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Laurent moved to the bedside table and returned, holding out a tissue for me. I grabbed it and dabbed at my lids, absorbing the unshed tears.
Once the tears stopped, I wadded up the tissue and tossed it into the trash can. Laurent held his arm out to me. “Then let’s go get this over with, and when we get back, I’ll show you exactly how you should be worshipped.”
His breath traced the sensitive skin of my ear. Moisture pooled between my legs, and I shifted on my heels, trying to provide some relief to the sudden desperate desire clawing inside of me. “Keep saying things like that, and I might have to find us a closet.”
He leaned in and nipped at my ear, lingering long enough to surround me with his delicious scent. “Promise?” He pulled away, desire darkening his eyes.
I flashed him a smile and headed to the door before the raging inferno burning my blood turned me into nothing more than a puddle of dress and shoes.
“Does my ass look okay?” I asked, before yanking the door open.
Laurent tugged at his collar. Oh, how I loved throwing it right back at him. “Amazing.”
“Good. I didn’t want lines, so I’m not wearing any underwear.”
I heard a choked noise come from behind me, and with a satisfied sway of my hips, I walked into the hallway.
Laurent hurried after me, his hand landing firmly on my ass. He bent down, his breath caressing my ear. “You play dirty.”
My lips tugged at the corners. “No, I play to win.”
The venue was gorgeous, of course, with two marble staircases spiraling upward until they met at the top. A gold upholstered chaise lounge sat to the left surrounded by equally garish wing chairs. A sign welcoming the friends and family of Parker and Garrett informed us to follow the stairs to the upper level.
Laurent rested his hand on my lower back, his fingers dipping low, probably to feel for lines. His deep groan proved I had been truthful about going commando. We made our way up the stairs and stopped outside a double doorway.
“Is this the engagement party or the wedding?” Laurent asked.
“This is Marion. Over the top, everyone look at me and how amazing I am.” Parker and I weren’t all that close, but this wasn’t her doing. She’d prefer something simpler, less in-your-face. At least I believed she did. Marion always dominated our conversations, inserting herself at every exchange. It had been hard to forge a relationship with Parker because of that.
“Does she think she’s a Rockefeller?”
“Marion thinks she’s above everyone, even though between my dad and her, their household income is light-years away from Rockefeller. You know that saying, keeping up with the Jones’? That’s Marion. She’d rather put herself in eternal debt than not have the appearance that they have it all.”
“I don’t understand people like that.”
“Oh okay, Mr. Arsenal of Luxury vehicles.”
“I’m not trying to keep up with anyone, and I have nothing against indulgences… as long as you can afford them.”
“And you can?” I don’t know why I asked. I pretty much knew the man was loaded.
He smirked, which was sexier than it should have been. “Let’s say none of my vehicles has a monthly payment.”
“I didn’t know the family wine business was so lucrative.”
“I expanded the business and made my entire family very rich. But for me, the money doesn’t matter. What matters is that my grandfather lived long enough to know his legacy will forever live on, not only in Vine Valley, but across the country.”
“He must’ve been very proud.”
“I like to think so. Just wish he could have lived a little longer to enjoy it more. He spent so many years busting his ass in those fields.”
“It was his passion. I’m sure if given the chance, he wouldn’t have changed a thing.”
“You’re probably right. He was in those fields until he physically couldn’t, and even then, he’d sit on the deck and look out over them. He always said it was his happy place. He once joked he wanted his ashes spread there, but Dad put a stop to that real fast, saying the health inspector would shut us down.”
“Oh god,” I said, equally disgusted and amused.
Laurent grew quiet, his eyes looking off in the distance as if he was remembering a time that no longer existed. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to disturb him from wherever he drifted off to. A moment later, he motioned toward the entrance. “I think we procrastinated long enough. You ready to enter the lion’s den?”
