He’s helping you, isn’t he?
Nick wrapped up the program. The band began to play, couples filled the small dance floor, and someone announced a door prize winner as Avery sank into his chair, downed his drink, and tugged at his tie.
“Glad that’s over with,” he said, resting his elbows on his knees.
“You were magnificent,” slipped out of her mouth in a hushed whisper.
He swung his head to look at her, his dark gaze intense as he studied her face, searching for…what? Evidence of sarcasm? Then a cocky smile smoothed his features and tugged at her tummy. “That’s what they all say.”
She rolled her eyes. “And just like that, ya killed it.”
He winked. “I have an image to uphold.”
But it wasn’t just an image. That speech and the power behind it might have proven he could think and feel deeply, but he was still truly and utterly just as naughty.
The lights came up, and people began to mingle.
Spencer rounded the table, the rest of the Preston men behind him. “Good job, Av.”
“I’m proud of you, son.” His dad patted him on the back. “I need to talk to Rutherford.”
Marcus handed him a limp twenty-dollar bill. “Don’t get a big head.”
Avery nodded as they walked away, his knee bouncing, and his gaze batting around the room, like a cornered animal looking for escape. She knew that feeling. She’d felt it earlier, and he’d rescued her from it. She owed him the same.
His focus landed on a blonde two tables over, then pivoted to a brunette by the bar. He was flirting with both, practically undressing them with his eyes right there at the table. The brunette batted her eyelashes and arched her back. Her boobs grew two inches. His nostrils flared. He’d made his choice.
It was like watching a documentary about animal mating rituals on the nature channel. Any second now, she expected the big bad wolf to salivate and let loose a howl.
Ugh. Is that really all it took, though? Showing a bit of cleavage and shaking a few tail feathers? The more important question was, did the blonde he’d dismissed feel the same sting of rejection Jo did? Best not to dwell on that one.
Suppressing a sigh, she leaned close and whispered, “Little pig, little pig, let me in.”
He shivered and turned a sexy grin on her. “Is that an invitation?”
“Ew, no.” Scrunching her nose, she angled her head at the brunette. “That’s me saying go get ’em, tiger, er, wolfie.”
He glanced at his mom, then back at Jo.
“I’ll be fine.” It was part of the deal they made, and she needed him to ‘uphold his image’ if only to keep her from forgetting who he really was.
“Seems rude to say thanks, but…” He unfolded from his seat, shrugged out of his jacket, and hung it on the back of his chair.
This time, when he walked away, sans coat, she couldn’t help but check out his well-sculpted ass. She could probably bounce quarters off it.
She released an audible sigh and a breathy, “Fuck me,” as she turned back to face the table, only to find Charlotte had taken Melody’s seat. When had she gotten up? Her hand flew to her throat.
Charlotte laughed as Connie, who hopefully hadn’t heard the expletives, and Melody fell in line on the other side of Charlotte like bricks on a wall. All three women had no doubt witnessed Jo ogling Avery’s ass.
Shit.
On the other hand, she was here to make them think she was into him, so job well done.
“He’s going to get drinks,” she rambled.
Let the interrogation begin.
“It’s good to see you again,” Charlotte said, her voice soft and genuine.
