Page 26 of Three Grumpy Groomsmen

“Thank you,” I tell him.

He’s digging around in the minibar as I sip the champagne.

He turns back to me. “For what?”

“Being here. I appreciate it.”

“I’m happy to be here.”

“Me too,” I say softly, and I actually mean it. “Happy you’re here, that is.”

“Open your mouth,” he says. “But first, close your eyes.”

Sexy. That’s another thing being around Ford is.

When did Ford become so damn hot?

He looks exactly the way he always has. Attractive, fit, with a warm smile.

But now I know more about him.

He’s caring, compassionate, fiercely steadfast and loyal, and he’s patient. I spent the majority of the day wanting to throttle Liam and Harrison, but Ford remained calm and collected.

He also makes me feel safe. And cared for. He was looking out for me, making me eat and drink, letting me nap, and I felt like I could justbe. I didn’t have to worry. Ordoanything for anyone.

I never felt that way with Brad. I always worried. About how he was feeling, what he was thinking, if things were going the way he wanted them to, if I was pleasing him.

I frown. When hadthatbecome my life?

I shake it off. Fuck Brad. I’m here with Ford now. And I’m in very good hands as long as Ford’s around.

“Is this a trick?” I ask Ford. My tone isn’t suspicious, it’s flirty.

I’m flirting with Ford without planning to.

But now that I’m aware of it, I don’t really want to stop. It feels freeing to be here with him.

“No. It’s a treat. See if you can guess what I put in your mouth.”

He has his hand behind his back. I assume it’s chocolate or nuts or candy, but the phrasing makes me giggle.

“Absolutely not. I fell for that one in high school,” I joke. “Along with my boyfriend asking me if I wanted a facial for my birthday. Imagine my surprise when the time came.”

Ford gives a choked laugh. “Wow. Okay, fine. I’ll show it to you first.”

I raise my eyebrows. “That still sounds dirty.”

“Everything sounds dirty if you think about it too long. Take fruit, for example. Ripe with sexual innuendo.”

“Ripe.” I giggle. “Juicy. Peach. I get what you’re saying.”

Ford holds his hand up in front of me and unfurls his fingers to reveal the chocolate in his palm. “It’s a chocolate and hazelnut truffle. Tell me if you taste anything else.”

He gently eases it between my lips, and I take a small bite. The chocolate melts in my mouth and overpowers the sweetness of the champagne. I flick my tongue over my lip to catch an errant crumb, but I also catch the tip of his finger. He sucks in a sharp breath.

I swallow the chocolate, heat suddenly pooling between my thighs.

His thumb strokes over my bottom lip. His gaze sweeps over my face before studying my mouth.

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