“Nothing so far. Gareth’s trying a different tack. I don’t know whether to hope we actually find the bastard or go home empty-handed.”
She patted the hand that had a firm hold on her butt. “Not completely empty-handed.”
He threw his head back and laughed, squeezing her ass cheek a little tighter. “Nope, not empty-handed at all.”
“So, who’s studlicious?” Kerry was grinning at her, champagne in one hand and her hair clip in the other. Her hair had tumbled down during a particularly enthusiastic dance with one of Kerry’s young cousins, not that Kerry seemed to mind. Now the carefully crafted curls tumbled wildly about her face. She looked like a demented debutante.
“Studlicious, as you put it, is Chris Beckett.” Lana’s eyes were drawn to Chris. He was standing in the corner of the room, talking to one of the groomsmen, his gaze constantly tracking around the room. When he found her, he smiled, hefting his glass to her before turning back to his companion.
“New boyfriend?” Lana turned to find Kerry checking Chris out. “Mommy approves.
What does he do for a living?”
“He’s a graphics artist for Black Wolf.”
“That’s nice. The Armani says he makes good money. Is he packing?”
“Kerry!”
Kerry turned back to her. “What?” She glanced back at Chris, her expression wicked.
“I’d hate to think a sundae that yummy didn’t have a cherry on top.”
“Let me put it to you this way, baby bear. He’s juuust right.”
“Really?” Kerry’s head tilted to the side. “Does he have any brothers?”
She sipped from her champagne before answering. “Three.”
Kerry batted her lashes. “Invite me to the next family barbeque? Please?”
“Kerry—”
“I’ll pay for your next pedicure.”
“Done.” She wondered how the Beckett brothers would react to her brash, outspoken friend. It would be fun finding out. Kerry was her best friend, so they’d better get used to her.
An arm snaked around her waist. “Hey, sweetheart. Having a good time?”
Chris’s deep voice washed over her. She shivered, her body heating up at the feel of his warm body curling around hers. “Yup. You?”
A kiss landed on her neck. “It’s a lot better now.”
“He’s good.” Kerry held out her hand with a laugh. “Kerry Andrews.”
“Christopher Beckett. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too.” She turned her head. “They’re getting ready to throw the bouquet!” She grabbed Lana’s arm. “C’mon!”
Lana allowed herself to be dragged along behind Kerry, laughing at Kerry’s enthusiasm. They took their place in line with the other single women, eagerly waiting for Kelly to toss her bouquet. She ignored the glare Chris was sending her way, stretching her arms up and screeching with the other girls when the flowers flew overhead.
They landed in Lana’s arms with a thump. She clutched them to her chest, startled; she’d intended to direct them Kerry’s way.
“Darn it.” Kerry pouted briefly before grinning. “Looks like Chris might be the one after all, you lucky, lucky girl.” Kerry rubbed her hands together and backed away from the dance floor. “Let’s see who gets the garter.”
Christopher stood in line with the other single men, determined that not one of them would claim the prize and touch Lana’s sweet flesh. He had every intention of using maiming tactics if he had to.
From the smirk on Annabelle’s face he had a pretty good idea how Lana had gotten the bouquet so easily. If anyone could manipulate thrown flowers without causing a ripple in the magical stream, it would be Annabelle.
He figured she planned on making sure he got the garter. He was all for helping her along on that plan.
The garter was tossed, and Christopher jumped, snagging it in midair. From the shocked look on everyone’s faces he might have been a smidge
He led Lana over to the seat and slid her shoe off, stroking her instep with his finger.
She wiggled and jerked, glaring at him, daring him to do it again.
Ignoring the raucous calls of the crowd and the sexy teasing of the DJ, he placed her foot on his knee. Sliding the garter slowly up her leg, savoring the soft feel of her skin, he watched her, his gaze tangling with hers, keeping her focused only on him and what his hands were doing. Her face flushed darker and darker the farther up her leg he got. He slid it up to mid-thigh and stopped. Her breathing hitched, and she gulped. His fingers flexed on her soft skin, reminding her of what his touch could do to her.
His hands drifted back down, lifting her foot to his lips. He kissed her ankle and slid her shoe back on, the dazed expression on her face a fitting payment for the blue balls he was sure he would have until he could get her back home and into his bed. He stood and helped her from the chair, the clapping and laughter of the guests surrounding them.
Lana hid her face against his chest. “You are so bad.”
He grinned wickedly and dipped her. “And you like me that way.” He stole a kiss from her, beyond grateful when she immediately kissed him back.
When he managed to pull away from her lips, the expression on her face had his heart stuttering in his chest. Full of warmth and want and laughter, it made him want to whisk her away from everyone and everything and explore whatever it was that was lighting her up from within.
Instead he stood, twirling her and taking a bow to her friends and family. She got it immediately, curtseying to the crowd before dragging him off the dance floor. She led him past Kerry, laughing when the blonde fanned herself. “This is a hell of a first date, Chris.”
He stumbled. It wasn’t how he’d envisioned their first date going, but somehow…
somehow, it was perfect. He squeezed Lana’s hand. She looked back at him, so full of happiness she glowed with it.
Absolutely perfect.
“Christopher!”
He turned to find Zachary running towards him, his expression panicked.
“Zach?”
“Gareth’s hurt bad.”
He didn’t even stop to think. He ran.
“Who’s Gareth?” He was startled to hear Kerry’s voice at his elbow.
They shoved the door to the reception hall open and ran into the parking lot. “My brother.”
“Crap.” The blonde put on an extra burst of speed, impressive in the heels she was wearing. She actually reached the bloodied man on the street before he did, going to her knees and assessing the damage in a professional manner that screamed experience. “Call nine-one-one,” she ordered, pushing Daniel out of her way without a second glance.
Daniel allowed himself to be pushed, but from the look on his face he was none too happy about it.
Christopher had never felt so helpless in all his life. “What can I do to help?”
Kerry checked Gareth over, her face turning grim. “Think happy thoughts.”
Christopher pulled out his phone and dialed.
Chapter Ten
“He’ll be all right, Chris.” Lana hugged Chris, pulling him down onto the hard plastic seat. He’d been pacing since Gareth went into surgery.
