Page 42 of Heating Up (Nugget)
“I understand you’re trying to forget Sue,” she whispered and gazed across the pool to Griffin. “And frankly I don’t mind people thinking that you and I . . . flirt, or whatever. But try to behave yourself.”
“I’ll try,” he said, attempting to look contrite while pinching her ass.
She danced away and he got waylaid by Harlee, who introduced herself and told him that she owned theNugget Tribune, a digital-only newspaper.
“I want to do a story on fire season, especially given how bad it is this year. I’m interviewing Captain Johnson for the piece. But I want to do a sidebar on fire safety tips. Would you be up for that?”
“Absolutely.” He liked being in the paper, and despite Sue’s admonitions that he was calling too much attention to himself, he used to be quoted all the time in theChicago Tribune.
She took down his cell phone number and Aidan caught up with Dana at the buffet, where she deliberated over whether to go for the chicken or tri-tip.
“Just take a little of both,” he told her.
“I don’t want to seem like a pig.”
“Oh, for Christ’s sake.” He grabbed one of the serving forks, speared her a couple of slices of beef and a chicken breast, then proceeded to fill his own plate. “There’s enough food here to feed a small country. No one cares how much you eat.”
“Where you going?” She clutched his arm. “Our table is over there.”
“Yeah, we’re joining the party now.” He put one hand at the small of her back and maneuvered her over to Sloane’s table. He felt her stiffen, but to her credit, she didn’t complain.
They took the chairs next to Harlee and Colin. Griffin, Lina, Samantha, and Nate sat across from them. Lilly was more interested in playing under the table.
“Brady, come sit,” Sloane called.
He brought a platter of grilled shrimp. “Tell me what you think. I’m testing a new seafood vendor for the hotels.”
Brady didn’t have to ask Aidan twice. Scooping up a large spoonful, he put some of the prawns on Dana’s plate and took the rest for himself. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Sloane watching. Griffin too.
“I heard a rumor that you and Brady want to hold your reception here,” Harlee said to Sloane. All eyes turned to his sister.
Sloane in turn looked sheepishly at Griffin. “Don’t worry; we planned to talk to you about it first.”
“Seriously, you want to have it here, by the pool?”
“We were thinking of doing a tent over there.” Brady pointed to the lawn overlooking the golf course. “Maybe do one of those dance floors over the pool. What do you think?”
“I think it would be awesome.” Griff high-fived Brady, then put his arm around Lina. “We’ll let the other residents know we’re throwing a private party.”
“Nah.” Brady waved his hand in the air. “We’ll invite everyone in the development. That way no one will be pissed about losing out on their amenities for a day.”
“Another wedding to plan!” Samantha gave Sloane a hug. “I’m so excited for you guys. To think Lucky and Tawny’s is just two weekends away.”
“How is that coming along?” Sloane asked.
“Perfect,” Sam said. Aidan knew she was Breyer Hotels’ corporate event planner and, like Brady with the catering, pitched in on local parties. “Completely organized, and by the time they come back from their honeymoon their house should be finished, right, Colin?”
“Barring any unforeseeable setbacks we’re good to go. Then we move on to Dana’s house.” Colin gave Dana a thumbs-up.
“Are you loving the plans?” Harlee asked her.
“I am.” Dana swallowed a shrimp before continuing. “I can’t believe how big it’ll be.”
Apparently, the news hadn’t reached Sloane yet because she had a questioning look on her face.
“Dana’s adding a second story with all the bells and whistles,” Aidan supplied.
“You’ve seen the plans?” Sloane asked.
