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I lifted my eyebrow. "So, you do know him?"
She squirmed a little in her chair, and for the first time all day, her smile slipped a fraction. "No, I don't know him know him. He's one of Derek's cousins. I've only met him in passing at a couple of family gatherings. He was polite and nice, but he came across so..."
"Arrogant? Confident?" I wasn't patient
with her hesitation.
"Yes, and also maybe...detached, you know, more like emotionally unavailable, I guess?" She shrugged her shoulders.
"Oh." It figures.
"I've only met him a couple of times," Maggie continued, casting a dubious eye on the topic, who was now talking to Derek's mom. "I've never had a deep conversation with him, but he's never brought a date to any of the family events I've attended if he comes at all. From what Derek and his brothers say, he likes to play the field." Maggie must have noticed my frown. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "He is hot, but—"
Whatever she was going to say was cut off by the clinking of a fork on a glass. Maggie winked at me before she turned to meet her new husband's lips as custom required. Any further questions I had for her were going to have to wait, because Paul, Derek's oldest brother and best man, stood and began the series of toasts. Knowing it would be my turn next, I took a fortifying sip of wine and collected my thoughts.
In a matter of minutes, the speeches had been delivered, and the newly married couple was celebrating with their first dance. The rest of the attendants were invited to join. As the maid of honor, I was matched with Paul, who made an excellent partner as he whisked me around the floor.
"If I missed telling you earlier, you look beautiful. Are you having fun?"
I smiled up at him. "I am. Although, without all the wedding planning with Maggie and Julie, I'm not sure I'll know what to do with myself."
He grinned as he dipped me low in his arms. "I doubt that. Maggie told me about your business and the reputation you've gained. I'm sure you have plenty of parties to keep you busy."
I laughed, knowing he was right. A thought hit me as we settled back into a slower step. "Hey, Paul..."
He quirked an eyebrow, and a grin spread across his handsome face. "Sorry, I don't need any party planning."
I ignored the sarcasm in his tone. "No, silly. That man talking to your mom, who is he?"
He glanced over my shoulder and back at me. "That's our cousin, Jax. That's my mom's sister, Aunt Carolyn, who he's sitting next to." He lost his smile. "And of course, he's alone."
"Is he not supposed to be?" I didn't understand why Paul almost sounded sad when he spoke.
He shrugged. "No, I guess not. It's just..."
I waited for him to continue, but he frowned and refocused on me again.
"Do you want me to introduce you?" He seemed reluctant to ask.
A beautiful redhead appeared at Jax's side. I watched as he focused on her finger that traced the neckline of her dress that happened to dip low across her breasts. He stood and offered her his elbow before leading her to the dance floor. He laughed at something she said as she fitted her body close to his. As they swayed together, he seemed engrossed by what she was saying. Her fingers started playing in his hair as she snuggled closer to him. He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, before leading her off the dance floor.
I quit watching and refocused my attention on Paul. "No. I'm sure I'll meet him at some point. I was just curious." And maybe a bit jealous.
"You probably will. But, Grace, I recognize that look."
"What look?"
"The one that a lot of women get around him," he answered. "The one that he responds to, to a lot of women, if you catch my meaning. It's not a club you want to be part of. He doesn't do relationships, at least not the way we understand them, and that's what you deserve."
Now I was intrigued. "You mean like BDSM type of thing?"
Paul looked shocked. "What the hell do you know about that?"
"I read. I know things. I'm not that innocent."
"God, don't say anymore. But, no, that's not what I meant. I mean, he's not a long-term commitment type."
"So, a player."
