Page 36 of Hook Up

“Yes. I also really want to be with her, which should show you how much I loveyouthat I’m here and not with Greer.”

“Fair enough. Too bad you can’t set up some sort of trade with my sister.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“You want to help her. She doesn’t accept charity. Find something to bargain with, something that helps you both. Even if it’s bullshit, it would likely be the only way to get her on board.” Greg snorts, waving his empty glass. “Ignore me, I’m drunk.”

Drunk or not, the man is right, and the noises around me fade as Greg’s words sink in. I need a plan. Then it hits me.

For the first time since fame came calling, I’m thrilled to have the media hounding me. It’s a perfect segue.

I know exactly how I can keep Greer by my side and help her, all at the same time.

Chapter 6

Greer

“We have an issue.” One of the bridesmaids, Marie, pokes her head out of the bathroom door, her expression grim. “Michelle can’t stop vomiting. We need a maid of honor replacement.”

I roll my eyes, trying to rein in my frustration. These women are not twenty-two. They’re in their thirties, but they behaved like college kids last night. Hey, I get it. Cut loose and have fun, but keep it together enough to stand upright at your best friend’s wedding.

“Gigi, will you take her place?” Jillian’s voice is sad and small beside me.

How am I supposed to say no to that puppy dog expression? Besides, it’s the woman’s wedding day. She doesn’t need any extra stress.

Wrapping my arm about her, I press a kiss to her cheek. “I’d be honored to be your personal fluffer for the day.”

We hold each other’s gaze in the mirror, smiles warming our faces. Greg did good. Jillian, despite her party girl tendencies, adores my brother, and I know the feeling is mutual.

For the first time in years, I find myself longing for that level of love and commitment. The strains of the Otis Redding song filters through my memory, reminding me I wasn’t always this jaded. Once upon a time, I believed in happily ever afters.

Likely, Ryder’s reappearance has something to do with my change of heart in the heart department. Okay, he has everything to do with it, but falling in love with Ryder Gray is a dumb idea.

A surefire way to get my heart broken.

Still, a woman can dream.

“It’s not fair,” Jillian whines, her hands motioning along my body. “You look better than I do.”

“Not a chance, Jillian. I just look more sober. Come on, let’s get you married.”

I adore my baby brother, but I have no idea why he insisted on getting married in Vegas. To hear him tell it, it’s the best of both worlds. Plus, since Ryder joined the festivities, it’s been luxury level all the way.

I have to hand it to Ryder. He spared no expense for his friend. So often, nouveau rich throw their money around as a way of showing off, but I don’t get that impression from Ryder. He doesn’t make a big deal of the cash he’s dropped, only stating that Greg deserves it for being a true friend.

Turns out, Ryder is a true friend, too.

I don’t dare ask what kind of trouble the men got into last night, although they all look less green about the gills than the women. Hell, I was the only sober one last night, but I’m ever so grateful for it today.

Still, I’m no fool. Ryder is a gorgeous, eligible man. At least, I think he’s eligible. Not sure what his situation is with the infamous Mandi, a woman I admittedly performed an internet search on last night.

All I can say is damn, she’s a looker and a half.

The further I keep my heart from Ryder, the better. Hell, at this point, I need to keep my body from him, too.

Both are becoming increasingly tricky to do.

I take my place next to Jillian, struggling to maintain a neutral gaze as Ryder’s baby blues drill into me. It’s impossible not to notice, he’s hardly subtle. Swinging my gaze in his direction, I widen my eyes and offer a shrug.

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