As we descend the stairs, Mack starts to come into view. First, I see the sleek, black dress shoes and tailored tuxedo pant legs. When I’m finally able to see the entire picture, it steals my breath. Mack is wearing a gorgeous black tuxedo with a black tie and a crisp white dress shirt that fits him like a second skin, and he’s staring at me, a look I can’t decipher on his handsome face.
“You look…” he starts but doesn’t finish.
I glance down, hoping I haven’t completely overdone it with this dress. I mean, he said a formal gala, so I assumed this dress was appropriate for such an event, but now, as I take in his rigid posture and his lack of words, I wonder if I chose wrong.
My dad chuckles. “I’m going to grab a cup of coffee,” he says as he leaves the room.
I watch him go, just so I don’t have to try to read into what Mack’s saying. Or not saying. I spy Oliver in his swing, sleeping peacefully as he gently moves from side to side. My feet carry me toward him, and I’m smiling as I lean down and slip my finger into his small fist. He doesn’t wake, but grips my fingertip as he usually does. Carefully, I crouch down, pause the movement, and place a gentle kiss on his hand before letting the swing continue to sway.
“Lean.” There’s so much pain in that word, the way he says my nickname. When I stand up and turn around, I don’t know what I’m expecting, but what I see is not it. He looks pained, but not in the way I was prepared for. It’s more…desire swirling in his eyes and dancing across his gorgeous face.
“Yes?” The word slips from my lips, but even to my ears, it sounds foreign.
He steps forward, invading my personal space. I’m wrapped in his scent, in a rich spicy aroma that reminds me of those fancy cologne samples in popular magazines. The ones you always smell because they’re absolutely divine, but never actually expect to smell on a human being, let alone someone as attractive as Mack Cruz. “You look positively stunning. You take my breath away.”
An instant smile breaks out across my lips. “Really?”
His hand wraps around my waist before sliding to my lower back. He leans in and I’m not sure if he’s going to kiss me or smell me. Frankly, either would be fine right now. When he takes that final step forward until we’re practically chest to chest, his eyes burn into mine as he says, “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
He seems to notice the jewelry adorning my ears and neck. “This new?” he asks as his warm fingers graze my collarbone, sending goosebumps dancing on my skin and a wave of desire dampening my tiny little panties. I’ve been in his presence for all of two minutes and they’re already useless.
I clear my throat and reply, “They were my mother’s. Dad gave them to me to wear.”
Mack smiles as he looks at the necklace. “They’re beautiful and meaningful.”
I nod, the lump in my throat so big I can’t speak.
“Are you ready to go?” he asks, turning at my side and extending his elbow.
I place my hand in the crook of his arm and say, “Ready.”
He leads me to the kitchen, where we find my dad sipping a cup of fresh coffee, a distant smile on his lips. “Heading out?” he asks when he sees us approach.
“We are. Thank you for agreeing to come and help with Oliver,” Mack says, extending his hand to my dad.
When he shakes it, my dad replies, “It’s my pleasure, Mack.” His eyes flick to me. “Take care of my baby girl.”
Mack glances at me and smiles. “With my life.”
He leads me out of the house and to an awaiting limo. “What’s this?” I ask, completely stunned by the arrival of tonight’s transportation.
He looks at the shiny black car and shrugs. “I thought it might be difficult to get in and out of my truck in a dress, so I decided to rent this.” He almost looks uncertain as he glances my way.
“That’s very considerate, Mack. Thank you.”
The driver opens the back door and a loud noise erupts from the back. Mack sighs. “You may be wishing you had taken the chance with the truck after I tell you who’s all in there.”
“Lena!” Fish bellows from the open door of the limo. “Damn, girl. You look positively edible. Have you finally realized you’re with the wrong man yet?” Fish asks, winking and smiling as his best friend growls behind me.
Mack places a protective hand on my lower back and we step toward the vehicle. “I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?” he whispers, as I go to slide into the car.
I glance back and wink. “Definitely.”
My date follows me into the spacious car and takes the seat right beside me. His hand is instantly on my knee—my bare knee, thanks to the slit of the dress. “Lena, you remember Coop. This gorgeous lady is his better half, Beth.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Lena. I’ve heard a lot about you,” Beth replies, a warm and friendly smile on her red lips.
I quickly glance to Mack, curious as to what he would have said to his crew chief’s wife, and reply, “It’s a pleasure, Beth.”
Across the car, Fish clears his throat. “Did you forget about me?” he asks his best friend.
Mack shakes his head and leans back in the seat, his hand moving from my knee to rest on the seat back. “Nope,
