“Done.” He moved his chair back. “Ready to go?”
She lifted the plate. “I have cake. And we have to dance.”
“Right.” He let out a long breath. “Do you need a glass of champagne to go with it?”
“Yes, please.”
He pushed himself to his feet. “Be back in five.”
“I’ll be here.” She watched Kane approach. “I’ll just interrogate your brother while you’re gone.”
Teague snorted. “Good luck.”
Watching the brothers speak briefly, she was struck by how good-looking they were. Whatever genetics ran through the Moriartys and Hawkers should be bottled. “Hello, Kane.”
“Hey, doll. Congratulations on the hard launch. Everyone is chattering about the lone wolf finding his mate.”
“That’s a bit of a leap. She wiped a bit of frosting off the plate. “I’m certainly the person who tests his last nerve most often.”
Kane dropped into a chair. “I’ve watched you two for the last couple of years and think y’all have a hell of a chance.” He shook his head. “It’s as though someone shook out a box of puzzle pieces, and they landed exactly right and slipped one into the other, fully interlocked. You and my brother make perfect sense together.”
“Wow.” She studied Kane and knew that he wasn’t one to make proclamations without reason. “My mind is still trying to process the change.”
“Are you happy about it?”
“Cautiously so.”
“Makes sense.” He slid an empty plate aside. “Did you know Teague was a super sensitive kid who liked to draw?”
“No,” she sputtered. “But come to think of it, he does sketch in his notebook quite often. And made the most beautiful labels for my baking supplies.” Pushing her stack of bracelets around, she tried to picture Teague as a quiet, thoughtful child. “I think of him as indomitable and all but bulletproof.”
“He is definitely that, but he has the soul of an artist, too. He doesn’t show it to many people, so all I ask is that if you’re not into it, let him know right away.”
“Of course.” She refolded her napkin. “Despite my fears, I’m hoping for the very best outcome.”
“That sure to help, no matter how it turns out.”
She caught sight of Teague as he headed back and knew they were about to take an enormous risk by gambling with their friendship. Hopefully, the odds would be in their favor.
TWELVE
The cool rain gusted around them like confetti from a cannon, and Tancy decided that the thick wet night buzzing with mosquitos was a perfect backdrop. “I don’t mind the rain.”
“I don’t either.”
Teague anchored her closer to his side as they made a dash for the porch. Pulling her wrap tighter, she let out a laugh. “What a wonderful wedding.”
“Are you saying that because you had three pieces of cake and danced until they kicked us out?”
“That was certainly part of it.” She wiped a raindrop off his cheek. “But honestly, just having someone to dance with was my favorite thing. I haven’t been part of a couple in years, so not hiding in the corner was a lovely relief.”
“No corners for you, sweetheart.”
“Unless we’re doing something wicked.” She watched Teague fight a smile. “Speaking of that…”
He trailed his finger down the center of her chest. “I think it’s time to throw caution to the wind.”
“Just like that?” she replied breathlessly. “Are we talking twisted sheets and more satisfaction than I’ve ever dreamed of?”