Page 41 of Stirred Up

My excuse, in case he notices, is still being debated. Traffic is always a safe bet but in reality the only thing to blame is my own selfish procrastination.

I dragged ass from the moment I got off work. I watched a little television, painted my nails only to remove it and repaint them a different color, andthenfinally hauled myself into the bathroom to get ready an hour before the event began.

So here I am, stepping into a grand hotel in the center of town, reluctant to pass through the double doors leading to the ballroom.

And no, my tardiness has nothing to do with the fact that I know I’ll find a gorgeous Brady on the other side, charming the room with a flawless date wrapped around his arm.

Nope, nothing at all.

I hope he is in there; happy, carefree, wearing his usual smug grin, back to his old self. Truly.

I check my coat and square my shoulders, ready to do nothing but celebrate my brother’s accomplishment. He has a lot of work to do to the get the business off the ground, but tonight it’s official, he’s putting the pieces together to bring it to life.

Seems lots of things are changing.

A waiter greets me, handing me a glass of champagne, then steps aside, revealing the room awaiting me.

The quick chug I take of the liquid bravado nearly sputters out as I take in the insanely stunning scenery, decorated in white linens and Dylan’s black “Game On!” logo. The atmosphere leaves me breathless. Never would Ihave thought it could look so chic. Dylan knows games, but throwing a party?He must’ve found an incredible planner.

Time to go find my big bro and remind him just how amazing he is.

Once I’m fully immersed in the room, I spot Dylan near the band and my face splits into a wide grin. Eager to get to his side where I plan to remain all night, I weave through the crowd of mingling guests, but as I draw closer, my feet trip me up in an abrupt stop. Dylan’s in deep conversation with not just two studious men whom I’ve never seen before, but also Ashley, who’s looking as beautiful as I knew she would.

Brady’s not with them, but he can’t be far. He wouldn’t leave his date alone with all these men, not with the way she fills out that dress. I snatch another glass of champagne from a passing tray and gulp.

Feeling out of place, I move back, unsure if I should wait until she leaves his side or go say hi now. It’s silly and ridiculous. He’smybrother, but still, I don’t want Dylan to see any awkwardness tonight.

Deciding I’ll bide my time before I say hello, I stand there alone and unnatural, wishing I had brought a date. AsI try to block out my solo status, a current of electricity sizzles down the back of my neck. I don’t need to turn around to know he’s here. He’s close. I can feel him behind me, my body hyperaware of him tonight.

I wait, expecting him to speak or step around me to say hello when I feel his breath hit the back of my ear, caressing it.Damn him.Friends! Friends!

And then he surprises me yet again when he slips past me, his arm brushing mine as strides smoothly over to his date waiting beside Dylan. She welcomes him over with a sweet smile.

Brady doesn’t look at me once he’s there in the small group, laughing and chatting it up, so I decide to make the most of my night and walk up to the first guy I see standing alone.

“Hi,” I say cheerfully. “I’m Addison Porter, Dylan’s sister. Nice to meet you.”

The guy looks to be around Dylan and Brady’s age; not as built, but cute. His hair is dark and neatly trimmed, no facial hair and dull brown eyes but still…cute.

He gives me a noticeable once over before his lips curl up and he takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Pleasure. I’m Cole. Friends with Dylan for a few years now. Good guy.”

Dylan has very few friends and none I’ve never meant unless he means… “Online gaming friends?” I ask, curious.

He nods with a hint of embarrassment in his smile. “Yeah, I know it’s not the sexiest thing. Most girls hate guys that game, but it’s in my blood. I flew out tonight to show my support.”

“Addison.” I look up to see my brother and Brady walking over, Brady’s eyes hard and zoomed in on Cole.

What provokes me, I haven’t a clue, but I tug my lip between my teeth and lean in and whisper to Cole, “I think it’s kind of sexy.”

“What’s sexy?” Dylan asks, standing beside me now.

“Uh, nothing. Hey, sorry I didn’t come over yet, I just got here and you looked busy.” I give him a quick hug. “I love you. I can’t tell you how impressed I am. And how—”

“Proud you are,” he finishes for me with a chuckle as he releases me. “I know and I’ve been hearing it all night from Mom and Dad too, who are looking for you, by the way.”

“Cole!” Dylan turns his attention to his cyber buddy,leaving me and Brady standing beside each other.

I steal an uncomfortable glance his way just as Ashley appears at his side.

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