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“Oh, I get it. Tell that to Ivy though, since she’s still hell-bent on getting the two of you together,” Archer says, his gaze roaming lazily over the crowd much as mine had only a few moments ago. “Hey, isn’t that her? Your Bryn?”
I jerk my gaze to where Archer’s staring, and I do a double take, my eyes widening when I see her.
Damn, she’s... unbelievably gorgeous. I thought she was hot when she showed up in that black printed dress on Monday, but right now, she’s just fucking beautiful. There are no other words for it.
“That’s her,” I say, watching as she walks the far parameter of the courtyard, her head turning this way and that as she seemingly takes everything in. A small smile curves her plum-colored lips and she pushes her long, inky-colored hair over her shoulder, stopping to talk to someone, laughing at whatever he said before she pats the man on the shoulder and keeps moving.
Jealousy moves through me, and I tell myself to knock it off. She can look at and talk to other people, especially if we’re not together. Hell, even if we were together, I have no right to tell her what to do or who she talks to.
But I’d like that right. I sound like a complete Neanderthal but damn it, I want Bryn to be mine.
Still.
“She’s a fucking looker man,” Archer utters. “I’d get it if you gave up the million bucks for a piece of that.”
Fury burns through my blood, and I glare at Archer. “Don’t talk about her like that, you bastard. You could at least show the woman some respect,” I tell him, my voice like steel.
“Ah, don’t get your panties all twisted,” Archer says, smiling as he shakes his head. “I love how caveman we all get when we’re with the women we love.”
“I never said I was in love with Bryn.” I’ve worked with her for six months and have only just noticed her as a woman, though her scent has been driving me crazy pretty much since day one. But there’s absolutely no way I’m in love with her. It’s way too freaking soon for that.
I can’t deny that I’m attracted to her though. Ever since that kiss, I can’t stop remembering what she tastes like—how she felt in my arms.
“Yeah, well you’re looking at her like you want to lick her from head to toe.” Archer laughs when I glare at him. He cut too close to the truth. “See? You like her, DeLuca. It’s okay. You can admit it. And as soon as the two of you fall into bed together, make sure you let us know so we can rescind the bet and let it die a happy, empty death.”
“Hell, no. I’m going to win that bet, no matter what,” I say with utter conviction.
“Keep dreaming,” Archer says, clapping me on the back much like Gage had done earlier. Only this time, I keep my footing. “It’s about damn time we see you show some interest in a girl. You’ve been celibate for far too long.”
I don’t even notice when Archer moves away from me. I keep my gaze locked on Bryn as she moves through the crowd, crossing the courtyard, seemingly coming right for me. The dress she’s wearing fits her like a dream. A daringly bold magenta color, it stands out in the crowd of mostly black. The silky fabric clings lovingly to her breasts and hips. Her shoulders are exposed, the straps are thin and the skirt ends just above her knee in a gentle flare.
The color is beautiful on her, bringing out the flush in her cheeks. Her hair is done: long, wavy black-as-midnight locks. She spots me and a secretive little smile curves her lush lips as she approaches on silvery-colored stiletto sandals that shimmer in the light.
She looks like a fucking fairy princess brought to me just for this night. I’m tempted to take her hand, say screw the party, and find somewhere private where we can be alone and naked together.
What the hell is wrong with you?
Bryn James. That’s what the hell is wrong with me. The problem? I like this problem. Hell, I’m reveling in it. I shouldn’t want her, but I do. I shouldn’t think about her in this manner but I can’t stop. Hell, I even dream about her.
Sweaty, wicked dreams that leave me aching for her every time I wake.
“Sorry I’m late,” she says, stopping in front of me. Her scent carries on the breeze, deliciously sweet, and I inhale as discreetly as possible. My dick twitches, and I will it down. Now is absolutely not the time, but it has other plans, every one of them involving me and Bryn and the two of us naked. “I had to get home and change real quick, and traffic was a nightmare getting back out here.”
“You haven’t missed much,” I tell her, letting my gaze blatantly roam over her before it settles on her chest. All that exposed skin is a fucking distraction. “You look amazing.”
The smile grows and my body tightens in reaction. “So do you.”
I’m wearing a suit, and I’m as uncomfortable as ever, but I’ll take her compliment. “Thanks. Did I tell you I thought you did a fantastic job earlier at the wine tasting?”
“Oh really? No, we never talked, and I was sort of nervous over it all.” Her gaze grows earnest as she watches me. “You really thought I did a good job?” She sounds surprised at my praise. Doesn’t she realize her worth, both to the business and... to me?
Maybe not.
“You led the group expertly and spoke so highly of the winery. You were perfect.” I smile, fighting the urge to touch her.
Relief crosses her face. “Whew. Thank God. I really was worried.”
“I don’t know why. You were composed and handled yourself well. I honestly don’t think you could ever disappoint me,” I say before I can stop myself.
