Page 37 of Hook Up

“Wow,” Ryder mouths, motioning up and down my body.

Fighting the blush that I know is inevitable, I look away, but I can’t keep the smile from my face. Wow, is right. Ryder is impeccable in his tuxedo, outshining any of the other men. Even Greg, a good-looking guy in his own right, doesn’t stand a chance next to Ryder’s chiseled perfection. If he looks that goodinclothes, I can only imagine what he’d look like with them in a heap on the floor. I’ve seen a few photos, his muscular chest on display, a couple of artfully placed tattoos decorating his olive skin as he played in the waters of Hawaii, or Malta, or whatever tropical paradise he was visiting.

Always in these photos, there were women. So many women, each one more beautiful than the last. But despite their outer appeal, I know intrinsically that he never loved any of them. None of the photos ever captured his real smile. The smile he wears around me.

I can’t explain the connection I feel to Ryder. We don’t know each other anymore. But it’s there, as palpable as a heartbeat—this bond that can’t be broken, no matter the time and distance.

That, and I’m oddly protective of the man, despite him having a foot on me height-wise and scads more impressive people to act as bodyguards.

Stealing another glance in Ryder’s direction, we lock gazes.

“You’re so beautiful,” he mouths, and even though the volume is turned down on his voice, the meaning is clear. Suddenly it’s a million degrees, as I flush from his statement.

Such simple words, with such a profound effect.

Even scarier, I believe him.

My heart doesn’t stand a chance.

My brother is a married man. A married man who is currently imbibing the hair of the dog, right next to his wife.

I know this much—I’m not nursing any of them tomorrow morning. They’re on their own.

“You know it’s the obligation of the maid of honor to dance with the best man.” Ryder stands by my chair, hand extended.

I consider declining his request, especially since I overheard him in a heated phone conversation earlier as I made my way to the bathroom. No need to inquire with whom he was conversing; the frown lines made the answer clear.

Another round with Mandi.

At that moment, I made a decision. While I’m wildly attracted to Ryder Gray, and likely always will be, he’s unavailable. He has a live-in girlfriend and despite some damning photos snapped by the media, she’s obviously still a part of his world.

That’s a path I’m not even willing to consider, no matter what my heart says. Besides, we all know my heart is a blooming idiot where theLword is concerned. Especially when you combine theLword with the infamous Ryder Gray.

His grin broadens at my hesitation, clasping my fingers with his own. “Come on, you know I can dance and that is a rarity among men.”

With a chuckle, I steal a sip of champagne for courage before walking with him to the dance floor.

Ryder pulls me flush against him, his hands wrapping around my hips in an extremely possessive and hot as hell manner. “You are a vision, Greer. Absolutely stunning. I damn near missed handing off the rings because I was so busy staring at you.”

“You look pretty damn good yourself. I’ve never seen you in a tux before. You clean up well.”

“That settles it. You haven’t seen me enough. We’re going to change that.”

“Is that a fact? Tell me more about this plan.” Yes, I’m playing coy, but what’s a bit of banter between old friends?

Ryder has flirting on lockdown, along with charm, wit, looks, and deep pockets. He plays his role to perfection, but I refuse to fall at his feet, no matter how tempting the trip.

“The real fun starts tomorrow, so I need you packed by noon.”

My brow wrinkles, confused by his statement. “What are you talking about?”

“It’s a surprise. Just be ready to leave by noon.”

Great. Now I have to address the one subject I didn’t want to discuss—the sad state of my finances. Nothing like admitting to a multi-millionaire that you’re beyond poor.

Is there anything less sexy than being broke as hell? I think not.

“I can’t afford surprises, Ryder. But thank you for thinking of me.”

---