Page 4 of Burly and Obsessed

“This is a wedding emergency.” Leesa’s faux-innocent look doesn’t fool me for a second. “But if two of my favorite people happen to spend some quality time together while solving it, who am I to complain?”

“Ace has never shown any interest beyond flirting. He’s nothing more than a joker.” I busy myself opening a box of decorations. I try to minimize what I think of him. The truth is, I’ve been attracted to him since the first time I laid eyes on him. He has the tall, lean, muscular body of a runner, and my core flames to life whenever I see him.

“I’ve seen how he looks at you when Jax isn’t around.” Leesa drops her voice. “Trust me, there’s interest.”

Before I can respond, the sound of tires on gravel cuts through the room. Leesa peeks out the window.

“Speak of the devil. Your partner has arrived.”

My pulse skips. “He’s not my partner.”

“Not yet.” Leesa heads for the door with a wink. “But weddings have a way of bringing people together.”

CHAPTER 2

ACE

Ipush through the double doors into the VA Center’s main hall. Then I see her.

Andrea stands at the top of a wobbly stepladder, stretching to measure a window frame. Her chestnut-colored curls fall in waves down her back, and her tank top rides up, revealing a strip of smooth skin above her jeans. My mouth goes dry as my cock twitches to life in my jeans.

The door slams behind me with a bang. She turns at the sound, and our eyes lock across the room. For a heartbeat, neither of us moves as electricity crackles in the air between us, so strong I half expect to see sparks.

Jax would have my head if he knew I was here. His little sister is permanently on the “do not touch” list, a fact he’s made abundantly clear since I joined his crew three years ago. Not that it stops me from looking. Or thinking. Or dreaming.

I clear my throat and fall back on humor like I always do.

“They sending the rookies in for the tough jobs now?” I call, dropping my toolbox with a clatter.

Andrea’s lips curve into a smile that hits me square in the chest. “Funny. I was about to ask why they sent in the B-team.”

“Ouch.” I press a hand to my heart. “You wound me, Andrea.”

She descends the ladder with easy grace, and I fight the urge to step forward and steady it. Andrea has never appreciated being treated like she needs help.

“Leesa said you were coming to help,” she says, moving toward me.

I breathe in her familiar vanilla scent as she approaches. “She didn’t say you’d be here.”

“Surprise.” Her tone is dry, but there’s a spark in her eyes makes my pulse jump.

Before I can respond, Leesa emerges from a back room, staggering under the weight of cardboard boxes. Her face lights up when she sees us.

“Ace! You made it!” She drops the boxes unceremoniously. “I see you two have found each other.”

“What exactly needs doing?” I ask, moving to business before my thoughts wander to dangerous territory. Like all the things I’ve fantasized about doing with Andrea, if I ever got to be alone with her.

Andrea stands close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from her body. Her confidence has always attracted and intimidated me in equal measure. She knows who she is, what she wants. She stands up to her brother, even when I waver.

“We need to transform this place from community center to reception venue.” Leesa gestures around the cavernous room. “String lights across the ceiling, table arrangements, makeshift bar area over there, dance floor marked out.”

“And we’re supposed to work miracles with what supplies?” I ask.

“Everything’s here.” Leesa points to the scattered boxes. “Plus, whatever’s in your truck. Andrea has the vision, you have the muscle and tools.”

She shoots a meaningful glance between us, subtle as a sledgehammer. “You two make the perfect team.”

I narrow my eyes as I watch Leesa. This reeks of being a setup. Not that I mind, really, but Jax would mind mightily. One night, after beers with Jax and Leesa, and Jax had gone to get more beer, I drunkenly told Leesa she should set Andrea and me up like she did Rowan and Ophelia.

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