Page 33 of One Night Only
My eyes widen. Her brother? Well, this is just fucking perfect…
CHAPTER 14
DALLAS
Anger is an unfamiliar emotion to me. It’s rare I get angry. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been perpetually happy-go-lucky. I’ve never been the kind of guy to let shit bring me down. But right now, as I stand here forced to watch as some asshole in a fucking tuxedo says something to make Emily smile and then takes it a step further and puts his hands on her—my girl—I’m consumed by what I can only assume is rage. I’ve never felt it before. But it’s white. And it’s hot. And it’s fucking debilitating.
Emily smiles. Again.
My hand constricts around my bottle of beer, so tight I’m shocked the thing hasn’t shattered.
Something knocks into me, and I’m pulled from my focus, looking down to see Fran smirking up at me.
“It looks like you’re about to murder someone,” she mutters from the side of her mouth.
“Who the fuck’s this motherfucker?” I lift my hand, indicating the bowtie wearing d-bag.
“Jenn’s brother,” a deep voice says.
I startle, not realizing Robbie was behind me. He stops on theother side of Fran, handing her a fresh glass of champagne and slinging his arm around her shoulders.
“How do you know?” I ask, annoyed even more. So Andy won’t let his employees date clients, but relatives are totally copacetic? Makesperfectfucking sense.
“Jenn introduced me.” Robbie shrugs, sipping his coke. “He’s a pediatric surgeon.”
I scoff. Of course he is. James fucking Bond, over here. I bet he’s also, like, forty, or some other appropriate age. With absolutely no risk of being traded to a hospital on the other side of the country with one phone call and minimal notice. I shake my head.
“Calm down, Dallas.” Fran touches my arm, offering a reassuring smile. “They’re literally just talk—oh, no. Ignore me.” Her eyes widen as she looks down at her drink and takes a sip.
I look up again to see 007 take Emily’s hand, leading her out onto the dance floor, his big life-saving paw resting dangerously low on her waist. My jaw clenches to the point where my molars hurt and I have to place my beer onto a passing waiter’s tray before it really does shatter. Or I hurl it across the room, whatever comes first.
“This is bullshit,” I hiss, forcing myself to turn away before I do something stupid like march right over there and go full beer league brawl on his ass.
I startle from the feel of a hand on my arm, followed by a high pitched, “Dallas Shaw, as I live and breathe.”
Glancing sideways, I notice a brunette with huge tits barely contained in a low-cut dress that’s kind of inappropriate considering this is an event to raise money for kids, but whatever. She’s obviously older.Mucholder. But she’s had a lot of work done. I can tell by how shiny and tight her forehead is.
“If it isn’t the league’ssexiestgoalie.” The woman practically purrs, her grip on my arm tightening.
I decide to entertain her because judging by the diamondsdripping off her overly tanned skin, she looks rich, and tonight’s all about making money.
“The one and only, darlin’.” I lay it on thick with the accent, flexing my biceps beneath her touch.
“I’m such a fan,” the woman says all breathily, looking me up and down likeI’mup for auction. “You’re so much…biggerin the flesh.”
With a suggestive wink I say, “You have no idea, ma’am.”
Fran gags, and I glance at her to see she’s choking on her drink. Next to her, Robbie conceals his laughter with a fake cough, gently slapping his girlfriend on her back.
“Naughty boy…” The woman’s eyes drift south, zeroing in on my crotch area.
It’s then that I get an idea.
“Care to dance, little lady?” I hold my arm out, offering her my elbow.
The woman beams, biting down on her over-plumped bottom lip as she links her arm with mine. And, with a smug smile at Robbie and Fran, I lead my new lady friend onto the dance floor, stopping right next to where Emily’s dancing with Rent-a-Tux.
I keep it totally platonic with Mrs. Robinson, forcing my guard up as we dance. She’s literally staring up at me like a fangirl, all heart eyes and fuck-me lips, but I remain casual, making use of my long arms to maintain a respectable amount of distance between us despite her trying to inch closer.
