Page 99 of Special Delivery

“Of course, princess. I’ll join you soon,” Parker responds, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

She flashes a toothy grin before her gaze lands on me. “Who are you?”

“Chrissy, this is Paige. Paige, this is Chrissy,” Ryan introduces us.

“You’re the girl?” Chrissy exclaims, making Wes spit out his drink and Parker’s lips tip up with pride.

“Erm…I…” I struggle to find words when Parker jumps to my rescue.

“Kim’s waiting for you on the dance floor, princess. You can’t disappoint the bride on her wedding day,” he tells her, and Chrissy runs off toward Kim with wide, panicked eyes. “Sorry about that.” Parker turns to me. He’s still smirking, making me question his apology. “Kids say the darndest things. You’ll get used to it.”

My brain sticks to his last sentence. Why would I get used to it? What did Ryan tell them about us? I open my mouth to speak, but Parker has already changed the subject.

“So, book club on Tuesday? I can do around six o’clock.” Parker points at Ryan. I guess that is the book club he mentioned while we were flying to the Bahamas.

“I’ll actually be out of the country,” Ryan replies, glancing at me again, this time more nervous.

He’s leaving the country? The thought settles like a rock in my stomach.

“Are you serious? I chose that book specifically for you.” Parker crosses his arms in front of his broad chest. “There’s plenty of tentacle action, which might explain some purchases.”

Heat floods my face and chest as embarrassment washes over me. I try to play it off, but Ryan obviously notices my frozen, flushed appearance.

“Like I said. I won’t be in the country. Now, if you’ll excuse us.” He rises from his chair and gently lifts my elbow before I take the hint and get up, too.

I let him lead me to the dance floor, my heart thrumming nervously. He pulls me in close, sneaking a hand behind my back.

His lips reach my ear casually while my mind loses it. “Relax, Paige. They don’t know it’s you. They have no idea about the tentacle dildo sitting in the drawer of your dresser, nor how good it looked inside your pussy.”

My eyes widen to saucers while I check if someone heard him.

Ryan lets out an easygoing chuckle. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist messing with you. But honestly, relax. Dance with me.”

It’s then I realize we’re standing frozen in the middle of the dance floor, so I let him sway me from side to side. His touch warms my skin as the slow beat of the music carries our bodies. We dance until I feel hypnotized by the rhythm, by the movement, by him.

A glance up reveals his gorgeous smile, and everything crashes into me all at once. The beauty of the wedding, the alcohol from my drinks, his spicy vanilla scent, the feel of his muscular back under my fingertips, and all the affection I’ve been trying to suppress. It forms into a ball in my belly, rising up to my chest, throat, and eyes.

“Excuse me,” I croak out. “I need some air.” My hands drop from his back, gathering the hem of my dress to help me walk faster. I pace out of the tent, searching for somewhere I can be alone.

“Paige…”

I hear Ryan calling after me, but I make quick work of disappearing into the house. Luckily, I know this house like the back of my hand. I end up in the sunroom on the first floor. It’s dark outside, but the glass ceiling gives you a stunning view of the stars.

My back hits the backrest of a wicker sofa, and my gaze lifts up, hoping to clear my head, when Ryan’s voice breaks through the thick fog of my thoughts. “Paige…”

“I just needed a minute.” I keep my gaze on the stars above. “It’s a beautiful wedding.”

“It is.” His hand envelops mine as he drops into a seat next to me. “You know, when I told Parker and Wes about that tentacle delivery, it was just a cool work story I wanted to share. It was also the first time I felt happy during work hours in years. They started teasing me about being into the mysterious dildo girl immediately, by the way.” I purse my lips, but he continues, “And they were right, I was into you. From the first time I saw you, I wanted to know more. The more I knew you, the deeper I wanted to dig. You were a mystery I wanted to unravel.”

“Mysteries fade,” I whisper.

“You’re right. You’re not a mystery anymore. Yet, I’m still entranced by you.”

I let out a huff.

“I know about Bradley.”

Recognition tingles over my exposed skin. Jordan and Emma. They’re the only ones who knew. “I can’t believe they told you.”