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“Look at me, Tink.”
God, half of me wants to turn away but the other half wants to see this more than anything. He caresses her cheek with his thumb as he holds her chin up.
“Nothing’s changed.”
I’m not sure if he’s trying to reassure her but I see the split second of pain in her eyes before she pushes it down and gifts him a wide smile. “Okay.”
She pulls out of his grasp and steps away. “I’m just going to go freshen up. Need to look my best now I’m on the chopping block.”
Beck frowns. “What does that mean?”
Her eyebrows rise and she grins, all signs of the pain she let slip are gone, buried under a layer of fake smiles. It’s a wonder he can’t see it. I barely know this woman and I recognize it for what it is, but perhaps it’s as simple as like recognizing like.
“Oh, Lottie had an emergency and I’m a stand-in for the auction. So, get your wallets out, boys. I don’t want to end with no bids and embarrass myself.”
She is gone before he can react, but I see the way his jaw tightens before he looks at me. “She isn’t for you.”
My temper bristles. I get him being protective of her but he doesn’t get to tell me that. “That’s her decision.”
He steps closer and I fight the urge to step back. We’re the same height, but I outweigh him by twenty pounds. Beck is leaner, his muscles defined and corded with strength, not bulk. He drops his eyes to my lips for just a second and it takes everything in me not to lean into him and see if I can taste the power he portrays. I don’t, I am too aware of the people around us, and what a mistake like that would do to my image.
“She is not for you.”
He growls the same sentence, and I can feel the anger vibrating off him.
“Don’t be a dick, Beck. Amelia is her own woman, and she gets to decide who she dates and who she doesn’t. I like her. She’s beautiful and smart and sexy as hell.”
I say the last just for him and he reacts exactly how I expect, his nostrils flare as he gets in my face. “Amelia is worth ten of you.”
I rock back on my heels. “I don’t doubt it. But unless you’re ready to admit that you’re in love with her, then it’s none of your business.”
He moves back as if I’ve shocked him, and I take advantage and lean forward. “Yeah, Beck, I see you. I see the way you look at her, the way you can’t keep your eyes off her. Even now you’re aware of exactly where she is in this room.”
“She’s my friend.”
“Bullshit. But, hey, if you want to act delusional then don’t let me stop you. I’m happy to step in and be the man she needs.”
I hadn’t even made a conscious decision to ask her out but after that kiss, there’s no way that I won’t be calling her.
He shoves me back a step and I let him, a chuckle erupting from my lips even as I want to step in and drink his anger down. Beck is always in control and seeing him this way is exhilarating, heady.
“Stay the fuck away from her.”
“Make me.”
I’m about to face the full force of his anger when a five-foot powerhouse steps between us and plants a hand on our chests. I look down at my sister’s furious face.
“What the hell is going on here?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing.”
We both respond but I ease back as Beck does the same thing. Norrie glares at us as I see her husband prowling toward us, a warning clear on his face that he will kick our asses if we upset his wife.
“Doesn’t look like nothing the way you two are glaring at each other like two bulls ready to tear each other apart.”
I remain silent. I know better than anyone that whatever I say now will only compound things. Norrie is sweeter than sugar until she’s riled up. Right now, she’s pissed.
