Page 54 of The Bourbon Bride

“Watch it!” I snap, mad that his immaturity caused me to ruin something as beautiful as her dress. I drop to my knees to dab at the liquor with a cocktail napkin.

“It’s just the train. Not like I’ll see it,” she says, waving off my efforts to staunch the stain on the glittery fabric.

Bits of the black napkin are sticking to the sequins and rough glitter, my attempt to clean making the situation worse. She was right when she said there is no such thing as comfortable evening wear. This shit is ridiculous and she’s a saint for having worn it.

I stand and look around as I dust off my hands. My brothers are both staring at me, with looks of shock on their faces. I scowl.

“What?”

“I shit you not, I think that is the first time Hayes Olsen has dropped to his knees to clean up a mess in his whole goddamn life. What, no order to get someone to clean it for you, bro?”

Zander’s teasing is marked by true astonishment. I think he’s right though, and that thought both infuriates and humbles me.

“Paige, can you please keep putting up with this man’s madness? I think you’re the best damn thing to happen to his attitude that I can personally account for,” Payton says, placing a hand on her shoulder.

I narrow my eyes at him until he removes his touch from her skin.

Zander makes his way closer, intent on adding his two cents. “We might even see the unrelenting lion ease up at work if you stick around. Let me tell you, that would be a nice change for those of us who have to work closely with his sourpuss attitude.”

“You’re both idiots,” I say, my tone not carrying as much bite as it could. They may be idiots, but they’re my idiots, so I’m stuck with them.

twenty

Hayes

Paigetriestocovera big yawn a little after midnight. We’ve been making the rounds at the party for hours, taking congratulations and questions from anyone who manages to grab our attention for more than a passing moment. She’s been a perfect date, completely at ease making conversation with strangers and finding common ground with business associates and industry professionals alike. She’s completely blown my low expectations for her addition to my responsibilities as the business owner out of the water. I think I’ve even enjoyed myself, all because she was willing to share the brunt of the social obligation with me. But now my focus is on her, and I need to take that yawn seriously.

“Tired, angel?”

“I can rally. Don’t you worry about me.” She rests her head on my shoulder and squeezes my arm.

I kiss her forehead while she’s close.

“I want you to enjoy this party and the company you’ve pushed to be even better because you believed in their products. I love hearing the gratitude each member of the company expresses for what you’ve done. This wouldn’t be possible without you, so soak it in.”

My chest expands with pride as she speaks. I’ve never needed anyone’s affirmation for my work before, but hearing her now does something to me that breaks down any barriers I may have had left where she is concerned.

“I believe we’ve more than fulfilled our obligations for this party and can make an exit whenever you’re ready,” I tell her, running my finger along her arm.

Her soft skin rises in goosebumps, her responsiveness to my touch giving me all sorts of ideas that require the loss of this dress.

“Fuck it, let’s get out of here,” I say, my mind made up.

She gives me a knowing grin and nods. “I’m ready.Soready.” Her husky voice makes my dick throb on the spot.

I tuck her against me and make the agonizingly slow trek through the crowded venue with impatience. Even the valet takes too long, my unrest manifesting in my fingers drumming along Paige’s shoulder as we wait.

She covers my tapping fingers with her little hand, stilling my movements.

“It’s just time, Hayes. We have plenty of it, so stop trying to rush. It’s making you agitated. Slow your thoughts and let the delay be more of our foreplay.”

I look down at her to see a smile raising one side of her mouth.

“How are you the expert now? You just completely changed my whole outlook.”

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for this. For you. I’m enjoying the anticipation.”

This woman.I face her, running my hands up her bare arms until I cup her face. I lean in slowly, working through my desire to rush in and claim her, and slant my mouth over hers. Her hands grip my wrists as she opens to my tongue, taking me in and claiming every part of my soul with a kiss.

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