Rhys shoved his hands in his pockets, chuckling at the tension pinging between Archer and Elise.
Something Hazel immediately noticed when she returned. She handed a champagne flute t
o Elise and asked, “What’s wrong with you?”
Elise took a long sip, keeping her stare on Archer then smiled at Hazel. “Oh, there’s just this annoying bug, buzzing around me, that I want to squash.”
Rhys barked a laugh, unable to help it, not surprised one bit when he looked at Archer to find him grinning too. Elise was just the type of woman Archer liked. Strong, beautiful, but more importantly, a challenge.
“I really hate bugs,” said Hazel, obviously unaware who the bug was. She sipped her champagne and let out a long sigh. “Beautiful night. Gorgeous party. Seriously, can this night get any better?”
“It can,” Rhys said then offered Zoey his hand. “Let’s go get you a drink.”
“I’ve—”
“Leave that one,” he interjected, knowing she’d never drink it, and understanding why. “Indulge me.”
Zoey looked at her friends.
Elise waved her off, still in a fierce stare down with Archer. “We’re fine.”
Zoey’s expression declared she didn’t believe her friend. “No squishing bugs tonight, all right?”
“Can’t promise that,” Elise said, smiling at Archer. It wasn’t a sweet smile.
“When did Zoey start caring about bugs so much?” Hazel asked Elise as Rhys took Zoey’s hand and led her away.
“Don’t worry,” Rhys said to Zoey, tucking her arm in his. “Archer won’t let her squish him.”
Zoey asked softly, “He’s pissed, eh?”
“That’s probably putting it lightly. Archer is not used to someone getting by him, but I’d be willing to bet he’s more intrigued than angry. He likely wants to get into her head.”
“He’ll need a key that no one has found yet to get inside that head.”
If anyone could unlock a strong mind, it was Archer. He had the skill set, confidence, and patience of a saint. The man gained trust like Rhys had never seen, and he was owed that too. When they reached the bar, he said to the waiting bartender, “An unopened bottle of your best.”
The bartender responded without question, dropping a new bottle of champagne in front of Rhys, along with two glasses. Within minutes, Rhys had popped the cork, poured the glasses, and offered one to Zoey before adding to the bartender, “Whenever Ms. Parker would like a drink tonight, open a new bottle for her and pour the drink in front of her.”
“Yes, sir,” the bartender said then strode off to the next customer.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Zoey said, color rising to her cheeks.
“Yes, I did,” Rhys said, leaning an elbow against the bar. “You deserve to enjoy a couple fine drinks as much as everyone else here.”
She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, but those are my issues—”
Rhys had his arms around her, pulling her close. “Issues that are the result of trauma. You’re not asking; I’m offering.” He lifted his glass, wanting to show her that real men earned trust. “To a fun night.”
She smiled softly, a new warmth in her gaze that made his chest expand, and clanged her glass with his. “To a fun night.”
After she took a sip, he placed his glass back on the bar and drew her close again. “I’d like you to stay a little later after your friends leave tonight. I can drive you back to Brooklyn later.”
“Oh,” she said, wide-eyed. “So, you don’t just plan on teasing me all night?”
“Never,” he said, licking his lips when she licked hers. Damn, that mouth tempted him. Her innocence seeped into the air around him, tasting sweet and eager. “Ask them to leave at midnight, all right?”
“Okay,” she said. “Am I in for a good surprise tonight, then?”