Page 66 of Mr. Scandalous

Did she have any idea what she was doing to him? Probably. In fact, driving him crazy was no doubt all part of her evil master plan. If she kept up that swishing he’d have to steal a tablecloth to hide his erection.

Thankfully, the conga music ended, and the deejay hustled back to the dais to round up recruits for a rousing rendition of “YMCA.”

But before Alec had time to pull Eden aside and ask if she would like to leave the reception early, his four sisters and Jill descended upon them.

“Can we borrow Eden for a minute?” His youngest sister Diana asked.

Alec opened his mouth to protest but could think of no excuse strong enough to deter five women giddy with champagne and happy endings. He knew when he was outnumbered.

“Sure. No problem.” He forced a smile. “I’ll just wait right here.”

“We were hoping you could keep Mac company and steer him clear of Randy,” Jill said.

“He’s had too much to drink.” Sarah shook her head. “And he’s over there carping about the perils of marriage. Poor guy. He just turned fifty and he still hasn’t grown up.”

Alec felt a strange stab of emotion as he realized his beloved uncle had become something of a caricature of the lonely, has-been playboy. He swallowed hard. “Okay, sure.”

* * *

“What’s up?”Eden asked as her friends dragged her off to the powder room with them.

“Alec is.” Sarah giggled. “In case you hadn’t noticed. I’ve never seen him so smitten.”

Eden felt her face flush flamingo pink. “He’s not smitten. It’s just lust.”

“Trust me on this. We’ve seen the women come and the women go, and Alec has never acted jealous before. He is definitely smitten with you.” Kyle grinned.

Eden’s heart crowded her chest. Could it be true? Did she dare hope that she meant more to Alec than a casual fling? Hedidkeep pressing her to extend their affair, but how could she be sure? And did she want to be with a man who had trouble with commitment, even if he was smitten as his sisters claimed.

Besides, he hadn’t yet seen her scars. That might change everything.

The worry and anxiety she’d shed and kept at bay with tequila sunrises and lots of dancing, came spilling back. She realized her new friends were trying to help, but she’d made her peace with Alec’s role in her life. He was her love mentor and nothing more. Their assertions that he was infatuated with her muddled her mind and increased her chances of ending up with a broken heart.

Maybe she should just catch the train home and forget about spending the rest of the weekend with him. It was the smart thing to do.

Eden shook her head. “You guys are reading too much into this. Alec and I are nothing more than...” She almost saidsex buddiesbut bit down on her tongue.

No. That phrase didn’t adequately reflect their relationship. They weren’t really buddies. They were lovers and temporary ones at that. Sex buddies were friends who helped each other out in a sexual pinch. Sex buddies eased frustration.

If anything, Alec added to her sexual aggravations. No matter how much time they spent together, she couldn’t seem to get enough. Why else had she agreed to a weekend in Connecticut?

“You could be the one who brings him to his knees,” Diana said.

“He escorted you to a wedding,” Alison said. “That means something.”

Little did Alison know that her brother’s invitation meant only one thing… Sex. Without a doubt, Eden knew if it hadn’t been their last Saturday together, Alec would not have brought her to the wedding.

She’d already picked up on his irritation and she was confused about what his broodiness meant. She thought he had wanted her to act wild and carefree and when she had done just what he wished, he’d gotten all pouty and possessive.

Well, too bad! Once she’d tasted the freedom of ditching her insecurities she wasn’t going back to being afraid. She was taking that last step tonight and the consequences be dammed.

* * *

Alec couldn’t waitto get Eden back to the B and B. The wedding reception seemed to drag on forever. When Jill tossed the bouquet and it landed at Eden’s feet, Sarah plucked the delicate flower arrangement from the floor and thrust it into Eden’s hand.

He was oddly disconcerted when Eden shoved the bouquet at Kylie and said, “You take it. I’m not about to be the next one married.” He should be glad that marriage was the last thing on her mind, not vaguely disappointed.

Finally, finally, Jill and Randy left for their hotel and people began filtering out of the reception room. When Eden raised up on her toes to press her Lips to his ear and whispered, “Let’s get the hell out of here,” Alec just about came unhinged.

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