1
Russell
I can’t tearmy eyes away from her. Standing in the middle of Strong Lodge’s ballroom, I should be focused on my sister-in-law, Eliana, at the podium, paying tribute to my late mother, but the raven-haired beauty with the sparkling blue eyes has captured my full attention. She stands near the side of the stage, smiling up at Eliana. Her tight navy dress hugs her in all the right places. The curvy beauty is absolutely stunning, and there’s not a doubt in my mind that before the night is through, she’ll be mine.
Thunderous applause breaks my concentration. Snapping back to the present, I follow suit and clap along. I’m surrounded by my brothers, Quinn and Dorian on one side, and Weston on the other. Their eyes are beaming, focused directly on our sister-in-law.
I press my hand into Weston’s shoulder, and lean in. “I’ll be right back.”
Weston nods, not thinking too much of my sudden departure. My eyes are locked in on the gorgeous goddess, helping a very pregnant Eliana down the stairs. The crowd disperses, restlessly moving in all directions—but mostly toward the bar—and for a brief second I lose sight of her. I crane my neck, but it’s as if she’s been swept up by the sea of people.
“Dammit.”
With my head on a swivel, I scan the room. My breath catches when I find her, shimmying to the front of the line at the bar. She must be someone important if she can cut the line like that. How is it I’ve never met her?
Dodging the crowd, I make my way over to the bar, careful not to lose sight of her. I’m also careful not to make eye contact with anyone on the way. The last thing I want is to be stopped by someone eager to discuss something on a Saturday night they’re certain can’t wait until Monday. I guarantee you, it can.
Finally, I’m just a few feet away. She tosses her shiny black hair over her shoulder, making conversation with the bartender. When she places her hand on his wrist a surge of jealousy washes over me. Where the hell it came from I have no idea. I’m not the jealous type.
You’ve never needed to be.
I shake off the thought, square my shoulders and button my suit coat as I head over. She slips a tip into the bartender’s jar, a glass of red wine in her hand. My heart races, eager to talk to her. Oddly enough, my mouth’s a bit dry. It’s almost as if I’m nervous.
A tiny laugh escapes my mouth and I push that thought far from my mind. I’m so close. Close enough to truly admire the round full curve of her voluptuous hips. Whoever put this woman together understood the concept of perfection.
As if in slow motion, the black haired beauty turns in my direction. Her sparkling, crystal blue eyes meet mine and it's as if the whole ballroom fades away into the background. To say I see my future in this moment sounds trite and unrealistic, but I’m a man who trusts his gut. This woman was put in my path tonight for a reason. A tiny smile plays on her lips and the entire room lights up.
“Shit!” The man’s voice cries out. Red wine flies from her glass and lands on his pristine white shirt. “What the hell?” He says in a familiar voice, dramatically shaking the wine from his fingertips. “Watch where you’re going.”
My brow furrows. He ran into her. I watched the whole thing.
“I’m so sorry.” The woman says in a low, sexy voice. “I didn’t see you.” My feet start toward them before I can stop them. Why the hell is she apologizing?
“No shit.” He says, and my fists clench at his patronizing tone.
“I’ll pay for the dry cleaning.”
“You bet you will.”
The closer I get the more I recognize that weasel-like voice. Eddie Sellars, the most dishonest used car salesman in Burly Creek. We went to high school together. He was a dick then, and clearly he’s a dick now.
“Here’s my card.” The woman pulls out something from her purse and Eddie takes it from her. By now, people are starting to stare.
“You work here?” Eddie asks, and the woman nods. “I’ll have you fired for this.”
My hand slaps Eddie’s shoulder a little too hard. “Is there a problem?”
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the mayor of Burly Creek.” He rolls his tongue around his bottom teeth. “How’s tricks, Rusty?”
I peer at the woman, still clearly shaken by the exchange. “Tricks are for kids. Why don’t you leave the woman alone? The Lodge will pay for your shirt. It doesn’t look that expensive, anyway. Should be no skin off our ass.”
The stunning beauty bats her eyelashes, keeping her gaze focused on the ground. “Don’t you think your brother would want to know that the manager of his precious lodge is going around spilling drinks on people?” His high pitched laugh is more than I can take. I twist his arm behind his back before he knows what’s happening.
“If you know anything about our family, Edward, you’d know that we take care of our own.” I nod toward the beauty beside me. “What’s your name?”
“Josie.” She says in a soft voice.
“Josie says she works here, which means she’s family.” Her eyes burn into me, causing me to stiffen hard against my zipper. Josie nods, as if acknowledging what I’ve said is true. “I don’t know who invited you, and I don’t care, but you can get the fuck out of here.” He winces as I twist his arm an inch more. “Or I’ll throw your ass out, understood?”