“True.” Amelia looks like she’s thinking it over.
“I work in clubs. It doesn't mean I’m partying all night. It’s my job. If I was a playboy, I’d admit it. I own my shit.”
“I’m teasing you.” Amelia smacks my shoulder. “I was just trying to see how worked up you’d get so I know how serious you are about her. She’s a sweetheart. I promise I know you’re not like that.”
“How do I get her to see that shit that's written about me isn't real?”
Alyssa’s gaze flicks my way. I don’t turn away and try and pretend I wasn't staring at her. We all know I am. I wish I could hear what she’s saying to her friend. I need a little insight here. She gives her friend, Neily, a hug.
“Prove it to her. Give her time to see you’re not going anywhere. That you’re not some man looking for a quick lay who isn’t willing to put the work in.” I look back to my sister-in-law, who is smiling at my brother. “I know you King men know how to chase down something you want. You’re relentless.”
“You like it when I chase you down.” Ethan pulls Amelia down to kiss him. I stand, not wanting to watch the two of them go at it. I head straight for Alyssa, who is watching her best friend go out the front door. I snag her by the waist, pulling her to me. I drop my mouth onto hers before she can protest, kissing her like I’ve been dying to all day. I kiss her until we’re both breathless.
“Stay. Have fun with the girls. I’ll leave you be.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “For now.” I let her go, heading toward my brother’s office, in dire need of a drink. Maybe a pair of handcuffs, too, because I have no idea how I’m going to stay away from her for the next few hours.
14
Alyssa
I can’t help but smile as all the girls laugh, holding up one sexy piece of lingerie after another. Kim, the owner of Kimmy’s Lingerie and Mia’s sister-in-law, brought goodie bags for everyone to take home. I haven't gotten the courage to peep inside of mine yet. I don’t own anything sexy.
I’m a simple girl who enjoys underwear that fit me right and don’t go up my butt. Now that I’m seeing all of these different sexy things, I might be having a change of heart. It may have something to do with the fact that Sean has awoken something in my body. He seems to be changing a lot of things about me.
“You giving Sean a run for his money?” Amelia sits down next to me, working on her fourth plate of food. I still have no idea where she’s putting it all.
“I’m not running.” I was so running. She raises an eyebrow at me. “Avoiding?” I offer as another choice of words. The truth is that I’m not exactly sure what it is that I’m doing.
“He’s a good guy,” she offers. Of course she is going to say that. He’s her brother-in-law. “I’m not just saying that. I promise. Girl code and all. You should give the man a shot. He has that King look of love in his eyes. I’ve only seen that look one other time and it was from Ethan.”
“Give who a shot? Sean?” Kim comes over, sitting down on the other side of me. I feel like I’m being cornered. I’m going to strangle Neily when I see her. This is one of those times that I could really use her. I’m out-numbered. I need her smart mouth as a distraction and she’s run off to who knows where. “He’s in the office over there pacing back and forth like a crazy man.”
“Is he crazy?” I look to Kim. She’s not related by blood or marriage so I’m hoping she can shed some light on exactly who Sean is.
“Most men are when it comes to a woman they want.” She shrugs as if it’s not a big deal that Sean might be crazy. Who am I to judge anyway? I am starting to feel crazy myself with all of these feelings I’m having. I want to run to Sean and away from him at the same time. “I was shocked to see him kissing someone in the paper, though. That’s new.”
My face heats. I’m sure I’m turning a darker shade of red than those delicious red velvet cupcakes that are almost gone. I still can’t believe someone took pictures of us together. It only goes to show you how popular Sean really is. Being in the spotlight is not something I’ve ever wanted.
The bakery is about the extent of in the spotlight that I want to be. It’s on a much smaller scale. There aren’t paparazzi waiting to snap pictures of me at every turn. I own a normal business and live a pretty simple life. To have people watch my every move actually freaks me out. I think it has to be something about Sean that draws them in. I have to admit that I, too, used to watch him. I’m sure thousands of other woman in this city do the same. I can’t fault anyone for that.