Fish leans forward and takes my hand, bringing it to his lips and placing a kiss on my knuckles. “You look stunning, Lena. If my dumbass friend here doesn’t sweep you off your feet tonight, you let me know, ‘kay?”
I can’t help but laugh. “I’ll do that, Fish.”
The big guy sits back and sends a wolfish grin to his best friend. “Hear that?”
Mack just relaxes in the seat. His arm adjusts so his fingers graze against my shoulder and neck. “I heard. Too bad for you I don’t plan to let her out of my sight this evening.”
The combination of his words and the subtle touches on my bare skin send tingles of lust sweeping through my body. For the first time since I got dressed, I’m grateful for the slightly padded strapless bra I decided to wear under this dress. It’s the only thing keeping my nipples from giving away just how much his words affect me.
Fish just nods. “Good.” He throws me a wink before turning to Coop and Beth and asking about their daughters.
The rest of the ride is filled with listening to tales from Coop and Beth, and the occasional question about Oliver. Mack is eager to talk about his son, sharing stories of bath times and walks around the neighborhood. Before too long, we’re arriving at The Garland for tonight’s event.
Nerves sweep through me as the door opens. Mack slips out first and extends his hand to me. Flashes from cameras almost blind me as I exit the vehicle, overwhelmed with the chaotic scene around me. There are members of the press everywhere, screaming Mack’s name and taking his picture. Our picture. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn’t it.
“Deep breath, Lean. It won’t be this bad inside. Hicks always makes a big deal of these galas, inviting all sorts of money from all over. The proceeds from the silent auction will go to a charity,” he tells me softly, guiding me across the red carpeting toward the front door.
I find myself smiling, keeping the panic at bay, and my eyes locked ahead. There’s a huge amount of comfort being on his arm, walking side by side and feeling the warmth of his body against mine. When we make it to the door, an employee holds it open for us to enter. The moment we’re inside, I feel myself relax tremendously, especially when Fish catches up to us.
“I need a drink,” Fish says, walking around us and heading straight to the bar.
“Let’s go grab something,” Mack says, guiding me inside the beautiful banquet hall used for tonight’s gala.
We head to the bar. The moment we stop, Mack is surrounded by industry representatives. He quickly falls into easy conversation about this season, last weekend’s win, and the upcoming race in Portland. He introduces me to several men and a few women as Lena Stanley, his friend from Brenton. When one woman hears me being referred to as his friend, a look of want registers on her face. There’s no way I could miss it, especially when she steps forward and digs her claws into Mack’s forearm.
“If you’ll excuse us, Lena and I were about to get a drink,” Mack states to the small group as he steps back, dislodging the viper’s claws and moving me away from the crowd.
“That was…” I start but stop myself. First off, none of my business, right? Yeah, that still doesn’t help squash the burning jealousy racing through my veins.
“Yeah, Joy has never been subtle,” Mack exhales loudly with a quick shake of his head.
“Aww, poor sexy race car driver, with single women throwing themselves at him all the time,” I tease, even though I kind of hate it a little. No, not a little. A lot.
Mack turns to face me, his hand settling on my hip. His fingers flex and dance along the top of my ass cheek. “She’s not single, Lean.”
My eyes widen at his statement. “Really?”
He nods. “Truth. Her husband is across the room trying to pick up one of the servers. Or bartenders. Or executives at the corporation. He doesn’t care, and neither does she.”
“Wow,” I say, glancing down at his trim waist hidden behind his tuxedo jacket.
He moves even closer. I can smell his cologne as the lapel of his jacket sweeps across my breasts. “Now, let’s go back to your other statement. Sexy race car driver?” His eyes dance with mischief.
I can’t help but roll my eyes. “Oh, come on. You know you are. Everyone thinks so.”
His hand moves to my lower back as he pulls me flush against his body. A gasp slips from my mouth as his eyes zero in on my lips. My hands go to his upper arms to hold myself steady, even though I’m sure he has me firmly in his embrace. “I don’t care about everyone, Lean. I only care about one woman and the fact she finds me sexy.”
I can’t breathe. Why can’t I breathe?
I struggle to get my bearings, especially when I can feel his chest pressed against mine. His minty breath tickles my cheek as I gaze up into his dark brown eyes. “She does,” I confirm, squeezing his muscular arms beneath his jacket and my legs closed to try to help alleviate the tingle.
It doesn’t work.
“Good,” he finally replies, as Fish finally grabs his drink and moves out of the way.
He turns us to the bar and waits for me to order first, but my mind is all over the place. It’s on him and memories of his amazing body as it moved with, and against, me in the shower last weekend. When the bartender raises an eyebrow, I finally order a glass of white wine, knowing I’m blushing a fierce shade of magenta.
When I have my wine and Mack has his glass of amber liquid, he guides me toward the gala. It’s in full swing with people dressed to the nines everywhere. “Come on, Lena. Let me go show
