Page 14 of Play Dirty

“Ohhh…” Emma’s voice is filled with wonder at a gorgeous iridescent pink bow that’s almost as big as her head. “Can I have that one, Miss Chey?”

“You sure can!” Chey smiles at her and hands that particular bow to her instead of to me or Ally.

“Let me put it in your hair,” I whisper to Emma. She’s wearing a headband so it’s easy enough to wind some of the ribbon around it and then put it back on her head. It looks ridiculous but she’s pleased as punch.

“Daddy, look at me!” she calls out loudly.

Everyone laughs.

Marty comes over and tells her how pretty she looks, and Emma wanders off to show everyone her bow.

Finally, Ivan and Chey finish opening what felt like an endless amount of gifts, and I’m free to relax.

I’m looking around, wondering if I can get another mimosa, when one magically appears in my hand.

“Thank you.” I look up at Marty with a reserved smile. I’m not sure how to behave after last night’s…moment. “You read my mind.”

“I know you like champagne.”

“I do.” I note he has a bottle of water in his hand. “None for you?”

He shakes his head. “No. I’ve got the kids today, and I’m driving. Much safer for me to drink water. Especially after all the bourbon last night.”

I nod. “Yeah, it was a good time.”

Neither of us say anything for a moment.

Then we start talking at the same time.

“I wish we’d had a chance?—”

“I hope you’re not?—”

We both stop.

“Ladies first,” he says, smiling.

“I wish we’d had a chance to dance last night. I enjoyed it at Henrik and Autumn’s wedding.”

“Yeah, sorry about that.” He looks uncomfortable. “I had to leave early because of the kids. They were with a sitter but I’d never used her before so I was a little nervous.”

“How did it work out?”

“Good. She’s not available to be a full-time nanny, she’s a college student, but she’s interested in as much part-time work as I can give her while the kids are here since it’s summer.”

“Oh, that’s great.”

“Which leads me to my next question.”

I cock my head curiously.

“What’s up?”

“Would you like to be my date for Blake and Rowan’s wedding? I mean, just as friends but…”

I can’t help it—I laugh.

“What’s funny?” he asks, looking a little offended.

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