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“And that’s Dominick”—her finger aimed toward the next guy in line—“and Declan—who isn’t a Dalton, but will be marrying one—and last, but certainly not least, that’s Ford.”
I continued shaking each hand, attempting to memorize a particular trait that would help me recall their name and keep the two families straight.
But my thoughts were interrupted when I heard, “You forgot someone, sweetheart.”
The voice had come from behind me.
Jo and I turned to see who it was. The man was standing about a foot away, and I guessed he was at least in his late fifties with gray around his temples and a light dusting of silver across the rest of his dark hair. Deep lines were etched into his forehead and the sides of his mouth. And as he looked at me, I sensed he was someone with authority and great wisdom who had experienced more life than I could ever dream of.
I held out my hand, and before Jo uttered a word, I said, “You must be Walter.”
He gripped my fingers, holding them for several seconds before he replied, “Brooklyn Bray, it’s a real honor to meet you. I apologize for not getting a chance to speak with you while you were visiting our corporate headquarters, but my daughter has spoken so highly of you, Cooper as well, and my nephew is quite fond of you, as I’m sure you know. I anticipate you being a perfect addition to our team.”
“Thank you.” He released my hand, and it dropped to my side. “I’m so excited to start. The ideas are already brewing, and granted, I haven’t seen the first property, nor do I know what I’m even walking into, but I’ve begun to outline a plan to assess your current strategies and procedures, and I can’t wait for it all to come together.”
Walter looked at Jo. “Yes, I see what you were talking about.” His eyes returned to mine. “My daughter has never compared her work ethic to anyone at our company, and when she told me she thought the two of you were alike, I had to see it with my own eyes.” His stare deepened within mine. “Hell, I think she might be right.”
“Well, you haven’t seen me in action, but I can promise that I won’t let either of you down.”
“I don’t doubt that,” Walter said.
“Neither do I,” Jo added.
There was movement at my side, an arm that surrounded my waist that I’d been craving all night. A breeze of cologne that I knew all too well, that I’d missed since he’d gone downstairs.
“Do you need to be saved?” Macon whispered in my ear, just loud enough that I suspected Jo and Walter could hear.
And when Walter laughed, I knew he had.
“She’s a Spade Hotel employee now,” Walter said to Macon. “This is only the first of many talks I’ll be having with her.” He nodded toward us. “There are several more people I need to speak with, so I’ll catch you all later.” His eyes shifted across our small group, pausing on mine. “Brooklyn, I’m happy we got the chance to meet. I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.” He patted Macon on the shoulder and left.
“Don’t get used to that side of Dad,” Jo said, laughing. “It’s reserved for events like this and family functions. At work, he’s all business.”
“A roaring fucking lion is a much better description,” Macon said.
Jo smiled. “That too.” She rubbed the top of my arm. “I’ll leave you guys alone.”
As she stepped toward the group of Daltons and Spades, I faced Macon. “This is—”
“No”—he put his hand on my cheek, immediately silencing me—“we’re not going to talk about what this is. We can do that in the morning. I estimate we have about thirty seconds before we’re interrupted, and I want to spend each of those telling you how fucking breathtaking you look.”
“This dress—”
“And those heels …” He shook his head, licking across his lips. “Mmm, I would do anything to toss you over my shoulder and take you to my room right now.” He leaned toward my face, but didn’t kiss me. “It’s taking every ounce of self-control I have not to do it.”
“You can’t. This is your party, what you’ve worked so hard for.”
“I’m a boss, Brooklyn. Technically, I can do anything I want. And what I want right now is you.”
I couldn’t stop the smile from filling my face. “You wouldn’t dare …”
“I would.”
Even though he had one hand on my waist and another on my cheek, I didn’t want to show too much affection. I didn’t know if it was appropriate or if this was the place, so I set my hands on his stomach, feeling his abs beneath his tie and button-down. “Just think of how amazing I’m going to feel when you can finally touch me.”
“You’re teasing me …”
“And how wet I’m going to be all night as I wait for you.”
