“It’s always a pleasure, Gabi,” I said, smiling broadly. “Connor, I hoped you’d find a way to join us this weekend.” The slight narrowing of his eyes told me he understood the implication, that he was here because of the conversation we’d had about all the mischief the three of us could get up to this weekend. I held my hand out. “Glad to see you managed it.”
“Gabi asked me to come,” he said as we shook. Not only did his touch linger this time, but he went so far as to draw me closer, to add emphasis to his next words. “I’m here as her date.”Not yours.
“So I hear.” By the time Connor finally let go of my hand, I had to bite my lip to stop myself from smiling. “I hope you’re both ready for a big weekend.” Turning towards the elevator, I motioned for them to follow me. “Gabi, I’m here to make sure you get to the chapel in time for the rehearsal. Once that’s done, everyone will be meeting at one of the resort bars for drinks before having dinner in the restaurant.”
The elevator doors slid open and we all entered the overly spacious box. Never once in my life had I wished for a smaller elevator—until today. I allowed Gabi and Connor to enter first. They pushed their luggage to the back and stood right in the middle of the space, claiming centre stage. Moving to Connor’s side, I leaned my back against the side wall so I could watch them together. The doors slid closed and Connor lifted Gabi’s hand to place a kiss on the back of her fingers. Smiling at each other, they blatantly ignored my presence, and I had to suppress a grin of my own.
Of all people, Gabi and Connor should have known better than to try to make me jealous. Instead, the flagrancy of the scene caused warmth to spread way down deep in the cockles of my eager fucking heart, for one simple reason: if they didn’t care what I thought about their new dating status, they wouldn’t have taken such delight in rubbing it in my face.
As the floor numbers continued to rise, and I continued to be fascinated by the display before me, Connor said in a low voice, “You do realise it’s impolite to stare.”
“Can’t help it,” I said with a vague shrug. “I’m still getting used to you being so…” My pause was long and deliberate. I wanted them to wonder what adjective I would use. “Tall,” I said finally.
Those sky-blue laser beams swung my way, accompanied by a crooked grin. “Actually, I think that would be you who’s so… short.” Oh, the emphasis he put on that last word. He might as well have given me a hickey.
I laughed out loud, loving how cocky he’d become with Gabi at his side. “Who would have thought an extra inch could make such a difference?”
Gabi snorted in amusement and muttered “Phrasing” under her breath.
“My darling, Gabrielle,” I drawled with exaggerated sophistication, “get your mind out of the gutter. We’re civilised gentlemen here.”
“Huh! You’re about as civilised as my left shoe.”
Dropping my gaze to her feet, I considered the shoe in question. It looked pricey, nude leather on the top with an elaborate wedge heel. “Your shoe looks all stylish to me—very civilised. But perhaps it’s hiding a wild side. If you whip it off, I could take a closer look.”
Spinning to face me, she stepped closer, glaring at me through narrowed eyes. “Listen very carefully. Connor and I plan to have a lovely time on our date this weekend. Feel free to watch from the sidelines if you wish, but do not interfere.”
“Believe me,” I said, the words all low and husky, “the last thing I want to do is interfere. I think you know that.”
She gasped, drawing back to put some space between us. I didn’t want space between us, so I stepped forward to regain the previous closeness, which put us directly in front of Connor. Perfect.
“I do think it’s curious that after all these years the two of you would choose this particular weekend to go on your first ‘date’.” I used my fingers to place air quotes around the word. Maybe I’d luck out and they’d go to extra lengths to prove its credibility. “The one weekend you’re forced to spend in my company.” I tilted my head slightly before adding, “It’s almost like you want me to watch.”
“You wish,” Gabi said, lifting her chin.
“Damned right I do.” I stared at her mouth, my body humming with excitement. “You let me know when you’re ready to give it a shot. Imagine all the things Connor and I could do to you.” I turned my head to glance at Connor. He glared back at me with barely concealed lust. “I know I do.”
Gabi straightened further, her breasts thrusting out as she snaked a hand up Connor’s shoulder and around his neck. “Are you sure you aren’t more interested in what Connor and I could do to you?”
My whole body throbbed in response and I closed my eyes briefly. “That, too.” The whispered words were harsh with need. “Say the word, Gabi. One word from you is all it takes.”
Her grip on Connor tightened, but her gaze remained locked with mine as desire collided with fear and hesitation.
“We’re here.” Connor’s strangled words were followed by a quiet bing, and the doors to the elevator slid open, cutting off any denial Gabi may have wanted to make.
I could have kissed the gods above for providing me with such perfect timing. It felt like the entire universe was on my side.
“Gabi,” Connor said, gesturing with a single hand. “Let’s go check out our room, yeah?”
“Yes, let’s.” Gabi’s words were clipped, and she smiled as her earlier smugness returned. “I want to see how big the bed is.” With that, she stormed out of the lift, yanking her suitcase behind her.
Connor took care not to make contact with me as he followed, but his slightly odd gait revealed his discomfort and I couldn’t help but grin. At least we were both in the same boat. Hard as rock and with no relief in sight.
“Don’t get too comfortable,” I called after them. “Gabi, I’ll be knocking on your door in fifteen minutes so we can walk down to the chapel together.” They didn’t answer, and then the elevator doors started to close, with me still inside. I thrust a hand between them, and they sprang back open.
I exited the lift in time to hear Connor and Gabi’s door close. A reckless thrill slipped through my veins as I took the key card from my pocket and let myself into my own room. How long would it take them to realise what I’d done? More importantly, how would they react? This whole plan could backfire, and I could end up further from my goal than ever before. But the possible reward? That was worth risking everything.
FOURTEEN
