The red that was filling my gaze at Boone’s statement clears in an instant when I register the fact that he wasn’t talking about my angel, but rather her friend. Who, yes, is attractive in her own way, with dark hair twisted into some complicated updo and a blue strapless dress that hugs a more slender body than blondie’s.
Blondie’s rockin’ a petite body with the perfect amount of curves. I keep sneaking glances at her, greedily drinking in every detail I can capture from a distance without looking like a total perv.
“I dunno, bro, she’s got a classy look to her. She needs a refined touch. You might find yourself sitting this one out.” While I’m trying not to drool over the angel I’m staring at, Boone and Derek are still bantering like the assholes we are.
For a brief second, I feel kinda guilty about it all. This really is a dick move, the three of us competing to charm a woman just for bragging rights. Granted, we’re not forcing anything. Just asking them to decide which one out of the three of us fuckers has the hottest photo. But there’s an unspoken assumption that the winner will most likely get lucky with the woman as well.
As long as she’s interested, of course. We do have a moral code, it just gets loosened sometimes.
But as I stare at the two women, something has me hesitating. Normally, nothing would stop me from simply walking up to blondie, unleashing the smirk, whispering something swoony to sweep her off her feet, and showing her the time of her life.
But for some reason, I’m not feeling that strategy. Maybe it’s because she doesn’t look like the usual fire hoes that flock to these events just for a shot at banging a guy of the month. She looks like someone who wants a man who can offer her the picket fence, two kids, minivan, forever kinda shit.
And that man is definitely not me.
The guys are moving and my feet automatically drag after them, even though I’m already willing to concede defeat. I’ll accept the drink tab for our night out tomorrow if it means I don’t have to go through with trying to charm the wrong woman. As we get closer, I realize the ethereal beauty I noticed from afar is even more potent up close.Goddamn, I’m in trouble.
“Ladies, how are we doing tonight?” Derek’s smooth voice has both women smiling, although I take pleasure in noticing the brunette is staring at him with interest in her eyes while the blonde is not paying him any attention.
“Oh, we’re just fine, handsome. Even better now that we have Mr. February, Mr. October, and Mr. July with us.” She eyes us each in turn, and I have to give her credit, she’s done her homework knowing who we are on sight. Of course, the giant posters with our calendar photos adorn the entry to the ballroom, so I guess it was kind of easy. “I’m Willow, and this is my friend Tori.”
Tori. My angel’s name is Tori.
I give Willow a quick smile, then turn to the woman I’m really here for, my hand reaching out. “I’m Sawyer.” Her eyes lift, and this close to her, I can see they’re a deep brown that match my own.
“Hi.”
One word. That’s all it takes for my dick to stir in my pants.
I tune out Derek, Boone, and Willow, only vaguely aware the guys are bestowing all their charm on Tori’s friend. My focus is solely on her and the way her eyes keep darting over to me, then away, as if she can’t quite let herself openly look at me. Christ, even in heels, she barely comes up to my shoulder, and it makes me want to see how she’d fit against the rest of my body.
She reminds me of a skittish animal, afraid to relax and trust that they’re safe.Iwant to make her feel safe. Which is why, instead of my usual smirk, smile, and flirt combo, I go for banter.
“I’d ask if you come here often but seeing as it’s a once-a-year event, that seems pointless.”
She cracks the tiniest of smiles, so I push on.
“Can I let you in on a secret?” A small nod encourages me to continue. “My twin brother wanted to pretend to be me so he could come tonight.”
Her brow crinkles. “Why?”
“Because the crab puffs are the best thing you’ll ever put in your mouth. Or so he claims.” I give her a wink that’s hopefully the light side of flirty and not the dirty side. “I promised to sneak a few into my pocket to bring back for him as long as he pays the dry-cleaning bill for my tux.”
That gets me a laugh and a subtle relaxing of her shoulders. I grin back at her and gesture to her empty wine glass. “Can I buy you a refill?”
“I thought the drinks were free?” she teases, a twinkle lighting up her eyes. Her body has shifted ever so slightly toward me, putting the tiniest amount of separation between us and the others who are still talking animatedly.
I shrug affably. “Sure, but ‘can I get you another free drink’ doesn’t sound as charming, now does it?”
One eyebrow lifts. “You’re trying to be charming?”
“Naturally. Isn’t it working?” I wink at her to show I’m just teasing.
Her delicate laugh fills the air like fucking music, and I want to make her laugh again and again. Preferably when we’re alone. And naked.
I wonder if she’s ticklish.
Chapter two
