As much as I want to confide to one best friend about the other, now is not the time.
“We can discuss this later, after your honeymoon. Your groom is getting antsy, and I think your mom just cornered him.
She sighs. “Not again.”
“What’s that all about?”
“Who knows? She’s full of piss and vinegar lately. That’s why I’m so glad I have your mom as backup.”
“Better go save him before she changes his mind about marrying into this.”
“Good thinking.”
“I am the best.”
She hugs me, and all the tension leaves her shoulders.
“I love you.”
“You too, Devil.”
“See you back at the suite.”
Theo
Rapt, I watch as Laney circles around Devin, pulling a drink out of her hand every few minutes, while talking to the staff. She’s taking her job seriously and has barely had time to enjoy the party. Every couple of minutes she searches for me and mouths ‘I’m sorry’ to which my reply is the same. A smile and a wink. I’m having a decent time even though I’m in a room full of strangers. Devin’s groom, Chase, chatted me up during most of dinner. Even without the new camaraderie with the groom, I’ve been to enough of my dad’s company functions to know how to schmooze. I’m comfortable enough in my element but know Laney’s fighting not to sip a drink at this point.
She’s nervous behind her smile but running the show like a boss. She looks incredible in her dress, and I’m having a horrible time keeping my eyes off her. Several times tonight, I’ve imagined lifting that hem and doing wicked things with my mouth. I want to taste her, I want it so much, I’ve drunk myself into a buzz that has me thinking about all the dirty things I would do to her given the permission.
Though she’s playing it cool, I can see the tension in her shoulders. The more I sip, the more I know if I spent five minutes between those gorgeous legs of hers, I could ease that stress. Whiskey is good for my libido.
She saunters over to me just as I receive a fresh drink, takes it from me, and drains half.
“Sorry, I had to have it. I went a record-breaking three hours without a drop. And wow, that tasted way too good.”
“I never meant to police you, I just wanted you to prove to yourself that you didn’t need it.”
“Hey, I need the training. How in the hell am I going to venture out in strange cities, alone, if I can’t handle a few hundred people around me? I’m glad you push me to do good things for myself. Don’t stop, okay?”
“Promise.”
“Besides, the drink was for my aching feet. I hate heels.”
“Well, you look damn good in them.”
Curious eyes lift to mine. “You flirtin’ with me, Houseman?”
“I might be.”
She worries her lip as I imagine her moan. “See, good whiskey can make you brave.”
“I can put this down and show you brave.”
“Oh yeah?”
She gazes up at me with need that has me momentarily speechless, so I nod, wishing that I could lean in and just fucking kiss her. But we aren’t alone. At all.
“You okay? Need any help?”