guided her toward the pair, and Eaton’s eyes brightened the moment they approached.
“What an honor to have you two here,” Eaton greeted warmly. “Mr. Stanley, everyone inside has been looking forward to your arrival p>
With a slight shift, Brayden angled his gaze toward Gracie. “I’ll be right back. Go get something to eat p>
He dipped closer, his voice dropping. “And stay where I can see you. The guests tonight carry a lot of weight—good for your networking. Try to socialize a bit p>
“No need to worry. I can handle myself,” Gracie replied with a small nod.
Brayden paused before heading out, trading a brief look with Jessie, who instantly caught his meaning and eased closer to Gracie.
After Brayden and Eaton disappeared into the crowd, Theo finally broke the silence. “Gracie, are you really still mad at me p>
Gracie tilted her head, fingers brushing the chilled flute she’d taken from a passing tray. “Shouldn’t I be?” she said lightly. “As long as we’re polite in public, there’s no need to drag this out. It’s undignified. I’ve never thought well of you, so why make life harder for everyone? Did you honestly believe hosting this little gathering would change my opinion of you p>
A rueful chuckle slipped out of him, and then he stepped in without warning. The champagne in his hand tipped forward, splashing straight down the front of Jessie’s dress.
Jessie gasped, staring at the spreading stain. “You did that on purpose p>