Page 57 of One Hot Deal

Derek halts a few feet from me, breathing hard, sweat glistening on his bare chest.His joyful smile makes my heart skip a beat.

Then I fling myself at him.Not a bloody clue why I do that.The impulse struck, and I couldn't resist it.Derek hugs me tightly to his body and kisses me.While he slips his tongue between my lips, I melt into him, and the rest of the world fades away.He kisses me like we haven't seen each other in years, and he's spent all that time lost on a desert island.

Cat calls and whistles erupt around us.

When Derek finally sets me down on my feet, I'm breathless.My cheeks feel warm too, and so do the most intimate parts of my body.He brushes the backs of his fingers over my cheek.

And I don't even care that everyone is watching us.

Chapter Twenty-One

Derek

Even a few days after it happened, I can't believe Diana kissed me in front of everyone.And that was no peck on the lips.She went all in with that kiss, holding nothing back.That makes me wonder if she's ready to do the same with our relationship, but I haven't gotten the chance to talk to her about that.I'd been waylaid and talked into helping out with the preparations for the big wedding, from the groom's side of things, and Diana got roped into assisting the ladies with prep for the decorations and making sure the bride has everything she needs.

My sister is getting married today.In a matter of hours, Avery will become Lady Sommerleigh.Holy shit.

I've finished all my tasks for today, and Hugh is as ready as he'll ever be to tie the knot.Avery had asked me yesterday if I could "please, please, please" take a break from harassing Hugh until after the ceremony.I agreed, of course.I seriously doubt he gives a damn if I harass him, since that's just the way we communicate with each other, but I'll do anything for my sister.

She didn't ask me not to razz Hugh at the reception…

I glance at my watch and realize it's time for me to get dressed for the ceremony.Hugh had suggested a more laid-back style for himself and his groomsmen, but Avery begged him to do something special, and the guy just can't say no to her.So when I jog upstairs to change clothes, I put on a formal suit with tails and fancy collars.My shoes are so shiny that they almost blind me every time I look down.

Someone knocks on the bedroom door just as I'm checking myself in the mirror to make sure I got everything right.

"Come in," I holler.

A click tells me my visitor has entered the room.

I turn around—and my jaw drops.I swear it does.Diana sashays up to me wearing a gray dress that clings to her figure.Spaghetti straps hold up the modest neckline, and gray high heels boost her height just enough that we're almost eye to eye when she halts in front of me.Her hair has been styled in loose curls that kiss her cheeks.

She spins around once."How do you like this?I wanted to wear something plainer, but the bride insisted I had to choose a formal dress.She helped me shop for one."

For a moment, all I can do is shake my head slowly."Damn, you look incredible."

"So do you."

Pippa appears in the doorway, wearing a flower-print dress.She has her hair spiffed up too.

"I'm one lucky guy," I say."After the ceremony, I get to escort the two most beautiful girls in the world to the reception.I hope you'll save a dance for me, Pippa."

The kid hunches her shoulders and smiles shyly.

I take that as a yes.

"Avery sent me," Pippa says."It's time to go downstairs.The wedding will start soon."

"You go ahead," Diana says."We'll be there shortly."

Pippa skips out of sight.

Diana fingers my tie."You look so good in this suit that I want to slam that door and beg you to take me right now."

"Yeah, I feel the same way about your dress."

She slants in to whisper in my ear, "This is Saturday.That means after the reception, we can get back to work on making a baby.We did make an appointment for midnight."

With all the wedding craziness, I'd almost forgotten about that.Since we're now dating, I need to ask her something."Is this still about our deal?"

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