Samantha hadn't expected Oliver to go this far.
Making that toast in front of everyone wasn't just playful encouragement.
It was public endorsement.
It told the room exactly where she stood.
Color crept into her cheeks as she glanced at Ryan.
"There are a lot of people here," she said softly.
"Don't encourage him."
"Oh, come on!"
Someone in the crowd laughed.
"Toast together!"
Another voice joined in.
"Kiss!"
"Give us something worth celebrating!"
The chants spread across the ballroom.
Ryan leaned back in his chair, lazily swirling the bourbon in his glass.
"It's Oliver's birthday."
Oliver bumped his shoulder.
"Exactly."
He raised his own glass.
"So give the birthday guy what he wants."
Laughter rippled through the room.
No o
