Page 19 of In Case You Didn't Know
I grunt. “They were talking about Francie.”
His brow lifts. “Let me guess. Something about that dress?”
I don’t answer.
He chuckles, clearly amused. “You gonna fight every guy who looks at her?”
I shoot him a look.
“Damn,” he says, low. “You’ve got it bad for her.”
“She’s a kid,” I mutter, though the words sound weaker every time I say them.
“She’s not a kid,” West says. “She’s Belle. And every guy here wants to be her beast.”
I scowl. “Are you one of them?” Because God help me, I’d throw him into the fucking ocean too.
He grins. “Relax. She’s not my type. I prefer my women slightly less likely to stab me with a tiara.”
Before I can bite back, something yellow catches my eye.
Her.
She’s walking toward the dance floor with one of the twins on her arm. And yeah, the interns were right, she looks stunning. Too stunning. It’s distracting.
I can’t keep my fucking eyes off of her.
She glances at me, pulling her lip between her teeth when she realizes I’ve been watching her. And still I can’t look away..
That’s the problem. Not that every guy here wants her.
But that I do too.
“Look, Mylene!” Francie’s voice is unnaturally bright. “It’s Asher and West.”
Mylene squints at us. “What does a girl have to do to get a drink around here?” she asks, her voice throaty.
Francie’s jaw stiffens. “You still have duties. Remember? As guest of the day?”
“Duties?” I echo, already regretting it.
“You get to dance with all of the Fitzgerald brothers,” Francie says to her, cheeks flushing. “Well at least the ones who are here today.”
West grins. “Well, who could say no to that? I’m sure Asher would be delighted to dance with you.”
“Not me,” I mutter, shooting him a look. “You’re an honorary Fitzgerald brother, too. You dance with her.”
“I’ve had three knee replacements,” Mylene says with a sniff.
West mouthsthree?and glances down like he’s checking for spare limbs. I sigh and hold out a hand, because I know when I’m done for. And I’ve already pissed Francie off enough this weekend.
“I’ll be gentle,” I tell Mylene. “And I promise not to shake anything loose.”
She latches on with surprising speed and strength. By the time we shuffle onto the dance floor, pushing our way through a bunch of overexcited kids, she’s got her arms around my neck and is wiggling like she’s at a '60s sock hop.
Over her shoulder, I catch West giving me a smug little wave. I flip him off behind her back.
As the song changes to ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’, Mylene sighs and leans against me. “Mmm. You smell like cedar wood. My favorite.”
