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“Um…is that Noah guy a big deal?”
I laugh. Echo has never been into watching sports. She’d rather participate. “Huge. Probably one of the top five pro quarterbacks of all time.”
“Oh. Well, I’m just happy that the family seems willing to make room for him.”
“One hundred percent.” I glance at my watch again. Now we’re fifteen minutes late. It will still take at least another five to walk to the ballroom. I’m getting antsy.
As if she can read my mind, Echo laughs. “You’re about to pace, aren’t you? I’m almost ready.”
From the other side of the door, I hear clothing rustle. That’s all it takes for my subversive imagination to melt thoughts of business from my brain and start feeding me visions of Echo. I picture her sliding on a lacy bra that cups her full breasts—which I’m ashamed to say I want to touch—and matching underwear that shields her innocent pussy. Mentally, I examine every curve, just like I did when she wore that barely legal bikini. But now it’s better…and worse. In this vision, I can see through everything.
Lust jolts me. I curl my hands into fists to restrain myself from marching into the bathroom, pressing her against the nearest flat surface, and stripping off whatever she just put on.
If simply imagining her in next to nothing is making you crazy, what will the real thing do?
Deep breaths. I need to slow my roll. I can’t be this hot for Echo. I’m not having sex with my best friend.
When she pushes the bathroom door open, my mental pep talk goes out the window. Her dress is a transparent lacy shift in creamy white with a sheath underneath that’s the same color as her skin. The effect, along with the plunging neckline and short skirt, leaves her looking hazardously close to naked. The erection I was trying to will away turns steely.
She’s wound her hair into a soft twist and left loose tendrils framing her face. Her eyes are shaded in a smudged brown with a hit of nude shimmer on her lids. I fall into her stare and get lost. Somehow, I manage to pull free, and I trip visually on her rosy lips. They make me ache to kiss her again.
For the first time I can ever remember, she’s wearing high heels. They’re strappy things that match her dress, wrap around her ankles, and make her legs look sinfully long.
“Wow.” The word slips out as I gawk.
She smiles, flashing me her dimple again. “Thanks. Shall we?”
“Sure.” Staying here would be dangerous to my sanity…and her virginity.
From the table, she grabs a little crocheted purse. I open the door before following her out—and get another surprise.
“The back of your dress is missing.”
Echo laughs and wraps her hand around my arm, pulling me down the hall.
I’m serious. Everything between the shoulder blades and the curve of her ass is bare. Another reality hits me. “You can’t possibly be wearing a bra.”
She sends me a flirty smile. “No, I can’t.”
I stop in my tracks. “This mixer is optional, shortcake. We could stay in and…” I sidle closer and graze my lips up her neck before I can stop myself.
“No. You only have two events to attend all week, and I’m going to show off this dress I fell in love with to someone.”
“Oh, I’m looking at it.” Even though I shouldn’t.
Echo grins and tugs on my arm. “Come on…”
With a rough sigh, I follow her to the elevator, then down to the ballroom, already brimming with my co-workers and some of their plus-ones. The younger, single guys, mostly my friends from different offices, congregate around the bar, shooting back whiskey, talking bullshit, and clandestinely browsing the handful of single ladies who work in this largely male environment all dressed up for the cocktail party.
My CEO, along with the senior management team, stands at the door, shaking hands.
When I reach his side, he claps my shoulder with a wide smile. “Elliot! Good to see you.”
“Thanks, Mr. Helm. This is Echo Hope. She just graduated from my alma mater last week.”
“Congratulations!”
“Thanks.” She sends him a dimpled smile as she shakes his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Glad you could join us. You enjoying Maui?”
“It’s amazing.” She sighs. “We got out to sightsee and visit some people I know on the island today. But before I leave, I’m determined to teach Hayes how to surf.”
“You surf?” Mr. Helm looks impressed.
“I learned as a kid. It’s awesome fun. A good way to be with nature, you know? And great for building core strength.”
My boss nods like she’s right, then he looks my way. “Now I’m jealous. Sounds like you’re going to have a great teacher.”
“If you want to learn, I’m happy to teach you, too.”
More bonding time with the CEO would be great, but he’s recently divorced and reportedly on the prowl. He’s not looking at Echo like he’s interested…yet. But if he saw her in a bikini?
