Especially when neither of my brothers is around to stop me.
chapter 3
DEAN
“Thank god that’s over,” Spencer grumbles from the altar when T.J. finally dips his bride back in an over-the-top display that makes bridesmaids cheer.
“Time for a drink,” one of the other guys says, leading the way toward the exit with the other groomsmen in tow.
The venue is all-inclusive, with the exception of hotel rooms, so they’re hosting the rehearsal dinner tonight, as well as the wedding and reception tomorrow. Fortunately, it’s not far from my hotel, so instead of blowing all my money on my first night in town, I took T.J. up on the invitation to join them.
“I’m surprised you didn’t go to the ABR event instead.” Tessa strolls over as the bridesmaids disperse and the happy couple goes over last-minute details with the coordinator.
“Eh, I see your brother more often than I care to, and T.J. offered me a free meal, so…”
She rolls her eyes, and I grin. She’s so friggin’ gorgeous with those big brown eyes and perpetual glow. It’s like she’s smiling from the inside out and probably up to no good.
“Can I buy you a drink while we wait for dinner?” I ask. How the hell can I not? Yes, I drew a line in the sand last winter because I want to keep my job, but it’d be silly not to share a cocktail and catch up. Holden would probably appreciate me keeping an eye on her, right?
“I’d love that.” She purses her lips.
I force myself to look away from her. Glancing toward the exit to get myself under control, I blow out a breath. No way can I keep this platonic if I start wondering whether she tastes as spicy as she looks.
“Shall we?” I offer my arm.
She loops hers through it and lets me lead her toward the bar off the main lobby of the venue. The groomsmen are lined up along one end of the long glossy bar top, chatting it up with a group of women I don’t recognize.
“Ooh, our bridesmaids are going to be pissed,” Tessa mutters under her breath.
“Yeah? Why’s that?” I hold a stool steady for her and wave the bartender over.
“Holly was hoping to catch Spencer’s eye, and I think Macy might have a thing for Dylan.”
“Dylan’s a fucking tool.”
She shrugs, and the thin strap from her simple black dress slips down her sun-kissed shoulder. “I know, but that’s how she likes them. I think it’s the challenge.”
I reach for the strap at the same time she does, and our fingers brush.
“Sorry.” I jerk back.
She glances up at me, thick lashes framing amused eyes. “It’s okay, Dean. It’s not like you were trying to feel me up.” She bites her lip, and I know what’s coming before she even says it. “Which, for the record, I wouldn’t hate.”
I wouldn’t either, but she’s so friggin’ young. Twenty-two and ten years younger than me—Holden made sure I had all the facts when he warned stay the hell away. Not that I’d needed the warning—I wouldn’t have touched her anyway, simply because she’s his sister. But damn if I didn’t want to, thenandnow.
“Anyway…” I clear my throat. “From what I’ve seen so far, Spencer’s sights are set on you, so Holly’s probably gonna end up disappointed.”
Her playful expression fades. “God. It’s that obvious?”
I dip my chin and order a beer when the bartender finally comes over. “What are you drinking, sweetness?”
“I’ll have what he’s having, please.”
Damn. “No cosmo?”
“I grew up on a ranch with a bunch of boys, boss man. I’ll take a beer over the froufrou drinks any day. Especially with the right company.”
I chuckle and dig some cash from my wallet.
