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“Please.”
The ice tinkled softly as it hit the crystal tumbler. “I’m so glad you could be here, Paige. I know it means a lot to Belle.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it. I know how much Belle’s work with those horses means to her.” She gave me a small smile and a tilt of her head. “I’m not surprised about the success of the horses trained here.” She paused. “Although I have to say, I was shocked when she called to tell me she was dating someone and planning a trip to New York. I had no idea.”
I poured soda into Belle’s glass and bourbon into my own, smiling. “To tell you the truth, Belle and I only went on one official date. What can I get you?” I gestured my hand to the bottles of water, soda, and various bottles of alcohol in front of me.
“Bourbon, please.” She raised her brows. “Belle said it was a whirlwind.”
A whirlwind. “I guess that’s a good way to put it.” I poured her bourbon and held it out to her. She took it, and our fingers brushed right before she pulled the glass from me, taking a quick sip.
“Ah, wow, that’s good. Belle said you own a few bars and nightclubs in New York.”
I took a sip of my own drink, the heat of the alcohol sliding down my throat. “I do, yes.”
“You must be very successful.”
“I enjoy what I do.”
“And modest too.” Her voice lowered slightly. “Handsome . . .” Her eyes did a quick perusal of my body. “No wonder Belle was swept off her feet.”
I paused, hearing the disapproval in her tone despite her words. Was she suspicious of me because of the speed of Belle’s and my relationship? I supposed I couldn’t exactly blame her. Especially after what Belle had endured. She must be protective of her friend. And not only that, but Belle had told me what was going on in Paige’s marriage. She was probably especially suspicious of all men right now. “I intend to treat her as she deserves to be treated.”
Her eyes lingered on mine for a second before her lips tilted up, but there wasn’t much warmth in her smile. I guess I’d have to show her I meant what I said. “Good. She’s important to me.” She smiled slightly. “The sister I never had. She deserves so much.”
“I know. Believe me, I do.”
“Well, there you are, Brant,” May said, bustling into the room. “I turned up the m
usic a little if you want to ask that pretty girl of yours to dance.” She winked.
I grinned at May. “Absolutely.” I looked at Paige. “Nice chatting with you, Paige. I meant what I said.” I picked up the two drinks.
She gave me another tilt of her lips and this time her smile seemed to reach her eyes. She nodded and I turned, bending toward May. “Thank you for inviting all the people you did, May. I know it means a lot to Isabelle to be surrounded by all her friends.” I kissed her on her cheek.
“We all love her,” May said, the emotion clear in her voice.
I gave her a smile before I left the kitchen, walking down the hall toward the low sound of voices and laughter. Eli was exiting the room as I was about to enter and he stopped short, the look on his face gloomy. When he caught sight of me, he schooled his expression. “Brant.”
“Eli.” I almost felt bad for the guy. He’d clearly had a crush on Belle, hell, he probably still did, and now he had to watch her with someone else. Someone who hadn’t even been in the picture six weeks before. Yeah, I could sympathize, but I wasn’t in the least bit sorry about it.
“I’m ah”—he put his hands in his pockets and then removed them—“gonna get back to the stable. One of the mares is likely going to foal tonight.”
“Congratulations on the win, Eli. You do great work here. I mean that.”
He nodded. “Thanks, Brant. I mean that too.”
He moved past me, shooting a quick glance backward at the room where Belle was.
When I entered the room, I spotted her on her tiptoes as she hugged Detective Miller. A clench of unease tightened my muscles, but I forced myself to relax. I knew his role in Belle’s life now. The detective lifted his eyes from over Belle’s shoulder, his gaze meeting mine, and I swore I caught a flash of anger before he stepped away from Belle, his face moving into a smile.
I approached them and Belle looked at me, her smile faltering at whatever she saw in my expression. “Brant, Hank is just leaving. He has to go into work.”
“Ah. Duty calls. Thanks for coming, Hank.” I handed Belle her drink and held out my now empty hand and he took it, squeezing tightly, his gaze homed in on mine.
“Brant.” He let go of my hand, glancing at Belle, his expression softening. “Take care of her.”
“That’s what I plan to do.”
