Page 36 of Playing with Seduction

Bree placed a hand on Wes’s arm before she could stop herself. He seemed to find comfort in the gesture.

“Wes, I’m sorry about your dad.” She lowered her voice, not wanting the hikers who’d joined them on the rocky cliff to overhear her. “Do you and your dad keep in touch?”

“Barely, but I’m fine with things the way they are.” His expression belied his forceful statement, but Bree didn’t press.

“What about your younger brother?”

“Drake sees our father as this larger-than-life heroic figure. He followed his footsteps and became a musician.”

“Another sax player in the family?” Bree smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

“A drummer. He practiced on an old set of drums dad left behind.”

“Your mom must’ve been a very patient woman.”

“She was.” Wes flashed a genuine smile that made her heart soar. “Guess it paid off. Drake’s pretty good. He’s been working as a session musician mostly, hoping to eventually start his own jazz trio.”

“Excuse me,” one of the hikers said. “Would you mind taking a group photo of our family?”

Wes obliged, climbing to his feet and accepting the young brunette’s cell phone. He took a series of photos of their family of four before handing it back to her.

“Thanks.” The girl beamed. “I’d be happy to take a few shots of you and your girl… Oh my God. Look, Mom! It’s Bree Evans. It’s so great to meet you. I’m a huge fan.”

“Thank you so much. It’s a pleasure to meet you, too.” Bree grinned, hoping she didn’t look like a sweaty, hot mess. “And thank you for offering to take our photo, but—”

“Yes,” Wes interrupted. “We’d love for you to take some pictures of us.”

Bree handed the girl her phone and she and Wes stood together on the rocky cliff with the trees in early bloom spread out behind them.

The girl frowned after taking the photo. “You both look uncomfortable in this one. Maybe we should try again. Stand a little closer and maybe try smiling.”

Wes and Bree looked at each other and laughed, stepping a little closer. He wrapped an arm around her and they smiled.

“Much better.” The girl took a few more shots and smiled. She returned the phone and asked that Wes take photos of her and her family with Bree. After Bree autographed the girl’s backpack, she and her family began their descent back down the trail.

“We’d better go, too.” He picked up both backpacks and handed Bree hers. “There’s one more thing I want to show you before we head back to the hotel.”

Bree turned and looked one last time at the incredible view, wishing they could stay longer. Or maybe it was just her time with Wes that she didn’t want to end.

CHAPTER 11

Wesley tapped softly on Bree’s hotel-room door. She didn’t answer right away.

He wouldn’t blame her if she’d fallen asleep. After climbing Looking Glass Rock Trail and a quick drive to Looking Glass Falls, they’d grabbed fast food and returned to their respective rooms for a quick shower and change before heading out again.

Wes knocked again, louder this time.

“I’m ready.” Bree rushed out of the door, filling the space between them with the scent of fresh summer peaches. Her hair, still wet from the shower, was pulled into a high ponytail.

She wore a casual dress in a bold handkerchief-style print. The vivid orange with accents of pink and teal suited Bree well. A nude leather belt cinched her waist. A tan jacket and nude ballet flats with an ankle strap completed the look.

Casual, but sexy. Funky, but not over the top.

“Something wrong?” Bree’s gaze dropped to her feet. She flexed her leg, showing off a sexy, heart-shaped calf.

“Everything’s good.” Wes steered her down the hallway to the elevator.

The valet brought the car and they went just a little way up the street before he turned onto Biltmore Estate Drive.

“We’re going to tour the house?” Bree’s eyes lit up. She was clearly thrilled.

“Couldn’t bring you to Asheville without taking you for a tour of the largest private residence and the most visited winery in America.” Wes chuckled.

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