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“All right.” Wes leaned forward, holding back a grin. “We’re having dinner tonight and we’re going hiking in the morning.”
“But where are we—”
“That’s all I’m giving you.” He held up a hand as the server approached their table with the sampler of appetizers he’d ordered. “I want you to be surprised, especially in Asheville. So you’re going to have to give me a little leeway here.”
Bree opened her mouth to object, but a genuine smile lit her eyes as she turned her attention to the chicken wings, fried green tomatoes and potato fritters.
“I shouldn’t be eating any of this.” She grabbed a saucer and unwrapped her silverware. “But that won’t stop me from sampling every bit of it.”
Wes grinned, reminding himself of all the reasons he shouldn’t be attracted to her. His brain agreed, but his body and heart had gone rogue.
He wanted to spend more time with Bree. To learn everything there was to know about her. He couldn’t stop the visions of her in his bed, calling his name.
Wes sighed softly. Giving himself the keep-it-in-your-pants speech wouldn’t be enough. Brianna Evans had burrowed under his skin and was working her way into his heart.
CHAPTER 9
Bree stood in front of the mirror in her hotel room and smoothed down her skirt. So maybe the little black dress was sexier than anything she’d normally wear to a business meeting. And maybe she had made a real effort with her makeup tonight.
It wasn’t as if she’d flirted with him.
Okay, maybe she had, but only a little. It was certainly nothing serious.
Her phone rang. It was a video call from Bex. Bree cringed. For a moment, she considered not answering, but that would’ve worried Bex more.
“Hey. You caught me on the way out to dinner.” Bree tried to sound nonchalant.
“Obviously, you’re not going for pizza and a beer down at the pub.” Bex’s expression grew wary, as did her tone. “Let me see what you’re wearing.”
Bree breathed out a long sigh and extended her arm, holding the phone up so Bex could take in the entire outfit—cleavage and all.
“So this is a date.” Bex’s tone had gone from wary to alarmed.
“It isn’t a date.” The objection felt weak, even to Bree. “There’s a restaurant in our hotel, and it happens to have a dress code.”
“Does that dress code require cleavage? The girls are looking pretty spectacular tonight.”
Bree’s cheeks stung with heat. She smoothed a hand down the clingy, black draped jersey dress. “You’re the one who’s always saying I don’t show off my assets enough.”
“And today is the day you decide to listen?” Bex sucked in a deep breath. “Look, Bree, we both know you really like this guy. Hell, I like the guy. In any other circumstance, I’d tell you to go for it. Have a little fun. But there are three really important things for you to remember. Wes doesn’t want anything serious, you do and this guy is the one standing between us getting what we want out of the tournament. Don’t forget any of that.”
“You think I’m too naive to hold my own with Wes.”
“It isn’t that, and this isn’t me scolding you or saying in any way that you should change who you are. You see the good in everyone and you wear your heart on your sleeve. I love those things about you. It’s why we make such a good team. You balance out my craziness, and I need that.” Bex smiled into the camera. “But for you, nothing is strictly business. I doubt Wes shares your philosophy.”
Bex wasn’t wrong. Bree was playing with fire and she knew it. Still, she was drawn to Wes in a way she couldn’t explain. Like they were meant to be together. If not as lovers, at least as friends.
There was a knock at her hotel-room door. A knot tightened in her belly.
“I have to go.” Bree lowered her voice. “But I’ll remember what you’ve said. Promise.”
“Fine. Have fun.” Bex’s exasperated tone indicated she knew her advice had fallen on deaf ears. “Just be careful. I don’t want to have to come out there and kick his ass.”
