“You’re sweet to offer, but I can handle it.”
“I can see that. You may have missed your calling.”
“You think?” She smiles with pride. “I did the table settins’ for the dinner. You like them?”
“Very elegant.” I didn’t notice them, but in my defense, I have a penis, and right now it’s pointed straight at her and has been the whole night.
“Well, I’ve got the hall flowers and five bridal bouquets to finish after this. I’ll be here all night. So, you can go when you’re ready. I’m sorry. After the wedding, I should be able to give you the attention you deserve.”
She’s flirting. I don’t point it out, because she’s nervous and I’m not sure if it’s this new shift with us, or the wedding.
I set my drink down on the bar. “I’ll help.”
“No, no,” she frowns. “No way, you being here is plenty. I’m sorry I’ve been running around and haven’t gotten to talk to you much.”
“Let me rephrase. Laney, I want to help.”
Amber eyes search mine. “Really?”
“Yeah, why not?”
“I don’t know. Wouldn’t you rather be at home working on, whatever you work on all the time and refuse to tell me about?”
I chuckle. “No, I’d rather be helping you.”
She lifts to her toes and presses a kiss to my cheek.
“You keep doing that,” I say, my voice coated in whiskey and arousal.
“You keep letting me.”
I lean down and kiss her cheek before slowly pulling away.
Her eyes widen before she smiles. “What was that for?”
“Existing.”
Her breath stutters as I stare down at her with intent. I’m not going to last much longer and from the look in her eyes, she won’t either. This has to happen. We owe it to each other to test this chemistry. Not only that, I feel for her. I feel a hell of a lot more than I’m comfortable with for never having kissed her.
“Laney,” a short brunette calls, rolling through the door of the party with a suitcase in hand, eyes darting around in panic.
“That’s Sarah, one of the bridesmaids. She’s runnin’ late.” Laney looks back to me apologetically. “I have to run through the ceremony with her. It shouldn’t take long. Will you wait?”
I grip one of her hands and slide my thumb along the top of it. Her lips part. “You know I will.”
She grabs my drink from the bar and finishes it as I lean in and whisper. “You’ve got this.”
When I pull away her eyes close, goosebumps covering her chest. In this moment I would move heaven and Earth to have her alone. Cursing the timing, she murmurs a, “Thank you,” to me before she walks away.
Laney: I’m so sorry, it took longer than I expected. They should be serving dessert. When you’re done, I’ll be in reception, it’s just down the hall.
Theo: Got it. Want anything?
Laney: No. I won’t fit in my dress tomorrow. It’s already too tight.
Theo: Strawberry shortcake?
Laney: Damn you, Houseman. Yes, please.