“Dad should be able to survive one night without us.” I snort. “As good as we are, we should still be allowed a weekend off.”
“Slacker,” Chase says. “No wonder I get the better assignments.”
There’s no point in trying to correct him. He’s dick deep in ‘little brother’ syndrome. Always has something to prove, but can be a manipulative little shit too. Leif goes to the silent auction, moving through people like a shadow. I make my way to the bar with my brother in tow. He would never admit it, but he hates situations like this.
He’s a chameleon, Gemini that he is, but would much rather be one-on-one with every single person in the world instead of at an event where he can’t know everything happening at the exact moment it happens.
Once we have our drinks, I spot Gunner with Valerie and head their way. Gunner meets our eyes, hair messy, eyes tired, tie a little cocked.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you haven’t slept in weeks,” I greet.
He stands up and pats my back in a one-armed hug. “Nah, just waiting for the baby.”
Chase gives him a fist bump and sits one chair over from Valerie. She’s giving me a ‘fuck off’ face, but then takes a healthy drink. “Gunner, should I bother to look at the prices?” She asks.
“Put my name down for a spa weekend,” He encourages her.
She starts to walk away, but I cut her off. “Long time no see, gorgeous. Did you miss me?”
“Haven’t thought about you once. It’s Hank right?”
“You wound me.” I pat my chest. “I know you haven’t forgotten my name, Valerie.”
“So much faith in subpar kissing and basic dance skills.” She skirts by me that easily.
Every step she takes confirms she belongs on a runway. Her head held high, like no one in the room deserves eye contact and their judgment doesn’t mean a damn thing to her, the sway of her hips. All of it makes me want to tame her.
Something about the chase turns me on. I’ve had too many girls throw themselves at me. It’s easier, but I learned early that the easy things aren’t the best things in life. Earning a win is so much better than having it handed to me.
“You’re drooling,” Chase announces.
I wipe my mouth reflexively and sit by Gunner. He’s balancing every drink of bourbon with water. He nudges me. “Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?” I smirk.
“Like I’ve lost my fun.” He takes some of the hors d'oeuvres offered. “I haven’t. I’m just not willing to embarrass myself tonight. Not with my wife at home waiting for me.”
“You need to get laid.” Chase chimes in. “Always does me good. Makes me more fun to be around.”
My eyes flick around the room quickly. No matter where we are, I feel the pressure of maintaining control. If any competitors or rivals are here, I’ll need to check in. I’m hoping there aren’t, just to make for an easier night of seducing Valerie, but being sure is more valuable.
“You look constipated.” The woman herself says.
Lief stands by her side like it’s an accident. I stand and brush a lock of hair from her face. “Are you worried about me, sweetheart?”
“Just wanted to prepare in case tonight was going to bemoreuncomfortable.”
I lean forward to whisper in her ear. “You didn’t seem too uncomfortable wrapped around me at the reception, even when I whispered my plans for the night in your ear. All that is still on the table by the way.”
“If I wanted it, I wouldn’t have waited this long to see you again.” She pats my chest.
I see her eyes drop to my chest and then lift back to my face. That’s right, baby, I’m all muscle. I’m no stranger to dedication and I’d make sure she had a good time, was satisfied in every possible way, would lose her voice screaming my name and begging for more.
Goosebumps prick her skin and I see her pulse thudding in her throat. I put my hand over hers. “If you want to sample something other than the food, let me know. I’m pretty tasty too.”
She scoffs and jerks her hand away, taking her original seat. I’m not at all surprised that Lief sits next to her. He’s sweet on her, despite not saying a word. Not her name, not any reference to her. His conversation is all work and fun facts from research he’s done, or basic pleasantries.
“I bet you fifty they talk about the weather again,” Gunner says when I sit. “Just like their first conversation.”