Page 9 of Dangerous Desires
When that was all done, she looked at her watch. “Oh shoot. If I don’t go right now, I’m going to be late.”
Rowen waved her off, “We got it all done. Go.”
Farren hugged Rowen again, “Thanks for all your help. I would have been here for hours.”
Rowen smiled, “Have fun. I have to go hang out with my mom and her newest boyfriend.”
Rowen rolled her eyes and Farren laughed, “I’m going as my brothers plus one. He didn’t want to find a date. No, scratch that. He didn’t want to date.”
Rowen laughed at that, “A cute older brother?”
Farren shook her head, “He is alright.”
Rowen smiled, “My mom turned me off men to be honest. I have seen the worst of them and don’t want to risk my heart to be with one. So, I’m set.”
Farren nodded, “I got you there. My brothers scared off all the men that were even remotely interested and if they can be so easily scared away they aren’t worth my time.”
Rowen walked out the door with her, “I wish I had an older brother. That would have been nice. But nope. Just one sister. And she is younger and can’t leave my mom. I hate it. It’s the only reason I stay. To protect her. Reagan needs to be looked after. She is only ten. And she doesn’t know any better.”
Farren touched Rowen’s arm, “If you ever need anything, let me know. Even just a place to crash. Okay? My door is always open.”
Rowen hugged her once more, “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Farren walked away and hated that Rowen had the issues she did. She was resolved to get to know her better and be there for her.
* * *
When she got to the party, it was in full swing, and Harrison was in the corner with his boss, Raiden Daniels. Raiden’s sister Rickie was also there. They chatted for a bit before they went outside to see the girl swimming in the pool as a mermaid. She was a hit with Gunner’s niece and then Farren watched in shock as Gunner kicked everyone off the terrace and made them leave.
She had never seen him like that before, even knowing him not that long. She wished she could find someone like that. Whose singular focus was her and her alone. She watched what she could of Gunner with his mermaid and walked out of the room.
Harrison was shaking his head, “Never seen him act like that.”
Farren laughed, “I was thinking the same thing. Come on, let’s get out of here.”
He held out his arm to her and they walked out of the party together. When she got home, she immediately went to her room and fell in bed after taking off her costume. She was exhausted and glad that they had the next few days off. She needed them.
* * *
The months flew by and soon, it was almost time for Christmas. Harrison had been invited to a wedding. This one for Steele and his girl Rickie. She had met Steele once and she adored Rickie. The woman was fantastic at what she did and helped turn the office around. Harrison complimented her all the time and when Farren had some time off work, she would stop by to see Rickie. Rickie would gush about her man, Steele and his crew all the time.
Farren felt like she knew them all, though she didn’t know what any of them looked like. It was clear that they were good men though and she was a little jealous that Rickie had such a good man. She wanted to find one too. Someday. She was resolved. And each time she visited Rickie, they talked endlessly.
They got along really well, and Rickie made sure that she was invited to the wedding, but not just as Harrison’s date. Farren had immediately accepted and had gone out with Rowen to buy a dress.
When the day of the wedding came, Farren got ready and when it was time, Harrison called up the stairs, “Are you ready yet? We have to go!”
Farren put her shoes on and grabbed her purse, then walked downstairs.
“Sorry. It’s not every day I get to dress up all fancy.”
Harrison looked sharp in a blue suit. He had a white shirt and a light blue tie. His dark hair was brushed out of his face, and he actually put on cologne. He helped her out to the car and opened the door for her too. She smiled at him, and they were off to the wedding.
* * *
It was beautiful and Farren held back her tears the best she could. But it was inevitable and seeing the love between Steele and Rickie. She felt eyes on her again. But this time it didn’t feel creepy. She hated to tear her gaze from the couple, but she had to see who was looking at her.
She surreptitiously moved her head around and looked to see who was staring at her, when the couple started their vows. Farren looked back up at the couple and watched as Steele told Rickie how much he loved her, and Rickie did the same for Steele. Farren still felt eyes on her, but they weren’t important at the moment.
