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His cheeks turned pink as warmth flooded through him, the image of the girls bowling inviting a bout of giggles. “Casey slips on regular flooring. She doesn’t need oiled floors or special shoes!”
Lauren laughed, clutching her side as tears clouded her eyes. “World’s worst bridesmaid sitting right here if I planned a bachelorette party at Pinheads!”
Austin smiled and pulled his body from the chair. He stretched and looked upward at the ceiling, the laughter and comical image subsiding. “Well... whatever it is you have planned, just don’t let Casey pay for anything, okay?” He pulled his wallet from his back pocket and handed cash over to Lauren. “I think four days away from the restaurant is a tight swing for her.”
She shook her head and swatted the cash away. “Don’t be silly. I’ll cover it.”
Austin pushed the money into her purse. “Humor me.”
She rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say, boss.” She tucked the money deeper into the bag and zipped it closed. “Oh! I have your suit in the car. Mitch picked everything up this afternoon. Let me go grab it.” She stood and Austin followed her to the front door. “I’ve got cases of beer too that I’m supposed to deliver.” She snorted. “Mitch means business tonight, I think.”
Returning to the driveway Austin squinted and shielded his eyes in the blazing summer heat. “How have things been with you guys? Any better?”
Lauren shook her head and opened the trunk of her silver Lexus. “Just make sure he has a fun time tonight, okay?”
The trunk door lifted as cases of beer and brown bags of liquor appeared. “Fun, I can promise...” Austin pointed into the trunk. “But I can’t promise a quality return condition with this kind of supplies.”
She snorted as her phone rang. Pulling the device from her pocket, she frowned and pointed toward the house. “I’ll be right back,” she mouthed before accepting the call and walking away.
Pulling two cases of beer from the trunk, Austin retreated to the staircase and pushed the front door open.
“There you are!” Casey smiled, dragging her hands through her damp curls. “I came down and you were both gone.”
“Sorry, Casey girl.” He set the beer down and pulled her body into his. His fingers collided with the sheer black tank top hugging her skin, the little bear on her hip peeking out from atop her skirt. Austin groaned and pressed a kiss on her lips. “Proposal. Skip the party. Let’s spend the night in my bed instead,” he pleaded.
With an inhale, he lowered his lips to her neck, ready to breathe in the field of lilacs from the wet tresses. But his brow furrowed, and he scrunched his nose. “Wait, why do you smell like a man?”
She giggled. “Would you believe I forgot my bathroom bag at home? I had to use what you had in your shower... so I’m rugged mountain fresh tonight!”
He snorted. “Well, I won’t have to worry about any men trying to steal you away from me.” He wrinkled his nose, hampering a sneeze. “You’ll smell just like them.”
With a laugh, she snuggled back into his embrace and looped her arms around his torso. “Behave tonight. Don’t get too crazy.” She tapped her index finger against his chest, tipping her face upward to kiss the blond stubble on his chin.
“No worries, Casey girl. No Old Style in sight.” He pointed to the cases of beer on the floor behind him.
She grinned and Austin snapped a mental photo of her, etching her beauty in his brain.
