Me included.
I get a whiff of his cologne—or whatever this man does to smell so damn good. A mix of cedar and fresh-cut wood, layered with warm spice. “Thanks, some say green’s my color.”
His eyes roam over me again with a subtle nod that tells me he agrees. Either that or he’s undressing me with his eyes.
Something fizzes in my belly. And my hand—by its own accord—presses against his chest as if to physically stop him from breaking down any more of my walls—which I realize aren’t made of steel, but hell, they’re crumbling to the floor like a pile of mulch.
My eyes fall to where my hand lands, expecting him to back away or set it down like a gentleman.
Goddammit.You hadonejob.
To my surprise, Dallas grips my wrist, holding my hand where I had it, and gives it a gentle tug, pulling me close. Making my pulse spike. Then without another word, he rakes his hand through mine and walks me down the stairs.
His voice is soft against my ear as we hit the bottom step. “Don’t leave my side.”
I turn my chin up. For the first time tonight, the knot in my chest eases. And maybe just for tonight, I can trust that I’m not alone. “That goes for you too.”
Nearly every corner of the lower level is filled with guests. I smile knowingly at several like I’d do with any bar patron I don’t recognize but accidentally lock eyes with.
“Do me a favor and squeeze my hand if I’m supposed to look like I know someone we start talking to.”
He doesn’t respond. Not with words anyway. He nods at a few people and squeezes my hand as he guides me toward a dark-blond male. Tall, light-skinned, and handsome. I don’t know my hockey players as well as Rose does, but I know this man is a Thorne. He smiles back at me with a familiar smirk, glancing at Dallas as if to say he’s got this.
“Silas,” I say with a soft breath, trying to suppress the question on my tongue.
He sets his drink down and I step into his embrace. He’s got a good grip, strong, confident, and a little bit playful. “Great seeing you again. Thanks for coming.”
“Hey, no worries, sis. But listen.” He points a finger. “I want a rematch next week. And this time, I’m bringing my own deck of cards. Can’t trust you city girls.” He winks.
A brunette swats at him like she’s offended. She’s pretty—beautiful in fact, with warm features. She also looks vaguely familiar.
Silas winces, rubbing his arm. “Oh please, you lived in Manhattan for less than a decade.”
She shrugs her shoulders. “Always a city girl at heart.” Then she smiles brightly at me. “Hi there! I’m Pepper.” She tugs the arm of another broad-shouldered man, grabbing his attention. “This is my husband, Chase.”
Nowhim, I know. Captain of the Denver Kings hockey team. And now I remember why Pepper looks familiar. It was on national television when Pepper Woods—supposedly Chase Reeves’ fiancée—dumped him in the middle of a big game after going missing for days. The clip only showed her appearing on the sidelines and handing him back a massive engagement ring. Apparently, they worked things out.
I glance up at Dallas, who’s busy looking over my head at some other guests, which means he’s not so concerned about these two.
Chase stretches out a hand. “Congratulations and thanks for having us. Impressive place you got here.” His brow twitches at Dallas. “Quite a surprise, Thorne. Can’t decide if I should hug you or stage an intervention.”
Another swat from the brunette. “He’s kidding. Marriage is a beautiful thing. ”
Tell that to the fifty percent divorce rate.
“But don’t just take our word for it,” she continues. “Ask my best friend, Charlie. She married Chase’s brother Noah last year. They’re really happy.”
I laugh because somehow the words Noah andhappydon’t work for me, but fine, I’ll take her word for it and smile like I could just picture it. “Well, we’re excited—despite all the warnings.” I squeeze Dallas’s side playfully. “Right, babe?”
Dallas sucks in a breath. “Right.” Then he nods at Chase. “If I could get a list of dos and don’ts when you get a chance .?.?.”
The five of us laugh—less than half of us genuinely—grabbing some attention from a few guests.
At that, we make a few more rounds, but there are no more subtle squeezes, which means most of these people are supposed to be exactly what they are .?.?. strangers.
Finally, Dallas pulls me aside.
“Did I say something wrong?” I ask immediately.
