I was peering outside as Chase drove up, so I quickly locked my door and made my way out to him. I tried not to totter like a newborn calf and give myself away as unpracticed in my new shoes. Wobbling in heels wasn’t particularly sexy.
Slow. Slow it down. My dance lessons rushed through me. I cut my pace in half and noted how much easier it was to keep my stride smooth.
I made it down the sidewalk to Chase’s car as he was getting out. He’d seen me in scrubs and jeans, but he’d never seen the glammed-up version. And I had to admit, for me, I was glorious. Shiny dark curls, plus my makeup and outfit all completed the picture of a confident vixen. Rawr. His gaze swung over my body as if he heard my silent roar and couldn’t help appreciating the predator in his midst. My shoulders straightened, thrusting my chest out on autopilot. I ignored the tightening in my nipples when Chase’s gaze focused on my curves and let the smile of satisfaction tip up my lips.
“You look like warm tropical waters and an oceanside breeze,” Chase said.
“Like a vacation you want to take?”
His eyes heated. “Exactly.”
His words evoked hammocks, warm skin, and piña coladas. Heaven. I shook myself. Unfortunately, we were headed for stilted conversations, perfumed relatives, and overcooked chicken. My appearance was one hundred percent false advertising.
It was my turn to let my chin drop when I caught an eyeful of Chase in his tuxedo. The dark slacks hugged his body to perfection. He’d chosen an aqua shirt underneath, and it made his eyes look more blue-green than blue. He was beautiful. Rawr, indeed. Goosebumps flared along my arms, and I held back a shiver. I’d be spending the next few hours orbiting the wedding with Chase. Close enough to touch, but not really mine. A wave of possessiveness washed through me, but I pushed those feelings down. I needed to remind myself that Chase had agreed to come as a friend, not my boyfriend.
He held the door as I got in his tiny car, trying not to flash him in the process. I had a moment of regret for the shortness of the skirt, but it was hard not to swell with pride when his eyes traveled to my thighs and stuck there. I couldn’t resist teasing him.
“My name is Pussy Galore,” I said in my throatiest voice. It probably sounded more flu-ridden than sexy, but Chase didn’t miss a beat.
“I must be dreaming,” he responded, his eyes still on my thighs. He stood frozen, looking his fill.
“Chase?”
Chase shook himself at the sound of his name and made sure I was tucked in before shutting the door.
“You make a great James Bond.” I couldn’t resist complimenting him as he got settled in the driver’s seat. He was A-plus arm candy. I wouldn’t have to worry about pitying glances from my female relatives today.
His smile creased his cheeks, but he didn’t look at me. “Thanks. If I can carry off a tenth of his sophistication, I’ll consider today a victory.”
I hadn’t considered that he might be nervous too. “If you want to indulge in a few martinis, I’m more than happy to drive home if you don’t mind me driving your car. Hooking you up with booze to take the edge off a strange wedding is the least I can do.”
He rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand before glancing my way. “I’d better not. It’s going to take all my attention not to sink your battleship with unplanned rubbish. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but my mouth tends to get carried away ... I need all my wits about me to manage this afternoon.”
I sank into my seat at his words. I was so used to needing to control my tongue, I hadn’t realized he was struggling too. It was easy to overlook his gaffes when I made my own so often.
“Have you met me? You’ll fit in perfectly.”
He didn’t look reassured. “I can’t let down my guard. You have no idea what might slip out. For that matter, neither do I.”
I reached out a hand to clasp his where it lay between us. His skin was warm, and my fingers tingled at the contact. He stared through the windshield, focused on the road.
“You’re doing me a major favor just coming today. It will be fine. You can claim blue aliens fly out of your butt on alternate Sundays and I won’t care. I’m thankful to have a partner instead of doing this alone.”
He grunted, but his shoulders relaxed slightly.
I grinned. “Well, not to be that date, but if you’re not going to drink, can I?”
He smiled at my honesty. “Sure, knock yourself out. No, wait. I don’t want your family thinking I’m a creep if I have to carry you to the car. I’m reserving the right to cut you off before you get too nuts.”
I nodded. “Deal.”
We pulled up to the ceremony venue as the lot was quickly filling up. I recognized more than a few cars. The family had turned up en masse to celebrate Nick’s big day. The sun was peeking out from behind the clouds. It cast the park pavilion in soft light that warmed the brick and high ceilings. We made our way to the reception table with Chase’s hand on my elbow. After one wobble, he caught on to my amateur heel status.
My sister, Jennifer, was greeting new arrivals and asking everyone to sign Nick and Mindy’s guest book. She spotted Chase first, and her gaze stuck. His black suit coat clung to his shoulders and nipped in at the waist, advertising his build to perfection. She gave him her most charming smile. “Hi, I’m Jennifer, the groom’s sister. I don’t think we’ve met. Are you a friend of Nick’s?” she asked.
Typical Jennifer. I wondered what Jennifer’s husband would say about her laser-focus on Chase to the exclusion of all
