Page 33 of Beautiful Envy

She didn’t let me get away with my shit and liked to play just as much. She was sweet and soft with Cowboy and pushed Bubba to get out of his head. She was dynamite wrapped in a blonde package that I, for one, couldn’t wait to unwrap.

Any potential burns would be worth it.

“You like to sing?” I asked, realizing I wanted to get to know her. Not just her body but her soul.

Okay, that was deep, and I was starting to weird myself out.

Thankfully, Darcie didn’t seem to notice as she spun, a grin on her face.

“Not really. Just for fun. I’m more into the dance side of things.”

Eyebrows lifting, I leaned forward, intrigued. Dancing was a passion of mine. It was why I was taking her tonight. It showed a side of me I liked the most.

“What kind of dancing?” I asked.

“All kinds. I worked at the Wild Horse Saloon, so for the past few years, it’s mostly been line dancing, but I can do a range of things. Just not ballet or tap, and hip hop isn’t my strongest.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “And here I thought I was smooth asking you to go dancing, prepared to show you all my best moves.”

“Who says you still can’t? I’m interested in what you consider your best, Pretty Boy.”

Heat rose in me, the desire to show her right now strong.

“Speaking of tonight,” she hedged, giving me a wink. “Would it be possible to stop and get some different clothes? I only have about three outfits, and you’ve seen them already.”

“If I’m doing things right, there won’t be much need for clothes,” I teased.

Her ears turned red, and I liked that I could affect her as much as she did me.

“Hm, that sounds tempting, but I’m trying not to get arrested for the time being, so perhaps some clothes to start would be wise.”

“Fine. You win,” I said, chuckling. “There are a few places we could go on lunch if you wanted?”

“Yes, that would be perfect. Thank you, Grayson.”

She smiled in a way that made it feel like it was only for me. I knew I was in trouble if I was already feeling this way after only a few days—like she could be the one.

“I’m done with the restocking. Want me to take a look at the online system?” she asked.

I cringed, worried she’d think differently of me if she saw the office. “Um, sure. Just know it’s a work in progress.”

I stood up and walked her through the shop, the guys stopping to watch her walk by. I narrowed my eyes at them, warning them all to knock it off. Brooks stood and blocked their view as well, his usual calm demeanor overridden by his need to shield her.

“Whoa, okay, I see what you mean. You sure this is your office?” she teased, turning her head back toward me.

I cringed, rubbing the back of my neck. My face felt warm, so I tried to play it off.

“Yeah, well, contrary to popular belief, I don’t bring girls here.”

Her face fell, and I realized my mistake. “Shit, I don’t mean I bring girls back to the house. That’s a rule, actually. I was just trying to play off my messiness when it’s not my stuff. Bills and order forms aren’t my forte, so they kind of pile up until I’m forced to deal with them. Brooks put in a fancy system, but I’m not great at using it.”

“Ooo, a project!” She smiled, clapping her hands, the earlier sadness dissipating.

I sighed in relief. I needed to remember that my games didn’t work with Darcie. She wanted my truth. It wasn’t something I’d ever given a person outside of the Brotherhood. While that was scary within itself, it also felt worthwhile.

In the few days I’d known her, she’d shown me I was more than just a “pretty boy” to her.

“Have at it. If you can make sense of this mess, I’ll buy you all the clothes you could want.”

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