Page 11 of Masked

He chuckled and put his other hand over hers as it rested in the crook of his elbow. “Believe me, I would have much rather been here than on the phone call I had to take. You’re much better looking than Jared.”

She giggled and her face turned red as they entered the tent where a dinner and open bar were waiting on them. It seemed like a bad idea to have an open bar at the rehearsal dinner. What if a bridesmaid drank too much and slept with the groom?

“Allow me to get you your first drink to make up for it, Ms. Calhoun,” Noah said as he escorted her to the bar.

“Just a glass of white wine, please.”

He nodded to the bartender who quickly produced a glass of chilled white wine that Reva was certain cost a fortune. The back table where the bartender’s inventory sat was stocked with only top shelf liquor and there seemed to be a never-ending supply.

“To happily ever after,” Reva said, raising her glass after he picked up a glass of whiskey he didn’t even have to ask for.

“Do you believe in those?”

She blushed. “It seems pointless to go through life if you don’t.” Guilt flooded her as soon as the words were out of her mouth.

“I’m sorry. This has to be hard for you.”

He put a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t. This is a joyful occasion. Let’s not ruin it with talk of the past.”

She sipped her wine and looked away. His gaze was so intense it made her squirm.

Thankfully, Parker came and rescued her, saying he wanted her to meet a cousin or something.

She didn’t see Noah again until the next morning when it was time to walk down the aisle. The sight of him in a tux nearly made her choke on her own saliva. It was tailored to fit him, and for a split second she had the very inappropriate vision of peeling his jacket off of him and unbuttoning his shirt.

Jesus, Reva. You’re dating his son. Get it together.

After the ceremony, they posed for dozens of pictures, including one with Noah’s arm around her. Feeling guilty, she asked the photographer to snap one of her and Parker even though her boyfriend didn’t seem to understand why. They weren’t a sappy, romantic couple, after all.

At the reception, she tried to avoid Noah, but eventually he caught up with her and insisted on a dance.

He danced like a dream, and she couldn’t help but get just a little closer to him as he moved her around the dance floor and made her seem like an expert.

“It should be a crime to dance this well and look that good in a tux,” she blurted, halfway through the song.

He chuckled. “Perhaps it is you who is the criminal. That dress is stunning. If my son didn’t already hate me, I might consider stealing you from him.”

She gasped. “Dr. Jasper, how very inappropriate.”

His wink made her blush. His words made her stumble against his chest.

“Relax, sweet Reva. I’m only teasing. But we both know I could steal you if I really wanted to. I’ve watched you staring at me all day long.”

Mortified, she muttered a thank you for the dance and went in search of the bathroom to splash water on her face and cool off. What on earth had gotten into her? She was flirting with Parker’s dad!

When she came out of the bathroom ten minutes later, Noah was waiting for her.

“Reva, I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I don’t know what came over me. Forgive me.”

She couldn’t help it; his voice was so soothing and sincere. So, she smiled and put a hand on his arm. “It’s fine. No harm done. You were only teasing.”

His expression was pained. “I don’t want to interfere in my son’s relationship. I’m glad he has you, even if he doesn’t believe it, I want what’s best for him, and something tells me you’re the best thing to happen to him. He better appreciate how lucky he is.”

“Thank you, Dr. Jasper. We’re still getting to know each other, so I’m not sure about all that.”

“I meant what I said the last time we spoke. If you ever need anything, you can call me. And I won’t even flirt with you or make inappropriate comments.”

She couldn’t help but laugh at how stressed he sounded. “Relax, Noah. We were both inappropriate tonight. But I’ll remember you if I ever need help.”

---