"I have a few dresses," I said carefully. "Though I'm not sure they're quite what you'd call casino night material."
"Trust me," Sabine said with a grin, "anything's better than what Rex usually shows up in. Last year he wore a tuxedo t-shirt."
"It was formal!" Rex protested.
Griffin stepped closer, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "You could wear a paper bag and still be the most beautiful woman there."
The compliment sent heat curling through me, and I felt my cheeks flush. "Smooth talker."
"Just honest," he murmured, his eyes darkening as they held mine.
I looked around at these people who'd welcomed me so completely, who were trusting me to help with their most important fundraiser of the year. Maybe I didn't have a sequined gown, but I had confidence. And sometimes that was enough.
"Well then," I said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "I guess we'll see what magic I can work with what I've got."
"That's the spirit," Captain Doyle said approvingly.
As we prepared to head to Griffin's house, I felt a thrill of anticipation run through me. The controlled, cautious part of me that planned every detail was screaming warnings. But for once, I was going to ignore it.
After all, if I was going to throw caution to the wind, I might as well look stunning while doing it. And from the heated look Griffin was giving me, I had a feeling tonight was going to change everything between us.
Chapter Six
Griffin
My house felt different with Lila in it. Smaller somehow, like her presence had shifted the very air. I'd lived alone for so long that having someone else move through my space—touching my things, leaving traces of her floral scent on my couch—should have felt invasive. Instead, it felt right in a way that scared the shit out of me.
"Your guest room is upstairs, second door on the right," I called out, carrying her bags up while she explored the main floor. "Bathroom's across the hall. Towels are in the linen closet."
"Thank you," she said, appearing at the bottom of the stairs. Her dark hair tumbled loose around her shoulders, thegolden hour sunlight streaming through my windows turning the strands to silk. "This is a beautiful house, Griffin."
"Thanks." I set her bags down in the guest room, trying not to picture her spread across the queen bed, those dark eyes of hers heavy with desire. "I'll be downstairs when you're ready."
What I didn't mention was that I'd be pacing like a caged animal, fighting the urge to march back upstairs and show her exactly how beautiful I thought she was.
An hour later, the sound of heels on hardwood made me look up from the beer I'd been nursing. And fuck me, the sight of Lila descending my staircase nearly brought me to my knees.
She'd chosen a dress in deep emerald green that hugged every curve of her body like it had been painted on. The neckline dipped just low enough to hint at the swell of her large breasts, while the hem hit mid-thigh, showing off legs that went on for miles. Her hair fell in loose waves over one shoulder, and she'd done something to her eyes that made them look even more mysterious.
"Christ," I breathed, setting my beer down before I dropped it.
Heat crept up her neck. "Too much?"
"Not enough," I said roughly, moving toward her like she was a magnet. "You look fucking incredible."
The curse made her smile, and something predatory stirred in my chest. "Language, Mr. Rhodes."
"You haven't heard anything yet, sweetheart."
The air between us crackled with electricity, and for a moment I thought about saying to hell with the fundraiser and carrying her back upstairs. But Captain Doyle was counting on us, and I'd never let my crew down.
"We should go," I said reluctantly, offering her my arm.
The community center had been transformed. Twinkling lights hung from the rafters, poker tables dotted the main floor, and a makeshift bar served drinks in plastic cups that somehow looked elegant in the dim lighting. The auction items Lila had arranged so perfectly were displayed along one wall, already drawing interested bidders.
"Hot damn," Rex said, appearing at my elbow and staring at Lila. "Griffin, you lucky bastard."
"Hands off, Donovan," I growled, wrapping an arm around Lila's waist possessively.
