Page 80 of A Little Tempting

Peeking around Maverick’s massive frame, I spot Reeves passing a marble pillar. As he strides toward us, people part like the Red Sea. It's fascinating to watch. Like maybe, just maybe, I’m not the only one affected by his presence. The lights are dim, but the mischief in his eyes and his wide grin are on full display, causing my stomach to tighten with anticipation. He’s already lost his suit jacket, and his sleeves are rolled up to the crooks of his elbows, leaving his muscular forearms entirely visible. The top button of his dress shirt is undone, too, and his tie is loose, making the guy look so effortlessly sexy, it should be a sin.

I’ve avoided him since the kiss. Since the moment I realized the chemistry I thought I felt for the guy was nothing but a drop in the bucket, turning my attraction to Oliver Reeves into a full-blown nuclear bomb capable of exploding at any second.

When he reaches us, Reeves tugs Maverick into a hug and slaps his back. Grabbing Ophelia, he spins her around like she’s a princess. Her laughter echoes through the massive room, mingling with the music and the clink of glasses filled with likely-spiked punch from the banquet tables on my left. She’s let go a second later and replaced with an amused Finley. With a final spin, Reeves releases her, then lifts his chin at Drew in a silent hello while I stay glued to Everett’s side.

“Hey, Brittany,” Reeves greets Griffin’s date.

“Hey, you.” She gives him a friendly side hug and turns back to my brother. “I believe you promised me a dance.”

“I did, didn’t I.” Griffin offers her his arm, and they head to the dance floor without a backward glance.

Then, Reeves’ eyes are on me. His smile softens as his gaze rolls over my dress. Well, meinmy dress. The spark in his eyes when he realizes I most definitely am not wearing black like he requested tugs at my insides when Everett steps in front of me, blocking most of my body from Reeves’ view.

“Hey, man. Where’s your date?” Everett asks. The question is tense. Forced.

“I decided to go stag.” He dips to the left and finds my stare. “Hey, Dylan.”

“Hi.”

“I like your dress.”

“Thanks.” I look down and smooth out the front while seriously second-guessing my bold decision to wear it in the first place.

“It’s colorful,” he notes.

Peeking up at him, I lie, “It’s all I could find.”

His mouth quirks. “Guess it’s my lucky day, then.”

“Drinks?” Everett interrupts.

My attention snaps from Reeves to Ev as he turns around and faces me. “Uh, sure?”

“Awesome.”

“I’ll have one, too,” Reeves calls from behind him.

Everett’s eyes narrow as he, once again, puts himself between me and Reeves and faces him. “I’m not your waiter.”

“Yet you delivered the perfect snack.” Reeves winks at me. Turning back to the rest of the group, he announces, “I snagged a table. You guys wanna come claim it with me?”

“Lead the way,” Mav returns.

Everett’s fingers find mine as we follow our party, and it’s…strange. We’ve never held hands before, and I can’t help but wonder why? Why now? Is it because he’s actually making a move, and Finley’s right about Cinderfella’s true identity? Or is it because he feels the need to stake a claim since Reeves is here? And why do I care? Why do I feel like I’m being torn in two? Do I like the feel of my hand in his? Do Iwantto hold hands with him? Do I feel the same spark I did with CinderfellaandReeves? It’s stupid. I should know, but I…don’t.

We weave between people, following Reeves to the edge of a ginormous room, complete with a stage and live band playing a love ballad. It’s romantic and beautiful and so over the top I can’t help but take it all in with a smile. Once we find the table, Maverick and Drew disappear onto the dance floor with their dates, and I’m left witnessing a staredown for the record books.

Well, this isn’t awkward at all.

After a moment, Everett clears his throat. “Dylan…I don’t suppose…” He motions to the dance floor, and I grimace as memories of the last time I danced rise to the surface. It was bad. Like really bad. LikeAmerica’s Funniest Home Videos, but you’re the main character bad.

“Don’t look so excited, Dylan,” Reeves chimes in.

Ignoring him, I turn back to Everett and grimace. “I think I need the drink you mentioned first.”

He smiles. “I got it.”

“Awesome, thanks.”

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