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I was truly happy for my big brother. He deserved this. The wife and the kids and the happy family home filled with memories.
When he built this place, I thought it would be his fortress of solitude. Only him and the mountains and the forest.
But the sight of it now? Elaborately decorated, hosting half the county, bursting with laughter and music, with kids running across the lawn? It was obvious this place was meant to be shared.
My empty house seemed even more like a fortress of solitude by comparison.
We stepped into the large tent and were hit with a burst of warm air. “Just goes to show you never know where life is going to take you.”
“Fuck if that isn’t the truth. I never expected my life would bring me here.”
She stiffened and peered up at me, biting that plump bottom lip that made my brain short-circuit. “I’m sorry you’re stuck with me.”
My stomach dropped. That was not what I meant. If anything, I was thrilled to have her here as my date. Not that I could tell her that, of course, because that would start a whole conversation about the sexy snowstorm, the stakeout, and my general feelings. None of which I wanted to discuss, especially at my brother’s wedding reception.
She should feel comfortable and welcome here. I should have been the one making her feel that way. Instead, she felt like I didn’t want her here. Shit.
I pulled her a little closer to my side. “If I had to bring a fake date to my brother’s wedding, I’m happy it’s you. Not only are you gorgeous, but you’re far more social than I am.” It was an understatement. With Parker on my arm, I stood a little taller and actually smiled as I greeted the various guests. She made me want to be better. Around her, I was constantly upping my game, and it was doing a number on my head.
Because I had never worked hard to impress women. Usually, it was the other way around. Once I’d made money and hung out at hotspots, women were justaround, approaching me and making things really easy.
Nothing about Parker was easy. And I found myself more intrigued by her every day.
She shrugged. “I’m good at talking to people.”
“I noticed.”
“Everyone is drunk and celebrating.” She rubbed her hands together like a comic book villain. “It’s the perfect time to gather intel.” She reached into her cleavage, making my eye twitch, and pulled out her phone. “I’ve been using my Notes app to keep up with bits and pieces.”
I was both horrified and deeply impressed. As a workaholic, I admired her dedication and clever electronic storage plans, but part of me wanted her attention tonight.
She took a step away from me, straightening her dress. “I see Ellen and a couple other admins. I’m going to get her to introduce me to Richard.”
“I can introduce you.”
“I know you can, but working the sweet old lady angle could get me intel I wouldn’t get with a Gagnon present.”
I gave her a mock salute. “You’re the boss.”
A slow smile spread across her face. The dark red stain on her lips made her look positively sinful.
Then she turned abruptly and sashayed across the dance floor, her round hips swaying and begging me to chase after her as she closed in on the bar. I wished I could tear my eyes away, play it cool, but it was impossible. Everything inside me was shifting, and she was the cause.
I was admiring the view when a hard shove in my shoulder knocked me forward a step.
“You promised,” Adele said, appearing at my side with a glass of wine.
I elbowed her in retaliation. “You look nice,” I said, quirking a brow. “Didn’t know you owned a dress.”
“Very funny, asshole. Joke’s on you. I own four dresses. You didn’t think I’d show up to the wedding in coveralls, did you?”
I rolled my eyes. Honestly? Yeah, maybe.
“I respect Alice too much for that. Plus, I promised Goldie I’d dress up. Speaking of which”—she craned her neck and scanned the tent—“she told me she wants to dance with you.”
I smiled. Goldie wasn’t officially my niece yet, but the second I’d met her, I realized blood didn’t have a whole lot to do with making up a family. I adored her.
“For some reason, you’re her favorite. I’m worried about her taste in men.” She shook her head in mock disappointment. “I should talk to Henri about it.”
