Page 45 of One Wealthy Wedding

“I’ll give you the pleasure of winning?” I ask hopefully. I do not want to owe Theo anything. He’ll pick something terrible and embarrassing and—oh god. What if he wants me to kiss him? Heat spirals through me.

He lets out a laugh. “Two dares. Of my choosing.”

Ah, shit. He knows how to get me. I dare you, Cat. Famous last words that preceded many a mishap. The last thing I heard before I fell off the lowest branch of the tallest tree on the property. And yet I’ve never been able to turn him down.

“Fine,” I grumble.

“All right, princess. Come on. I’ll even let you pick your partner first.” He turns, so smug. Even the way he walks is arrogant. Unhurried and lazy, like the whole damn world will wait for him to arrive. I roll my eyes at his annoyingly perfect backside.

“Everyone, this is Catherine.”

“You can call me Cat.” I wave at the guys, nodding at Cole and Miles. Grant gives me a too wide smile, interest written across his face. Before he can take two steps toward me, Theo says, “She’s my wife.” He’s staring Grant down, arms crossed. He has nice arms. Really nice. Strong too. I know because of that day…don’t think about that day. It’s too late. I’m remembering the way he held me up in the water and the way his hardness pressed against my softness. Shit. I smile at Grant, and Theo’s gaze darkens.

“Pick your partner,” he says.

My eyes flick to Grant.

“Not him,” Theo adds.

“Cole, then.” He’s athletic, and I know him a little.

“Hey, Cat.” Cole gives me a hug. He’s even bigger than Theo, and more solid. I’ve always liked Cole. He doesn’t demand that you talk—instead, you can just be.

“You’ve grown since I last saw you,” I say.

“Yeah?” He grins at me. “Outward, I think, not upward.”

I pretend to ogle him. “Mostly in the shoulders, I think. And maybe the legs too.” His quads are thick with muscle. “Those running backs got nothing on you.”

He laughs. “Careful there. My brother looks liable to kill me.”

“Good thing I’m counting on brotherly competition to win this.” I wink, but I make the mistake of glancing at Theo. He looks homicidal for a brief moment, his face tight, his eyes burning. And then he wipes his expression, turns to Miles, and jerks his thumb toward the table.

“All right. Let’s do this,” Miles says. “I have a reputation to uphold.”

“Do billionaires play beer pong?” I ask Cole.

He lifts his eyebrows. “I’m not sure. My idiot brother is the only billionaire I know. And he—” We watch Theo sink one cup with ease. “He’s disturbingly good at beer pong.” Cole shakes his head, and I laugh.

“Do that again,” Cole says.

“Do what?”

Miles misses a shot, and we scoop up the little plastic balls from the table.

“Pretend I said something funny. Put your hand on my arm.”

“Okay, sure.” I touch Cole’s forearm and laugh.

“Oh yeah. We’re so going to win.” He shakes his head and steps back. “He’s so jealous. It’s killing him.” My gaze jerks to Theo, as Cole sinks the shot with ease.

My husband’s green gaze is stormy. His mouth is a hard slash. He’s even widened his stance, like he’s trying to make himself bigger.

“No.” I swallow away the dryness of my mouth as I watch him watch me with predatory focus. “He just wants to win. He’s pissed that we’re going to kick his ass.” I step back from the table and bounce on my toes. I take one practice shot, and Theo shouts, “Come on, princess.” I stick out my tongue but focus on the cups, bring my arm up, and sink it.

“Yes!” Cole and I hug, and he swings me into the air.

“Beginner’s luck,” I say.

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