Page 7 of The Art of Loving Lacy
“What’s happening with Connor Dean, anyway?” Treat asked. The last time they’d all been together, Savannah had just broken up with her client-slash-boyfriend, actor Connor Dean. Her job as his entertainment attorney had turned into something more intimate, the details of which she hadn’t shared with any of her brothers.
Dane half listened to their banter. He was still weighing Treat’s comment.If you’re just having fun…Lacy was so much more than fun.
Savannah rolled her eyes. “I told you, it’s complicated. Besides, now Josh and Riley have to design her wedding gown. That should keep them busy for a while.”
Josh wasn’t one to be waylaid. “Word on the streets is that your newest client is something of a ladies’ man.” Josh and Savannah both lived and worked in New York City, and although Josh generally kept out of Savannah’s professional life, he still kept an ear to the ground when it came to his older sister.
“Dylan Ross? Yeah, he’s kind of a ladies’ man, but wouldn’t you be if you were the hottest country singer around?” Savannah brushed a piece of lint from her rose-colored, strapless bridesmaid dress. “Anyway, I don’t want to talk about work. This is Treat’s night. I finally have a new sister-in-law, and I’m thrilled about it. There’s enough testosterone in our family for twelve football teams. It’s time for a little feminine influence.”
“I’m liking the direction of this conversation,” Jade, Rex’s live-in girlfriend, said as she joined them. Her jet-black hair hung almost down to her waist, and the cream-colored dress she wore contrasted sharply with her olive skin. She reached a hand out to Rex and blinked her long eyelashes flirtatiously. “What do you think, Rexy?”
Rex groaned, then leaned down and kissed her. “I think you know I’d do just about anything you want when you look at me like that.” He lifted his chin to Dane. “But maybe you should ask Dane about the lip-locking he was doing out on the terrace. I think he’s got more female influence headed our way.”
Jade put her hand on Rex’s chest and narrowed her eyes. “Don’t embarrass him.”
“No embarrassment here,” Dane said, throwing his shoulders back. “I was with Danica’s sister Lacy.”Lacy. Sweet, delicious Lacy.
“And?” Savannah pushed.
“And it’s none of your business.” Dane kissed Savannah on her cheek and stepped away, knowing he was leaving his siblings with as many unanswered questions as he had reeling around in his head.
Two steps later Treat’s hand landed on his shoulder. “Just tell me that I don’t have to be in damage control mode tomorrow for the family gathering. That’s all I want to know.”
Dane turned a harsh glare at Treat, then softened when he saw the empathy in Treat’s eyes. “Truth?”
“Always,” Treat said.
“I don’t know what this is.” Dane looked across the room at Lacy, and his heart skipped a beat. “All I can tell you is that I’ve thought about her nearly every minute since Nassau, and I plan on getting to know her better this weekend.”
Treat followed Dane’s eyes to the table, where Max and Lacy sat with Danica and Kaylie. A smile spread across his lips. Dane recognized the love in Treat’s eyes that hadn’t been there two years before. That love was wholly meant for, and because of, Max. He was contemplating that look when Treat interrupted his thoughts.
“And Lacy?” Treat finally asked.
Dane shook his head. “She’s receptive. Interested. We’ve been so close, just not physically close.” He looked at his brother and was thrown right back into his teenage years—hoping his older brother, who seemed to hold all the answers to life, would share his knowledge and help him find his way.
“Get to know her,” Treat said quietly as Max approached. “Then you’ll know exactly what she wants and if it’s what you want. Things will become clear.”
“Thanks, bro.” Dane smiled at Max. “Don’t you two have to leave before any of us can?”
“Darn right they do.” Their father’s deep voice boomed between them.
“Are you kicking us out of our own wedding?” Treat asked.
“You bet I am. I’m an old man, and I need my sleep. Now, take that pretty little wife of yours and get to your suite so I can go to bed.” He looked at Dane and patted his cheek. “Let this other son of mine move along with his evening plans.”
Dane shook his head.
Hugh tapped his spoon against his glass. Soon, the whole room was doing the same, and Treat beamed at Max as he swooped her into his arms. He towered a foot above Max. Dane didn’t think he’d ever seen Max look so beautiful, or so in love, as she did at that very moment: staring at Treat with adoration in her eyes, her lips slightly parted, her cheeks flushed. Treat bent down, his lips moving silently.I love you.Then he dipped her in his arms and kissed her until the entire room cheered.
A moment later, they were laughing, holding hands as they ran across the floor toward the exit, Max’s dress trailing behind them.
The second they were out the door, Dane headed toward Lacy.
Chapter Four
LACY GRIPPED THE edge of the chair. Her heart slammed against her chest as she watched Dane walking toward her.This is it.This was the night she’d been fantasizing about. His eyes were trained on her, and with each of his determined steps came a new worry:What if my expectations are too high? What if in person we’re not compatible sexually?
“Lace, look at me, sweetie,” Danica urged as she took her hand. “Now, Lacy, before he gets here.”
