Page 34 of Christmas with Brother's Best Friends
“That’s how we make these things fun,” Josh replies before taking a long sip of his champagne. “At least the drinks are good.”
“So is the company,” Ryan adds as his arm brushes mine. “Well, specific company. I could care less about these elites.”
My face warms up as I smile at him. Taking his arm crosses my mind, but I caution myself, especially when I remember that Max is near me. He’s a stark reminder of what will happen if I don’t watch myself and keep my emotions in check.
Yes, that kiss wasmagic, but Ethan could’ve caught us. I like these guys so much, but I can’t stop thinking about the disaster that would happen if we were caught.
Speaking of disaster…
“There you are!” Stacy gasps as she strides over to Josh, leaning forward like she wants to hug him or kiss him. Maybe both.
Josh awkwardly leans away. “Thanks for the invite. This looks like a nice gala.”
I have to fight to keep the smirk off my face. She definitely still likes him, but at least it seems like Josh isn’t interested in her. It was kind of hard to tell when he kept dropping work for her, but she does have access to a lot of high profile events and connections.
Stacy blinks at him, her lips pursing with disappointment. She places her hands on her hips, jutting out her chest more as her red dress with a low neckline hugs her body. “Sure. Glad to see everyone could make it.”
The moment her annoyed eyes land on me, a surge of defiance hits me. Maybe I’m just tired of people questioning the validity of my career, but my patience has been a little thin lately.
“I really appreciate you adding me to the list,” I tell her as I loop my arms with Josh’s and Max’s arms. “Maybe I’ll find my next big client here.”
“Trying to replace us already?” Josh asks he cocks an eyebrow at me.
I laugh and shake my head. “The three of you have been part of my life since the beginning. I don’t think it’s possible to get rid of you.”
“We wouldn’t go willingly,” Max assures me.
I meet his eyes, warmth stirring in my chest as our kiss replays in my head. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it, even if neither of us has mentioned it.
Another song starts playing, one that’s more romantic and slower than the previous ones, coaxing a few more couples to the open dance floor.
Stacy glances behind her. “Josh—”
“Dance with me,” Josh tells me, cutting her off. “I like this song.”
My heart skips a beat before Max places his hand over mine and squeezes. It’s a soft reassurance before releasing me so that Josh can lead me toward the dance floor.
I catch one more glance at Stacy’s shocked face and almost feel bad for her.Almost. From what I’ve heard about her, I don’t think she wants to be with Josh because he’s a kind, amazing person. I think she likes the thought of being with a hot, rich CEO and wants to show him off to make others jealous.
If I can, I want to prevent him from being used like that.
“I had to save us from that terrible interaction,” Josh tells me once we hand off our drinks. He turns me to face him, his free hand settling on the small of my back and igniting a trail of heat down my spine. He guides me toward him and starts to step to the music, the glowing lights of a nearby Christmas tree basking us in a golden hue.
“That’s the only reason why you asked me to dance?” I tease him, my chest growing tight as it presses against his. The friction is almost too much, and we’ve just gotten started. We’re too close, but it feels too good to break away.
Josh chuckles. “Fine, you caught me. Maybe I wanted a few minutes alone with you. You look gorgeous in this dress.”
It’s silver and sparkly, matching the Christmas theme that was recommended for everyone to follow. Josh looks great in his dark red suit.
“You look very nice yourself,” I say as we sway together. The muscle of his upper back shifts under my hand, and I can’t help but wonder how good he looks under his clothes.
Josh smiles and gives me a playful twirl before pulling me right back to him. Somehow, we’re even closer, our faces lingering only inches apart. “You’re making Stacy very jealous.”
“She thinks you’re hers. You have been giving her a lot of attention lately,” I point out.
Josh sighs and nods. “She keeps baiting me with all this business stuff. I’m tired of feeling like I’m back in a relationship with her, though. She never does anything nice just to be nice. There always has to be a price. I’m not doing it anymore. After tonight, I’m not chasing her business deals anymore.”
“Good. You shouldn’t. You deserve better,” I tell him, feeling genuinely proud of him.
