His eyes skimmed my body, taking in the white sweatshirt slipping off my bare shoulder and the cropped jeans I’d slipped into when I got home. “I’m not sure if a lifetime would be long enough to get my fill of you, sweetheart.”
I swallowed before reaching for my wine to coat my dry throat. How the hell was I supposed to keep a tight leash on my feelings for the man when he kept making claims like that? It wasn’t fair.
“Your other girlfriends may fall for lines like that, but this is me, remember? I’ve known you too long.” I made the mistake of letting my gaze drift to his lips. Damn… I wanted to kiss him. “I know you too well.”
He leaned in, grasping my chin between his thumb and forefinger. “Maybe you only think you know all there is to know about me.” His kiss was tender before he looked into my eyes. “Could be I’m harbouring a deep, dark secret.”
So am I. I’m falling for you.
ChapterEleven
Rhett
Since her deadbeat ex couldn’t post bail without access to the funds he’d stolen, Briar was officially a free woman. Well, she was technically still wearing my ring, but at least she could drive herself to and from work, hit the gym, and go to the grocery store without looking over her shoulder. I was happy for her. But sad for me. We were at the fundraiser for the children’s hospital, which would mark our last official night together, and I was trying to hide my misery behind a fake smile and bottomless glass of scotch.
Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any worse, my so-called best friend walked in with the last woman I wanted to see on his arm. The lawyer who’d reamed me out for being an insensitive asshole with an ego even bigger than his junk. Her words, which I had to admit made me laugh. But that only incensed her more.
“Shit,” I muttered. “I’m going to kill Jake.”
Briar looked over her shoulder and spotted my partner making his way towards us. “Wow, that woman he’s with is beautiful. How long have they been seeing each other?”
“Not long is my guess, since I was seeing her up until a couple of weeks ago.”
Briar’s jaw dropped as she pushed against my chest. “Shut up! That’s the lawyer you showed me the picture of, isn’t it? Damn. I should have recognized her.” She was clenching her jaw, speaking between her teeth now. “Why would he bring her here? Is he crazy?”
“I don’t know.” I sighed. “But I guess we’re about to find out.”
“Amber,” I said, inclining my head as I glared at Jake while shaking his outstretched hand. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
She gave Briar a quick once-over, moving in beside me when Jake kissed Briar’s cheek. “You know I love to get all dolled up,” she said, smiling sweetly, as she linked her arm through mine. “And I couldn’t pass up the chance to see you again.”
Briar was shooting daggers at her and I had to stifle a laugh behind a cough as Jake smirked at the exchange.
“Amber,” Briar said, raising an eyebrow as she extended her hand. “I don’t know where my fiancé’s manners are tonight.” She shot me a pointed look. “Briar Holmes. Rhett’s fiancée.” The two women shook hands while sizing each other up. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Damn. Briar was hot as hell when she got all possessive.
“You as well,” Amber said, withdrawing her hand. “I must admit, I was curious about the woman who’d finally taken Rhett off the market.” She raised an eyebrow. “You’re not what I was expecting.”
Briar squared her shoulders as she tightened the grip on her glass. I had no doubt if we’d been anywhere else Amber would have been wearing Briar’s wine.
My fake fiancé had no reason to be intimidated. She was the most beautiful woman in the room, as far as I was concerned. And judging by the way heads turned when we walked into the ballroom, many shared my assessment.
I’d surprised her with a new evening gown for the occasion. It was dark purple with a deep V in the front and back, accentuating her curves. The skirt was long and flared, but had a surprise slit that flirted with the top of her thigh, revealing her tanned, toned, smooth legs. Lord, have mercy. When she’d walked out of the bedroom in that dress, with her hair in a fancy knot, her make-up flawless, I was pretty sure my heart stopped beating for a split second. Another reminder, like I needed one… that no other woman could ever compare to her.
“I could say the same.” Briar reached for my hand. “I thought I knew your type, Rhett. But you continue to surprise me.” She tipped her head back, inviting my kiss.
“I don’t have a type,” I said, loud enough for Amber and Jake to hear. “I have you.”
Briar’s lips curved into a smile before she rewarded me with another kiss.
Amber sniffed before excusing herself to use the restroom, making Briar laugh as she patted my chest.
“You,” she said, pointing at Jake. “Are in trouble. Are you crazy, bringing her here?”
My sentiments exactly. My best friend had a hell of a lot of explaining to do.
Jake chuckled as he grabbed Briar’s hand, kissing the back of it. “You can’t stay mad at me, beautiful.”
