Page 8 of Miles
“Just because I had a crush on him before doesn’t mean anything. I’m so ready to be over everything. I’ve got to move on from these feelings because I know he doesn’t feel the same way.”
“Are you serious? Are you sure? Because I totally get a different vibe. When he’s around you, it’s like he’s totally digging you.”
I shake my head. “No, he’s my father’s guard dog. I learned that he’s just looking out for me. My father asked him to make sure that we’re safe, so don’t take my protection as anything more than just that.”
“Your father told you that?”
“No, my brother did after an embarrassing moment between Miles and I. Trust me—I’m sure he doesn’t want me.”
“Damn, that sucks. I’m sorry, girl. Well, we have a lot of hot guys that are Riders now, so we can just introduce you to the rest of them, or maybe you’ll meet some of the other guys in town while you’re here,” Missy offers. I nod.
Erica grips my forearm and squeezes. “Yeah, there’s going to be a lot of hot guys at the party, and you can forget all about that jackass.”
I smile and cave. “I’m going to try.”
“That’s the spirit. Let’s head back now.” We hop into her car and pick up some Starbucks on the way back.
“Ooh, girl, this is just what I needed.”
We get back to the party, and involuntarily my eyes look out for Miles even though I’m supposed to meet other men. My gut tells me that it’s wrong to want anyone else; still, I can’t help how I feel.
We move through the crowd, being greeted by everyone. After about thirty minutes, Missy whispers, “He’s not here.” He should have been here with his family, but the man does whatever he wants.
I don’t know why I expected him to be here. Maybe he’s found somebody else to see. After all, he’s a hot commodity. I’m sure there’s plenty of women in town that would love to hook up with him. Perhaps that’s why he pushed me away.
“All right, ladies, show me these guys.” My cousin and her bestie walk me around introducing me to several men that I’ve already met over the years but really don’t remember.
“Hey, do you remember Connor?” I wave to him, but he pulls me into a one-armed hug, giving me a good squeeze. How could I forget one of the Steele boys? He’s Jackson’s son, and Will’s cousin. They are like Rider royalty around here.
“Hi, Connor,” I answer with a grunt as I feel my air giving out.
He pulls away from me with a wide grin. “God, you’re gorgeous.”
“Thank you.” I’m not good at flirting, so I stand there as if I don’t know him, which I really don’t. I only come to town like twice a year, and sometimes I don’t see everyone.
“So, I hear you’re going to UNLV.”
I smile and nod. Goodness, every single one of these guys are good looking. “Yeah, that’s right.”
“Smart and beautiful. It’s not going to be long before you’re snapped up. I might have to go visit Vegas.”
“Maybe you should,” my cousin says.
“Where is she?” That deep voice echoes from the distance. I know who it is, but can he be looking for me or someone else? Probably someone else, so I smile at Connor and instantly regret it.
Chapter Three
Miles
I’m seething as I stalk toward the small group. The group that contains one too many unrelated males. The fact that my girl is talking to a single, available man who is eyeing her like candy is pissing me off. He’s a family friend, but that can end right now. Jackson reaches them just as I do. Before I can punch Connor in the face, he says, “Son, let me go over something with you really quickly.”
“Okay, Pops,” he replies with a bit too much mirth. That handsome face needs to be arranged. “Sorry, ladies, catch up with you later.” He winks at me with a smugness that’s deliberate. “Nice to see you, Miles.”
“Whatever. We’ll catch up later,” I reply, my tone even and flat. We’re going to have a nice chat about touching what’s not his.
The second he’s away from us, my eyes return to the woman who has lit a fire in me that only power and success have before. “And you’re in trouble, Princess.”
“For what?” her nosy cousin shouts in her defense. Sometimes there are just too many people around us.
