Page 137 of Double Fault

“True.” He downs the last of his drink and lets out a sigh. “Can I trust you here on your own? I have some schmoozing to do.”

I scoff. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“You sure about that?”

“Go.” I wave him on. “I’ll survive without you.”

He cocks a skeptical brow, and I suppose I can’t blame him. I’ve been a wreck for the last thirty minutes, and I don’t see that improving until my girls are here.

After Fisher leaves, I stuff one hand in my pocket and sip my champagne while keeping a diligent eye on the door. I’ve never been fond of the beverage, but at least it’ll keep me from getting drunk.

Eventually, a commotion to my left snags my attention. Several men stand in a circle, laughing at who knows what. Probably some stupid gossip. It’s true: most men are bigger gossips than women.

The atmospheric pressure in the room shifts, causing my heart to stutter. On instinct, I turn to face the entrance and instantly find her.

My mouth goes dry and need claws at my insides.

Holy. Shit

I had no idea what Sabrina planned to wear, only that Ebba insisted on helping her pick it out.

The light blue dress hugs her curves from her breasts all the way down to just above her knees, where it begins to flare out. The straps at her shoulders are thin, and the shade of blue complements her in every way. Her hair is twisted back into some sort of updo with a few of her curls slicked against her forehead.

Worried my heart my beat right out of my chest, I slap a hand over it.

She’s so devastatingly gorgeous.

When my daughter comes into view, the smile that splits my face is so wide it makes my cheeks ache. She’s done up in a pink dress with puffy sleeves, and her hair has been done in loose curls. I just know she feels like a princess.

Without my permission, my legs carry me across my room. It’s a good thing too, since my brain is still coming back online.

“Ladies.” I come to a stop in front of the two most important people in my life and bow low, which makes my daughter giggle. “You both look beautiful.”

Maddie grabs a handful of her skirt on either side and spins so it fans out. “I’m a princess, Daddy.”

I can’t help but chuckle to myself. Called it.

“That you are. Let me show you ladies where our table is.” I guide them across the room to the place settings reserved for us. “Dinner will be starting soon.”

I lean in, unable to help myself, and kiss Sabrina’s neck. “You’re dancing with me later.”

“What?” she gasps.

The way her chest heaves draws my attention to the shimmery lotion that complements her darker skin tone.

“You’re going to dance with me.”

“I don’t dance.” Her voice is like steel. Impenetrable.

Angling close again, I nip at her ear, causing her to shiver. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

With a sharp intake of breath, she steps back and drops into her seat. Then, hands in her lap, she takes a quick, panicked glance around the room.

Shit. She probably feels completely out of her element, and I’m the asshole who didn’t prepare her for tonight.

“Fine. But if I step on your toes, just remember I warned you.”

“I’ll take the risk.”

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