I catch sight of the outer patio doors in the grand room being opened by waiting staff and lift my head to look, slightly confused. It’s not an overly warm night, and it’s not nearly warm enough to open every door wide this way.

Jake takes a loud breath slowly, so close to my ear, and I face back up at him questioningly. His body is hitting an all-time high tension, and my heart starts hammering again, knowing it’s close. He blows it out over the top of my head and avoids my ...