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Chapter One
Milo Landon really didn’t want to be there. This wasn’t his job, but he was filling in for his Uncle Eric who’d had some kind of out-of-town emergency.
As the sun set and night descended, the twinkling lights strung throughout the venue came to life, casting a warm glow over the outdoor wedding reception. The sweet strains of a slow melody filled the air, luring Milo closer to the celebration. The bride rested her head on her new husband’s shoulder as they swayed gently on the dance floor, lost in each other’s embrace.
Other couples were out there, too.
Laughter bubbled up from tables where friends and family were gathered, their voices blending into a symphony of happiness. The delicious scent of food wafted through the air, tempting guests to replenish their plates at the buffet or refill their drinks at the open bar. The atmosphere was alive with celebration and love, a perfect moment frozen in time.
A moment Milo longed to be a part of instead of bussing tables, trying to remain invisible to the guests.
He paused, watching as an enormous guy in a sleek black suit slowly danced with another guy who had to be a good foot shorter than him. It wasn’t the size difference that caught his attention.
It was the pure love on their faces as they gazed at each other.
Why couldn’t Milo find someone who looked at him like that? Unfortunately, his past two boyfriends had deep-seated issues that eventually surfaced, turning them into jerks.
Sighing, Milo carried his tub to the next table, clearing away dishes and discarded napkins. As he bent down to collect a glass that was under a chair, he noticed a stranger watching him from a nearby table.
Their eyes met for a brief moment before someone walked over and drew the stranger’s attention away.
“You’re supposed to be blending into the background, not trying to catch a guest’s attention,” Dan said from behind him.
“I was picking up a glass off the ground,” Milo defended. He had to keep his tone polite because this was Eric’s gig, but it was hard when Eric’s boss kept breathing down his back, micromanaging everything Milo was assigned to do.
“Empty your tub then clear tables three and four.” Dan hurried toward another worker like he was about to scold the guy.
Which tables were three and four? For the life of him, Milo couldn’t remember.
“I could accidently spill red wine all over his white tuxedo jacket,” a deep, masculine voice said from behind Milo. “He seems pretentious.” A low, velvety laugh filled the air. “I just learned that word and love throwing it around now.”
His heart hammering, Milo looked over his shoulder and stared right into beautiful green eyes. It was the guy who’d been watching him. “You used the word correctly.” Milo swallowed hard at how breathtaking the stranger was.
“Colt.” He took Milo’s hand in his, lightly stroking the back with his thumb. “Who might you be?”
“Nobody.”
Colt raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “That’s a cruel name for someone as bewitching as you.”
“Milo.” He cleared his throat. “My name is Milo.”
“Much better.” Colt gave him a smile that set his pulse racing. “Do you have a break coming up? I wouldn’t mind getting to know you better.”
Milo nodded then shook his head, so enchanted with Colt that his brain wasn’t working. No man this good-looking had ever paid attention to him, let alone acknowledged Milo’s existence.
Colt’s sensual laughter rippled through Milo’s body like a sexual pulse. “Which is it?”
“Yes, I do have a break coming up. I’m just not sure when,” Milo admitted, glancing at Dan who was still hovering by the other waiter. “I’m not trying to be rude, because you’re the highlight of my evening, but if I don’t get back to work, Dan will have my head.”
Colt’s eyes followed Milo’s gaze. “That pretentious asshole?”
Milo snickered. “You really do like that word.”
The even whiteness of Colt’s smile was dazzling. “If the shoe fits…”
When Dan started toward him, Milo jerked his hand from Colt’s. Great. Now Dan was going to crawl all over Milo for not doing his job.
“I apologize, but I really do need my help to get back to work,” Dan said to Colt.
