The Guy on the Right (The Underdogs 1)

I’m not much of a beard girl, but on him, it just works. And it works well because as of late, it’s sent my imagination into overdrive. I can’t help but imagine the feel of it brushing along the top of my thighs.

As if he can hear me, Theo’s eyes lift, his dark gaze searching the party finding me watching him before a slow smile curves his lips.

Devin’s voice jolts me back to the ground I hadn’t realized I was floating above. “Laney! We can’t use the send-off sachets. It’s too dangerous for birds to eat. I’m going to have to redo them all! How did I not know this?”

“I’ll handle it,” I tell her ripping my eyes from my plus one and pulling another drink from her hand. “Stop trying to drink yourself stupid. We agreed this would be a gentle buzz night, remember?”

“We’ve still got the programs to fold!”

“My mom is doing it after her shift. She’ll bring them tomorrow. And like I told you a thousand times, no one has programs at a wedding.”

“Well, my mother wants them!” Devin shrieks, looking gorgeous in her white dress, her hair twisted up in the perfect ‘southern princess’ updo. The only thing taking away from her look is the sight of terror in her eyes.

“Hang in there, okay? I’m your girl. I have a few hours tonight to work on the flowers. And then we’re all set.”

“Did you get the out of towners the welcome packet—”

“Done, they all got them when they checked in.”

“Oh, thank God,” she drawls out in exaggeration.

“Devin, it’s all done. This will be exactly like you wanted it. And if we forget something, it wasn’t important enough to remember. See that man over there?” I nod past her shoulder where Chase is looking on at her like he’s seeing her for the first time. She follows my line of sight and nods, wiping a tear from her face.

“He’s the only thing you’re missing right now, and it looks like he could use a little one on one with his fiancée.”

Devin turns to me with watery eyes. “God, I’m turning into that bride, aren’t I?”

“No, you just want it to be perfect, but it’s only ‘cause you love him so much. Take a break, get him alone for a few minutes and do questionable and naughty things to him and I’ll meet you back in the suite. I’ve got this. If I didn’t, I would speak up.”

She turns back to me. “Sarah isn’t here yet.”

“I just texted her. She couldn’t get out of work in time for rehearsal, but as soon as she gets here, I’m runnin’ the whole thing through with her.”

Devin’s lips quiver. “You’re the best.”

“Go on,” I say as we both collectively ogle the men staring back at us.

“Okay,” she says, letting out a shaky breath. “But I feel it’s necessary to point out your date is looking at you like he wants to do questionable things to you publicly.”

Theo’s got one hand in his black slacks, the other cupping his drained whiskey glass. His eyes hungrily sweep me from head to foot even as I watch him do it, and he doesn’t bother to look away. Our eyes hold for a

moment before Chase blocks our view of him.

“Did you just see that?” I whisper.

“Girl, I felt that.”

Chills erupt over my skin as Devin turns to me with surprise in her eyes.

“Is it me or does the Band Man look hot as hell tonight.”

“It’s not just you. And it’s not just tonight.” I grip her hands in mine as if I’m about to share the secret of life. “Devin,” I swallow, “he’s always been hot.”

“Did something happen between y’all?”

“No.” Yes. I’m just not sure when it happened for him.

“You mean not yet.”