Page 17 of Off Camera
“Probably the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”
“I’m going to hope that means you thought it was delicious,” he says. “Otherwise, I’m going to offer my condolences.”
I smile. “Definitely delicious.”
Reid clears his throat. “About that dance.”
“Yeah?” I ask.
The reception has gone on for a few hours, and it’s been a blur of toasts, food, and music. Maverick standing on a chair, grabbing a microphone and demanding the couple kiss. A lot of love, enough to fill the entire room.
This is the first time I’ve seen Reid all night. The drinks are flowing more freely. The music is getting louder. People are starting to turn rowdy, and I wait with bated breath to hear what he’s going to ask.
“I was wondering if, uh, I could cash in on that now,” he says. His cheeks turn more pink, and I don’t think it’s the alcohol he’s been drinking that’s causing him to blush. “Or if you have a piece of paper where I can jot down my name and you’ll let me know when it’s my turn, that works too.”
“A piece of paper? Are we in the 1800s?”
“I don’t know.” He fiddles with his glasses then his tie. “I’m sure you’ve been propositioned a dozen times already. Maybe there’s a note on your phone with a list of names.”
“Not a single proposition. Can you believe it?” I smile at him. “Are you sure you can step away from your best man duties? Tonight is important, and I’d hate to pull you away from your friends.”
“They won’t miss me. When I last saw Maven and Dallas, they were making out behind a plant.” Reid shrugs.
“Okay. Let’s dance.” I stand and set my napkin on the table. I brush the lingering crumbs off my dress and smile. “That would be really nice.”
He offers me his arm. Our sides press together, and warmth radiates from him. I let Reid lead me to the dance floor. When we’re away from the table, I sigh in relief.
“Thank you for rescuing me,” I say. That guy was getting food all over me.”
“He spilled on you?” Reid stares at my dress, at the thin straps slipping down my shoulders and the way the material hugs my torso before fanning out over my hips. “Where?”
“He didn’t spill, he spat. There’s a drop of steak sauce between my boobs, and it’s revolting.”
His eyes bounce to the low-cut neckline of my gown and hold for the quickest of seconds before moving back to my face.
“You should’ve flagged me down sooner. I’m happy to be of assistance,” he says.
“You’re doing that a lot, I notice. Swooping in and saving the day.”
“I don’t think I’m doing anything. You’re just hanging out with the wrong people.” The overhead lighting dims. The atmosphere turns intimate. “Guys who don’t deserve your attention,” he says, looking at me.
My pulse jumps in my throat. “Who does deserve my attention? Anyone in particular?”
“We could start with men who don’t get food on your dress. Followed closely by dimwitted fuckwads who don’t want you to talk about things you’re passionate about.” Reid slides his hands around my waist. His fingers cinch in the soft fabric gliding against my skin, and I let out a shaky breath. “Is this okay?”
I drape my arms around his neck, linking us together like a key in a lock. “Now it is.”
We sway to the beat of a slow song then another, lost to the world around us. Each time we rock side to side, I swear we get closer.
“Spit aside, are you having fun?” he asks.
“I am having fun. The ceremony was wonderful.”
“Have you met their daughter, June?”
“Briefly,” I say. “She seems like a great kid.”
“The best of the best. Maverick and I are her godfathers, and I remember the day Dallas brought her home from the hospital. It was pure panic. I don’t think any of us slept for a week because we were worried she would stop breathing in the middle of the night or hurt herself. It’s funny to see her so old now.”
