Page 28 of 4 Weddings and a Feud

“Of course I am.” She sucked in cool air through her nose. She was back on solid ground. He wasn’t intentionally smoldering at her. He was bossing her around. Again. “I run a business, same as you. Sometimes you must power through.”

“Believe me, I understand powering through. But you’re not safe to drive now, much less at 4 A.M. Can’t Rafe or Michael do it?”

“They’re also driving. And none of our part-timers can do it on a Tuesday night. So it’s down to me.”

“I’ll do it,” he said, his jaw like granite.

“You?” she scoffed. “You don’t have a taxi license.”

“I used to. It was one of my jobs after high school.”

Wait, what? A job? Hadn’t he inherited his father’s white-collar business like the prince he was?

Before she could ask, he continued, “If you’re worried, you can ride with me. But you’re not driving in that condition. In fact, I’ll drive you home.”

She lifted her chin. “My car’s here. I’ll drive myself home. But…” Even if he no longer held a taxi license, he had to be more alert than she was. “I will let you drive tonight. Meet me at the shop at six.”

“I’ll pick you up from your house at 5:45.”

She huffed, “Fine,” and heaved her bag to her shoulder.

“If you brought a laptop or tablet to meetings, you wouldn’t have to lug this binder around.” He straightened the strap on her shoulder.

“Noted for when I can afford a laptop or tablet. And quit nagging me, or I’ll change my mind about tonight.” She zipped the bag closed.

His hand landed on her lower back, not a press but a gentle support as she moved toward the door. Wait, how was she supposed to storm out of here, her pride intact, while he was melting her with the soft touch of his palm?

She stole a glance at him. His gaze was directed at the door, and despite the soothing weight of his hand on her back, it was intense, like he could burn through it with sheer force of will.

She never wanted to be what he glared at like that.

Or did she?

ChapterTwelve

“Admit it.” Mary leaned against the outside wall of the jazz club, a mischievous twinkle in her brown eyes. “They’re adorable.”

“Adorable monsters,” Alex grumbled. He’d assumed she was driving a bachelor party. He’d not only drive but provide protection for the tempting chauffeur. With this party, the only protection Mary needed was from being overly coddled by the grandmotherly ladies.

Who also happened to be party animals and, as he could see through the window, were dancing cheek-to-cheek with men they’d just met.Youngermen.

He wished he were dancing instead of standing outside this club, hands in his pockets like a chump. Specifically, dancing with the raven-haired beauty who also had her hands in the pockets of her black trousers, her black jacket thrown open to catch the night breeze.

“Is chauffeuring always this boring?” he asked.

She fluffed up like an angry cat. “No one asked you to come.”

“I’m sorry.” He winced. “I didn’t mean it like that. I meant…the waiting. Driving a taxi, I was mostly moving, not killing time. I know you like to keep active, same as me. How do you pass the time?”

She shrugged. “I listen to audiobooks. Mostly about business. In fact, I’ve got one on my phone…” She patted her pocket.

No! Why had he said something so thoughtless? He was usually better at conversation than this. Having Mary near him again after all these years was messing with his head. He glanced through the window. The birthday girl was twirling with one of her friends.

“Mary.” He stepped closer. “Dance with me?”

“Here?” She shifted her gaze along the busy street.

“It’s only tourists. They won’t care.” He held out his hands, palms up.

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