Best Man Under the Mistletoe

Brandee’s skeptical gaze held hers, mirroring the exact doubts Chelsea had in her own mind. Brandee pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest. Chelsea didn’t like the scrutiny, so she tugged open one of the wide drawers and started checking the merchandise inside.

There were peacock-colored bra and panty sets, peach teddies, so many choices all delicately displayed. Each one she could imagine wearing for Gabe, but then, would he wonder what her intentions were...other than the obvious? Would he wonder if she wanted more?

On a groan, Chelsea slid the drawer shut. “What am I going to do?”

Brandee wrapped her arm around Chelsea’s shoulder. “We’re going to pick out some killer lingerie that will have our men begging. Then we’re

going to go get some ice cream drenched in hot fudge and whipped cream. After that, who knows what we’ll get into. Maybe wine. We definitely need some wine.”

Chelsea laughed. “At some point I need to actually Christmas shop. I have nothing for you yet.”

Her friend gave her a slight squeeze before letting go. “You’re planning my bachelorette party and my wedding. I’d say that’s more than present enough.”

“Speaking of the party, what are you wearing tomorrow?” Chelsea asked.

Brandee blew out a sigh. “I have no clue. I was thinking a cute dress and my boots, but then I think maybe I should be dressier since I’m the bride. What about you?”

“I bought a white, off-the-shoulder dress and I’m pairing it with my new cowgirl boots. I need some jewelry to go with it.”

Brandee’s face lit up. “Then let’s finish up here. I’ll buy your jewelry for your Christmas present and you can buy me a dress for mine.”

Chelsea drew her friend into a hug. “You’ve got a deal.”

Now, all that was left before the promised ice cream and wine was to select the killer lingerie. Chelsea had no clue what turned Gabe on in the way of lace or silk so she opted to buy herself a few different options. Maybe after the bachelorette party, he’d get a little surprise.

Eleven

Gabe saw a flash of white turn the corner and he looked around to make sure nobody saw him follow. That damn dress had driven him crazy for the past three hours and he was done letting this temptress seduce him from afar. He wanted his hands on her. Now.

The coed bachelor/bachelorette party was in full swing at the club and everyone was having a great time. Brandee and Shane wanted all their friends to celebrate and have one last bash before the big day. Everyone loved gathering at TCC, especially since women were such a big part of the club now. Having a joint party here just made sense.

They’d gone with classic mason jars with candles for the center of the tables. Rope was used as cording around the edge of the tablecloths. On the food table was a large S and B wrapped in raffia and propped up with small, twinkling lights surrounding them.

Chelsea had seriously outdone herself on working with the in-house decorator. Brandee and Shane had been so thrilled with the results when they’d arrived.

But right now Gabe was twitching to see Chelsea. Alone.

When he’d arrived before the party officially started and seen Chelsea, he’d nearly swallowed his tongue. She was wearing a short, tight dress and those new cowboy boots, leaving a portion of her legs exposed. He wanted to feel those legs wrapped around his waist and he wanted to hike the skirt of her dress up to see what she wore beneath.

The last few days had been hell in terms of all the ass-kissing he’d had to do to appease his clients. One had threatened to pull all of his business, which would have been a significant loss. But Gabe had assured him that no other scandals would tarnish the company. Gabe knew he was riding a fine line and one more issue would be the end of this working relationship.

Gabe didn’t intend to let anything happen again. He was in complete control now. But some of the clients handled by his staff weren’t yet convinced. Gabe planned to keep a close eye on the situation and to reassure everyone that they were in the safest hands with the Walsh Group.

Now that he’d handled the damage control, Gabe was more than ready to get back to Chelsea.

When Gabe got to the hall she’d disappeared into, there was no sign of her. There were a couple offices and restrooms along the corridor but he had no idea where she’d gone.

A faint sound of sniffling had Gabe going still. He turned his attention toward one of the offices and crossed the hallway. He knocked on the door, but no answer. That’s when he heard colorful cursing from behind the closed door.

Gabe let himself in and found Chelsea. Her back was to him, her shoulders hunched as she pulled in a shaky breath. She pounded her fist on the desk with each curse word as if the inanimate object had offended her.

“Chels?”

She flinched and turned, her hand over her chest. “Sorry, I just needed a minute.”

“To cry?”

“I’m not crying.”