Page 17 of Stepbrothers

“Hi,” she said and tapped her nails on the polished surface. “You’re with the groom, right?”

“Yeah.” He grinned, his line of sight dipping to her cleavage on show in her low-cut, figure-hugging purple bridesmaid’s dress. “Which means you must be with the bride.”

“Daughter.” She liked the way his cheeks dimpled when he smiled. “How do you know Benjamin?”

“I’m his godson.”

She’d guessed right.

“I’m Wayne,” he said. “My father is over there, chatting to the groom. They went to Eton together.”

Clarice turned and saw an older gentleman, hair still holding a hint of blond and his shoulders square. Small round glasses perched on his nose, and he’d discarded his suit jacket.

“Eton,” she said. “You go there, too?”

“For my sins.” He grinned and sipped from a full pint. “Want a drink?”

“Sure, I’ll have a white wine, thanks.”

He held his hand up to the waiter and after getting his attention ordered her a New Zealand sauvignon blanc.

“Great venue,” he said. “I bet Benjamin got it for a steal. He plays golf with the owner.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes, he’s talented, could have gone professional.” Wayne nodded, seemingly very impressed.

“I didn’t know that.” She glanced again at her new stepfather. To his right stood his sons. They were both looking straight at her.

“Do you play?” she asked, leaning closer to Wayne, getting comfortable, settling in for a while.

“Sure thing, I was in The Algarve just last week getting a few rounds in.”

“You any good?”

“I’d like to be humble and say I’m average, but the truth is, yeah, baby, I’m good.” He laughed and set his hand over hers, squeezing gently. “Do you play?”

Were they still talking about golf?

“No, I don’t have the time.”

“Busy with other pursuits, huh.”

“Something like that.” She laughed.

Music started in the adjoining room, signaling the start of the evening’s disco.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the master of ceremonies announced, “will you please come this way for the first dance.”

“Ah, and so it begins,” Clarice said.

“What begins?” Wayne held out the crook of his elbow.

Clarice slipped her hand through it. “The evening phase of the wedding, the point when people let their hair down.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Discard their inhibitions.”

Hugh and Parker were both frowning at her.

“Will you discard yours?” Wayne whispered as he leaned close. “Or do you have a burly boyfriend about to arrive and keep you in check?”

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