Page 52 of Whiskey Promises
"I've been busy, motherfucker, not blind," he say. "Anyone with eyes can see the way you look at her."
"You mean the same way you've been looking at our new marketing expert?" I ask, one brow arched. He can't keep his eyes off Constance Maverick.
"Fuck," Bastian mutters, genuine surprise flickering in his expression.
"I've been busy, motherfucker, not blind," I say, smirking at him. "You like her."
"How about I mind my goddamn business, and you mind yours?"
"Fair enough." I pause. "You talk to Ridley yet?"
"About expanding?" He waits for me to nod before he sighs. "Yeah. It's a solid idea, like you said. But it's going to take a whole helluva lot of capital."
"We can swing it."
Bastian grunts noncommittally. He won't agree until he has thoroughly reviewed every detail himself. It's just the way he is.
Zoya catches my gaze, nodding slightly.
"Looks like we're having a wedding tonight," I murmur to my twin.
"Looks that way," he says as Teo rises to his feet, clearing his throat. "I'll get the judge here."
The next two hoursare a flurry of activity as everyone jumps into action to pull this wedding off a full day ahead of schedule. Bastian calls in my mom and aunts for reinforcements. As soon as they hear what's going on, they spring into action.
Before I know it, they're rushing the bridal party away for hair and makeup while my Uncle Eli and Uncle Nathan help my cousins and Teo's teammates hang lanterns all over the property to light it up.
By the time they're done, the entire vineyard looks like an enchanted garden, with soft light flickering everywhere. Deputy Warner pulls onto the property with Judge Haskins in tow, just as Zoya slips out of the winery in a red dress that hugs hercurves. Her hair is piled on top of her head, her makeup soft and smoky.
I groan softly, pacing toward her.
"You look fucking edible, princess," I growl, pressing into her from behind.
She gasps softly before melting against me.
My lips touch her shoulder. I don't really give a fuck who sees us. I need to touch her just to remind myself that she's real.
"You can thank Nadia," she murmurs. "She picked the dress."
"And you wear it like it was made for you. Christ. How am I supposed to make it through this entire wedding with you looking like that?"
"Oh, I'm sure you'll find a way." She peeks over her shoulder at me, grinning. And then her expression turns sober. "Is everything ready?"
"Yeah, it's ready. Guests are already dressed and filing out to take their seats. How is Nadia?"
"Excited," she says. "I thought she'd be upset about the change, but she didn't even bat a lash. I think she's just ready to be Teo's finally."
"They've been waiting long enough."
"Yeah," Zoya whispers. "I should go. Can you get everyone in place?"
"Already on it, baby." I brush my lips across her cheek. "Go support your sister. We've got it handled out here."
She turns to slip back into the winery and then pauses, grabbing my hand. Her eyes meet mine, her expression brimming with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispers.
"For what?"
"For everything."
