(Slade’s POV)
Celeste’s presence hit the table like a glass shattering.
Aspen’s smile faltered for half a second. Her shoulders pulled in. Her eyes went somewhere distant, like she’d suddenly remembered she didn’t belong in a room full of people who wore confidence like jewelry.
I saw it.
I didn’t move my hand from her back.
Celeste didn’t stop at the edge of the table like a normal person. She came right up to me, leaned in, and before Aspen could even blink, Celeste pressed a kiss to my cheek.
Aspen went still beside me.
I turned my head slowly and met Celeste’s eyes.
“Don’t do that,” I said, calm but sharp.
Celeste’s mouth curved like she enjoyed the correction. “It’s a kiss, Slade. Relax.”
I kept my voice even. “Not in front of my girl.”
Aspen’s head snapped toward me.
Cele
