“Let’s go,” Tessa calls out. “I’ve got my phone ready to record.”
I shake my head. “Okay, let’s go.”
Chapter 27
Riley
In hindsight, I should have probably prepared myself for seeing Reid dressed up. As soon as I step outside, my head turns towards him. It’s like I’ve got ESP where he’s concerned. My mind and body always seem to know where he’s at. I take in his tall, incredibly fit body in a dark suit, white button down, and red tie. As if that weren’t enough, he strides right towards me, looking so confident and in control that I swear I go weak at the knees. He stops right in front of me, and I’m grateful to see that he’s still taller than me, even with my heels. He stares down at me, and I watch as his eyes drop and cover the length of my entire body before returning to my face. I don’t miss the way his eyes linger at the slit in my dress, and I am suddenly thankful for all the time we spent getting ready for tonight. I would do it again and again for that heated look. I smile, feeling like a million bucks. “Hey.” My voice is almost breathless, but I don’t mind it. Not when I get a half-lidded look from him.
“You look gorgeous,” he rumbles, and I can’t keep my distance.
I step close and put my hands on his chest. “You look pretty good yourself. I like this suit.” I run my hand over the lapels on his chest, and I’m rewarded with a low rumble from his chest.
“Riley,” he growls in a low voice.
“Yes, Reid?” I ask, innocently.
He takes one of my hands in his and pulls it to his mouth, turning it over and planting a kiss on my palm. It’s my turn togrowl low. He hears it, and his smile turns carnal. “Problem, Riley?”
I pull my hand back. “No, of course not.”
He smiles. “Here, these are for you.” I look down at the gorgeous bouquet of yellow tulips I hadn’t even noticed he was holding.
“Reid, those are gorgeous. Thank you. Let me run them upstairs really quickly.” I drop them off in my room and make my way back downstairs.
Reid takes my hand in his as soon as I’m in front of him again. “Ready?”
I remember Star suddenly, but when I turn around, she’s talking with Cameron. I smile at the sight of the two of them; they look good together. They both seem happy, so that’s good. Reid tugs lightly at my hand. “I think they’re good.”
“I’m just making sure.”
“I’m just glad he worked up the courage to ask her, so I can have you all to myself tonight,” he says, squeezing my hand lightly. “My car’s right over here.” We walk over, and he opens my door for me.
“Thanks.” I slide in and let him close the door for me. He climbs in on his side a moment later and turns to me and takes my hand in his. “You really do look amazing, Ry.”
“Thanks, Reid. So do you.”
“Do we have to go to the banquet? Can I take you somewhere else alone?”
I laugh. “No, you can’t, and yes, we have to go.”
“Well, I tried.” With that, he starts the car and begins the drive to the hotel where the event will take place. It’s only a few minutes away, and we’re there almost before we’ve had a chance to talk. We didn’t really get past asking how each other’s day went. He opens my door for me and helps me out of the car.Once I’m standing, he takes my arm and puts it in the crook of his. “Do me a favor and stick close tonight.”
I look up at him. “Why? Are you expecting trouble?”
“Yes, of the male kind.” I frown in confusion, and he looks down at me. “Ry, you have no idea how beautiful you look tonight. Guys won’t stay away; they won’t be able to. I already know I’m going to need you close, so I don’t lose my mind at every guy that checks you out.”
I take in his words. “Okay, but then you’re going to have to do the same.” He scoffs, and I lift a brow. “I’m serious. I don’t want other girls touching what’s mine.”
He stops walking, and his eyes flare with heat. He takes a deep breath and then smiles a devastatingly handsome smile. “I’ve waited a long time to hear you say something like that. It was worth the wait,” he says in a low voice, squeezing my hand gently.
He continues to stare at me, and I feel the heat in his look all the way to my toes. “We’d better get inside,” I tell him. He finally starts forward again, and I take a deep breath to calm my racing heart. We stop and check in when we get inside and then continue on to the room where the banquet is being held. “Wow, this is gorgeous.”
“Yeah. Whoever plans these events for us loves to make a splash,” Reid explains. He stops right inside the door, and I finally look up at him.
“Are we going to keep moving?”
“I don’t really want to.”
