The Satin Sash

“Don’t push it.”

“Aww, Grey, come on!”

“I said no.”

Heath glowered at his retreating back. That massive, broad-shouldered, impenetrable fucking back.

What Grey needed was a cock up his ass, to dislodge the stick he had perennially stuck in there. Sheesh!

Collecting Toni’s dresses, he ambled up the walk while the bride and groom shoved a pair of newly delivered drinks into their hands. He heard Toni’s excited “To the bride and groom!” and Grey’s mumbled curse as he grudgingly tossed back the shimmering liquid.

And he explicitly heard Grey’s “Son of a bitch!”

“So they’re from Chicago, and the groom has a daughter he says looks just like me.”

She caught the moment Heath and Grey rolled their eyes heavenward as Grey helped her dismount, but she was so excited she didn’t let that stop her.

“Well, he said so! He said he thought I was her. Seriously. So, anyway, I gave him my phone number, and maybe when you’re in the city . . . Heath?”

Heath looked ready to choke, his eyes wide and incredulous.

“Feel free to stop her at any time, Heath,” Grey said, a corner of his lips raised as he walked the horse and tied it to a nearby palm tree.

“Are you kidding me? I’m loving this.This is funnier than Sein feld. Do go on, Cat. I’m thoroughly entertained.” Still on his mount, Heath urged the black beast forward.

She shot him such a furious frown that he let go of the reins and lifted his hands to placate her. “All right, tell me about my date.”

“You’re interested? Really?”

“I’m not, but tell me anyway.” His eyes flicked past her shoulders for a second. “You’re looking a little nauseated, Grey.”

“I’ll shove that shit down your throat and I’m sure you’ll look your best, Heath.”

“Not all of us drink champagne.”

“That was rat piss, honest to god. I need to wash it down with something.”

“It wasn’t that bad,” Toni defended, out of respect for the married couple. But in truth, it hadn’t been bad—it had been awful.

“I did catch that feminine little sip you took,” Heath offered, sliding his sunglasses over his forehead. “But Grey here tossed it all down like a real hombre.You should have seen his face.” He looked directly at him. “May I borrow her for a second?” He turned those debilitating black eyes to hers and extended his hand.“We’re going to work on this fear of horses for just a bit.”

Instantly wary of the devilish sparkle in his eyes, she took a backward step. “Oh no. No no no.”

“Grey’s too cautious to push you, but I’m not.You’ll be happy to master it. Get over here, seriously.” When she didn’t hop to, Heath shifted his inquiry. “Grey?”

Visibly tense, Grey curled a hand around his nape and cranked his head to one side, then the other. His face was screwed up in thought, and Toni felt a sweet stab of tenderness when she realized he was preoccupied.

His protectiveness evoked a sudden, wishful image of Grey as a father, of them having a little girl. She could picture a young, spirited, golden-eyed teenager asking her father permission for a first date.Would Grey wear that thoughtful face? For sure he’d be stern and want to meet the boy and know who his parents were. And Toni would have to team up with their little girl and plot and plan together in order to convince Daddy it was all right.

“If it’s me you’re doubting . . .” Heath said, letting the words trail off.

His hand fell at his sides. “It’s not you, Heath.”

Toni was brought up to her full height, her pride instantly smarting. “Well, if it’s me you’re doubting—”

Grey smiled reluctantly. “I don’t doubt you for a second.” He took a breath as though to speak but fell pensive again, until finally he assented. “You’ll b

e fine.”