Page 32 of Stick Fight

“Yeah, I kind of do.”

I laugh. “Of course, you do.”

Feigning offence he shoots back, “Hey, I’m just working with what I was given.”

“We’re all grateful for that, Romeo.”

The music shifts to a slow song, and Roman doesn’t miss a beat. He spins me around the room like he was born to dance, his lips sweeping over my throat. The heat in his eyes is explosive when he lifts his head, but then the smile fades, and his brow furrows.

“Roman?”

“We have a problem.”

“We do?” I ask as my heart lurches.

“You see. Tonight, after the wedding, I’ll be on the rooftop watching the fireworks with the rest of the guests.”

I angle my head, and narrow my eyes. “And?”

His grin turns wicked as he dips his head and brushes his lips over mine. “If I let myself think about you waiting for me back in this room…” He nods toward the bedroom. “…waiting to finish what we started…” His mouth ghosts over my jaw, his breath hot against my skin. “Let’s just say I’ll have to get back to you, before the grand finale happens…in my pants.”

9

Roman

Iadjust my dick before I walk out the door. I do not need to be sporting the boner of all boners for our guys’ lunch. I steal one last glance at Gabby and find her bent over her dress again. The passion in her eyes is inspiring, and for a moment my heart clenches. I know she doesn’t want me involved, but if I had it my way, I’d find her ex and pound my fist into his face until he agreed to do right by her. By doing right, I mean not fuck up her connections, or her career.

Even if he agreed, he has a powerful father. It sounds like his father wants certain things from Gabby. Yes, I could overhear her ex’s part of the conversation.

In the hall, I hurry to the busy elevator and slide in, moving to the back. Once I’m deposited in the lobby, I walk to the busy restaurant and find my group. Plastering on a bright smile, I walk over to the elongated table, and drop down next to Rip.

“Romeo,” Easton says, and lifts a beer. “Fill up.”

I grab the pitcher from the table and pour a splash into my glass. I lift my glass and so do the rest of the guys.

“To my brother,” Rip begins. “Who will always be older and wiser than me.”

We all laugh at that, and clink glasses. I take a big swallow, and when I set my glass down, I find Rip watching me.

“You okay, buddy?”

“Yeah, crazy night.” I grab a bread stick and munch on it.

“Is she…okay?”

“She is.” Is she, though? No, I don’t really think so. Her entire life is a chaotic mess, and now, I suddenly can’t help but look around the restaurant, wanting to get a glimpse of him.

Cass.

His name in my head sends sparks of anger shooting through me.

“You don’t have to say anything, but was it Gabby Evans?”

Shit.

I know I can trust him. Heck, he was right there for me last night, so I nod. “How did you know?”

“I only caught a fast glimpse of her last night. Afterward, I was in the wedding room, going over my speech, for Easton and Jenny’s ceremony and when I left, I walked the halls, and saw the signage for her wedding. I didn’t put together that Gabrielle was Gabby until later. I always liked her. She looks different.”

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