“No, it’s okay.” She sighs. “It’s time I move on anyway.”
As much as I hate to say it, she’s right. It’s been four years, and she’s wasted a lot of time trying to snag the attention of a man I’m afraid isn’t worth it.
“T.J.’s cousin is cute.” Holly nods toward the guest tables where Dean sits with T.J.’s parents and an elderly couple I suspect may be his grandparents. Aside from them, T.J.’s only other guests are college friends and coworkers. Not even Dean’s parents came.
“He is.” And so help me god if she thinks she’s going to move on with him…
“He’s been looking at you a lot.”
“Has he?”
She nods.
Interesting, considering our conversation last night. “He works for my brother. I’m probably one of the few people he knows here.”
“Uh-huh. I’m sure that’s all it is.” She smiles knowingly.
My cheeks heat under her inspection. “Fine. I’d love it to be more, but let’s just say he’s to me like Spencer is to you.” At least as far as stubbornness goes.
“Why must men be so damn obstinate? I mean, we’re freaking hot.” She waves a hand between us. We’re in dusty rose dresses that thankfully do great things for our curves, unlike a lot of bridesmaid attire.
“You’re damn right we are.” I nudge her bare shoulder with mine, and she laughs before her gaze flicks just a couple of seats down to where Spencer pulls out Bella’s seat and T.J. claps him on the back.
“Maybe I’ll give it one last shot tonight.” She sighs.
I smile, my own gaze sliding to the sexy rancher once again.I think I’ll try one more time, too.
* * *
“Dance with me?”
An arm slides around my waist from behind, pulling me back against a hard body that, even two martinis in, I know does not belong to a cowboy. For one, he’s too tall, and two, his arms aren’t nearly as big.
“Spencer…” I maneuver myself around and press my back to the bar, trying to put as much space between us as possible. “How are you? Having a good time?”
“I’d be having a better time if you’d dance with me.” He wraps a hand around my wrist and tugs me forward again, but I resist, placing my hands firmly on his chest.
“I’m afraid I promised my next dance to—”
“Me.” Dean’s husky voice breaks into the awkwardness before he wedges himself between me and the persistent best man. I can’t see around him, and I don’t need to. The bite to his words gives me a clear idea of his expression. “When are you going to take the hint? She’s not into you.”
Spencer snorts like the cocky douche he can sometimes be. “What, and you really think she’d be into a hick like you?”
Dean rolls his shoulders. Even in his black button-down, the bunching and flexing of his muscles is obvious. And sexy as heck.
“As a matter of fact, asshole, she’s more than into me—she’s fuckingwithme. And I’d appreciate if you’d keep your goddamn hands to yourself.”
Spencer laughs, and Dean takes a step forward, but I dart around him before he does something crazy like throw a punch.
“Okay, okay… enough.” I hold Dean back with a hand to the center of his chest as his nostrils flare and his jaw ticks. “Spencer, please… find someone else to dance with. And Dean… may I have a word with you?Outside?” I jerk my head toward the terrace.
Spencer makes another throaty sound that makes Dean’s lip curl, but I don’t give him a chance to respond. I grab his hand and tug him toward the French doors.
“What the heck was that about?” I demand when the doors are closed behind us.
“I’m sick of watching that fucker come on to you,” Dean grumbles as he paces toward the edge of the cobblestone patio, balling his hands into fists and releasing them before doing it again.
The night is warm but not unbearable, and on the other side of the tall wall separating the venue from the Vegas nightlife, traffic buzzes by with horns and sirens sounding in the distance.
