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I resist the urge to scowl at Wyatt as Kat disappears into the bathroom. No doubt he thinks he's being chivalrous, but all he's done is ruin a prime moment.
Still, I ain't one to back down. I straighten my shirt collar and flash him a megawatt grin. "Hope you had a nice stroll, compadre. Pretty swanky digs."
Wyatt's expression remains impassive. "Indeed."
I wait for him to say more, but he stays stubbornly silent. Tough nut to crack, this one. The silence stretches on until, finally, the bathroom door opens and Kat emerges in an emerald green sundress that makes her eyes sparkle. The thin straps and flowy skirt tease more than they cover, and I swallow hard.
I tamp down my irritation as Wyatt offers his arm to escort Kat out of the suite first. Asshole. Thankfully, the elevator ride is quick, and unbearably silent. As we exit, Emrys falls in step beside me, behind Wyatt and Kat.
I can't take my eyes off the bewitching sway of Kat's hips as I walk directly behind her. That sundress hugs every curve to perfection, the skirt swishing flirtatiously with each step. With her long hair swept atop her head, her elegant neck is on full display. Makes a man want to trail kisses along that silky skin.
By the time we step out into the balmy, salt-kissed air, I've imagined a dozen different ways to get her alone tonight.
The sun's hanging low, casting a golden glow as we approach the outdoor dining terrace. Strung lights criss-cross overhead as Kat’s massive family laughs around linen-draped tables. A live band plays animatedly near the dancefloor.
She glides ahead of us, successful, fiery, and unafraid to speak her mind. It’s got me all sorts of intrigued and wanting to push every boundary she has.
Thank God that Book-A-Boyfriend doesn’t have any rules about fraternization with a client. I’ve never had the urge before now, but…
Kat glances back at me and I grin, shooting her a wink that has her blushing and turning away quickly.
Oh yeah…she wants me.
I rush to take the seat next to her, earning a glare from the stuffy old man as I cut him off. He’s forced to sit next to me because Emrys has already taken the seat on Kat’s other side. Hiding my smile, I rest my arm over the back of Kat’s chair, leaning closer to her. The vanilla, sugary scent that swirls from her sun-kissed skin makes me dizzy.
One thing's for certain–Kat has no idea what she’s gotten herself into with me.
Chapter 9
The balmy tropical air does nothing to abate the rising heat creeping up my neck as I sit with Emrys and Wilder's thighs pressed against mine, their competing scents invading my senses. I sneak a glance at Wilder, but quickly divert my gaze to the tablecloth when I catch him looking at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Luckily, Annabelle joins us at the table and immediately introduces Ethan to the guys. The expression that crosses her face as she gazes up at her fiance is glowing and lovesick in a way that makes my insides twinge with envy that I immediately try to bury. As much as seeing her happy brings me joy, it also reminds me of everything I feel like I’m missing out on, and it cuts me deeper every time it happens.
But I'm damn good at playing pretend.
My lips curve into a genuine smile for the first time tonight as Dad's sturdy frame comes into view. The lines etched into his tanned skin from a lifetime of laughter make his dark eyes crinkle at the corners as he helps mom into her seat before he looks around and spots me.
To the rest of the world, he's simply Roger Sharpe, founder of a majorly successful tech empire. But to me, he's always been my hero–a listener who offered advice between fishing trips and a comforting shoulder during every heartbreak. There isn't a single major moment of my life he hasn’t been there for.
"Kitty-Kat!" His deep voice booms as he circles the table to wrap me up in his strong arms. I cling to him shamelessly, breathing in the familiar scents of pipe tobacco and mint that always surrounds him. Hearing that beloved childhood nickname in his gravelly tone instantly soothes my soul in a way little else can.
We separate just enough for his wise eyes to scan my face. "It's been too long, baby girl."
My throat clenches and I nod rapidly to try and keep tears at bay. I’m a total softy when it comes to Dad.
"That was adorable." Wilder's smooth southern drawl cuts through the moment, reminding me of the ridiculous situation I've gotten myself into, and I flush when I realize they all witnessed a vulnerable moment for me.
To my surprise, Dad just laughs heartily, a deep earthy sound. "My Kathryn is always adorable, son. So who wants to tell me all about the men stealing my girl’s heart?"
His crinkled eyes are kind and curious rather than judgmental as he settles into his seat. His calm, open nature is a balm to every part of my being that feels cracked and bruised by life's callous hands.
If only men like Dad were easy to find in the world so often filled with those like Baby-Face and his ilk. My romance books aren’t the only reason why my standards became so high. I knew a man's man for a father and nothing else has felt even close to measuring up.
My gut churns with guilt as the table goes silent and I fidget in my seat as Dad regards us, hyper aware of Emrys and Wilder's thighs once more pressing in on either side of mine.
"Well don't leave me hanging!" Dad proclaims jovially. "Introduce me to these dashing fellas who've stolen my Kitty Kat's heart."
This time I cringe at the childhood nickname as Wyatt's lips quirk subtly and Wilder grins widely. "Dad, this is Wilder, Wyatt, and Emrys," I mumble, avoiding eye contact.
