AllFreeNovel
Share Us
They’re all giving me that ha-ha-ha laugh, but there’s no missing the meaningful eye contact. And that guy with the shovel talk? Shit, he didn’t even try to act like he was kidding.
These men love her. That much is obvious as soon as they turn to her, and suddenly the hugs are genuine and the crinkles at the corners of their eyes are popping as adoration lights their faces.
And despite the threats, I like them.
That is, I like most of them.
“What the hell is he doing here?” Misty whispers as she sails up beside us.
Stormy looks around, but I’ve already spotted him. Fucking Ray. And he’s heading straight for us, offering tight smiles and winks at those obviously trying to cut him off at the pass.
I gotta admit, this guy has balls.
“Stormy, can I speak to you for a moment? In private.”
I sigh. “Come on, man. Tonight isn’t the night.”
The smug fucker holds out his hand to her as though I don’t exist.
It’s a douche move.
A power play.
But my ego isn’t on the line. Neither is my pride or my heart or anything beyond a commitment to look out for the woman wearing my ring.
Turning to her, I keep my posture casual and tuck a bit of her hair behind her ear. Damn, that’s soft. “Up to you, gorgeous. Whatever you want.”
The smile that drained from her face the minute he showed up returns, and she shakes her head.
“No. This night is about you and me.” She takes my hand, and I fold it within my grasp. “Ray, you shouldn’t be here. And all we have left to talk about is H&H business. During work hours.”
“You so certain?” he asks, his tone suggesting he still hasn’t given up.
And wow. Ireallydon’t like it. But no way am I going to play into his hand and wreck a night that means something to Stormy’s family. So instead of letting this guy bait me into fucking him up, I lead her away, leaving Noel and Misty to deal with Ray.
There’s a collective sigh of relief in the room that’s become too quiet around us, and then we’re back to introductions and congratulations and back-claps minus the veiled threats.
And then it starts.
Clink, clink, clink, clink, clink…
The light sound of crystal filling the air has me searching for whomever is about to give a toast. I’m hoping to score one of those videos with all the embarrassing pictures of Stormy through her awkward years.
But when she turns into me, burying her head against my chest with a moan of distress… I get it.
17
Liam
“They want us to kiss,” she whispers into my lapel.
Right.
I smooth my hand over her hair and duck my head to hers. “It’s just a kiss.”
Like it wasjusta kiss at the chapel in Vegas.
Or New Year’s Eve.
