Page 50 of A Whole New Trick

“Eli,” Dane seethes, shooting an anxious glance my way. “Shut the fuck up.”

The younger brother laughs, unfazed by Dane’s furious glare. “Fine. Fine. I’ll leave. This is going to be so fun.” He brushes past us to go inside, shooting me an encouraging wink as he does.

Dane waits for the front door to close before sighing and taking my hand. “I’m sorry about that.”

“It seems like our siblings are determined to keep getting in the way,” I comment with a half-chuckle, half-wince, savoring the feel of his strong hands wrapped around mine.

Dane’s expression softens. “They can’t get in the way forever.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.” He maintains eye contact as he lifts our hands and kisses my knuckles. My knees go weak. “Just wait and see.”

16

DANE

Morgan Caldwell isthe sexiest woman in this room, and if I don’t kiss her tonight, I am going to lose my fucking mind.

The gala takes place in the ballroom of a ritzy hotel in downtown Dallas. Thank God it was in town this year. Otherwise, I’m not sure I would’ve been able to convince Morgan to come with me.

Ornate chandeliers illuminate the white and silver linen covering dozens of circular tables arranged throughout the space. Tall floral arrangements stand in the center, blocking the view of those on the opposite side of the table.

The men in attendance wear black tuxedos, and the women are draped in fine jewels and floor-length gowns. The guests range from young athletes in their twenties to donors well into their seventies. Hockey players, coaches, doctors, teachers, city workers, and more mingle throughout the room while we wait for dinner to start. It’s a dynamic crowd.

Engaging conversation surrounds me, but no one and nothing can take my attention off the stunning brunette at my side for long.

Morgan wears a curve-hugging black gown with shimmering fabric that catches my eye with every move she makes. Herhair is pinned up and adorned with a vibrant green jewel clip in honor of the Ranchers’ team color. I prefer to think she’s honoring only me, but I keep the thought to myself. I don’t want to scare her off.

It’s still hard to swallow that all the pain and hurt from the last few months stemmed from a simple misunderstanding. I often catch myself thinking of countless “what-ifs” before I remind myself there’s no point. What’s done is done.

Morgan and I can’t go back to that night at the club to rewrite our story, but we are in control of our story right now. And I’m determined to ensure we have the best ending a woman could ever want.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look?” I whisper into Morgan’s ear when the oncologist and her husband we’d been speaking with walk away to talk to Lehman and his date, a pretty blonde who barely comes up to his chest.

“You have.” Her eyes sparkle. “But it doesn’t hurt to hear it again.”

I lower my head and whisper again, “That dress you’re wearing is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen, and I’m wondering what it would look like on my bedroom floor.”

“Dane!”

“What?” I lean back and grin. “You asked.”

“Technically, no, I didn’t.” She shakes her head, but her smile undermines her attempt to appear disapproving. “But we’re in a crowded ballroom. You can’t say things like that.”

“Why not? Everyone here thinks you’re my girlfriend.” It's atitle I plan on making real as soon as I’m sure you’ll say yes.

I’m not insecure, but part of me is hesitant to have that conversation with Morgan. The attraction between us is electric. Sparks assault my skin any time we’re in the same room. And even though my lips haven’t landed their mark, Morgan’s never pulled away when I’ve leaned in for a kiss.

She’s interested in me. At least physically. But I don’t just want a physical relationship. Now that we’re not walking on eggshells, it’s only a matter of time before Morgan realizes how good we can be together.

“Hm.” She bites her bottom lip. I imagine doing the same in a dark corner somewhere. “That’s true. I guess it wouldn’t be a big deal if we took a moment to ourselves.”

My dick stands at attention. “For real?”

She lifts a shoulder and gives me a sultry smile. “Why not?”

That’s all I need to hear.

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