Page 11 of Secret Bet

Chapter4

Peter grabbedhis jacket and fixed his tie in the mirror next to his brother. Belle's face now had a flush on it, and it wasn't because of anything he had said. His sister wouldn't have upset her. He rubbed his chin as he slipped outside. He’d find out whathappened.

One month with someone like Belle would be interesting. He nodded at the men, who parted for him, as he walked toward Belle. The white Christmas lights that surrounded the tropical garden made his brother's backyard seem more intimate. He immediately offered Bellehisarm.

She stared at him with her crystal clear brown eyes and then gazed at his arm. She lifted her chin andsteppedaway.

The denial stung. His sister, Vicki, hugged him. "See you both tomorrow at the rehearsal dinner. I'm soexcited."

Belle gulped her drink and lowered her gaze. Every small movement she made snapped in his brain. His attention to her details shocked him. He followed her gaze across the patio that stopped at Jennifer. Something must have happened while he was in the other room.He pressed his lips together and wondered if Belle wasjealous.

He hugged his sister and said, "Call me if you needanything."

Belle's eyes grew bigger the moment he touched hershoulder.

His sister winked at him. "I need you to behappy."

“Don’t worry about me. Today isaboutyou.”

Belle stared at them both like she'd never seen anything like them. She avoidedthe silent intimacy, and her wide eyes were like a kaleidoscope. He'd not lose, especially if being near Belle ensured the wedding happened without any incidents. His stomach hardened. “You’re mybrother…”

“Don’t worry.” Peter placed his hand on her back as he told his sister, "Night,Vicki."

Belle picked up her pocketbook and waved. "Yes, good night. See youtomorrow."

Hisarm brushed against her. Every cell in his hand that touched her ached to do itagain.

As they made their way across the floor, people stopped and stared. Belle's walk became stiffer halfway to the door. She must be self-conscience that people were wondering who she was. He pressed his lips together and hoped if they talked she'd be distracted. All her attention should beonhim.

He kept his voice low as he said, "I know Florida will never be a WhiteChristmas..."

“No joke.” Belle whispered inreturn.

The moment they reached the door, Colt interrupted and hugged Belle. "Again, I'm happy you're here. You should think about staying for the week. New Year's here is fun, and Peter can show youaround."

“Yeah, right. We’ll see.” Belle sounded half hearted.He’d have to talktoher.

Colt slapped his shoulder. Peter swallowed his retort. Tomorrow Colt would become his brother-in-law. Belle stared straight at Colt and not at Peter. It seemed her eyes moistened. Peter straightened his spine and pressed his hand on Belle's wrist. "It's time we saidgoodbye."

Colt must have seen his sister behind them as he smiled right through him. Bellewinced at how Colt winked and sent an air kiss outside. Peter paused. A woman in love with his future brother-in-law could cause his sister issues. Belle whispered. “Let’sgonow.”

“Opening the door.” Peter's muscles tightened, and his stomach had a slight burn that grew. He'd find out Belle's desires and change things. As he held the door for her, they stepped outside into the warmeveningsky.

He closed the door behind them as she said, "For the record, you cheated to get us outearly."

He lifted one eyebrow. "Idid?"

She licked her lips. "Yeah you told everyone we're off todinner."

Her eyes sparkled like diamonds. The burn inside his stomach lightened to a sensation more like bubbles. He didn't recognize the feeling. “Weare.”

“I never saidtellanyone.”

He stroked his chin and then came close to her ear to whisper. "You didn't set rules not too. If you are going to call something fair or cheating, then we'll needthose."

She turned and walked backwards through the front lawn and then gazed at him with her huge brown eyes. "Do you followrules?"

Inside the house behind, them the music changed to a soft samba.His arms wanted to touch her skin and find out if she was silky and sweet, but if he reached out, he'd dance with her. Then she'd tell him no. It was how she stood with her legs slightly apart. His normal wouldn't work with her. He wondered what it would take for her to say yes. He lickedhislips.

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