The Guy on the Right Read online

  “Yeah, we’re good.”

  I pull up to the circular drive, in wait for the valet and text Laney. The country club sits on the edge of a massive golf course. The other side is a mix of butterfly ponds. Even in late fall, the landscape is on point, and I can see why Devin picked it to host her wedding.

  Theo: I’m here, waiting in line for the valet.

  Laney: Thank God. If I have to listen to this idiot best man tell me about his new Camaro one more minute. (eye roll emoji) I think I saw a tear in his eye when I told him I wasn’t a fan. Boys and their stupid toys.

  Theo: But is he pretty?

  Laney: Yes. And I’m not interested. Now come save me.

  Theo: On my way. And you most definitely are a shitty judge of character.

  Laney: Not this again. I told you, Brett chose her because she was younger. I didn’t say they belonged together.

  Theo: I knew halfway in she was wrong for him.

  Laney: I’ve created a monster. You’re addicted to reality TV.

  Theo: You’re the one who started it.

  Laney: Take it down a peg or two, Houseman.

  Since the day in the tent, we’ve become inseparable, well, as much as our schedules will allow. Laney is still managing to swing three and a half jobs and keep up with classes, while I utilize my weekends on the bus studying my ass off in an effort to make sure I can spend every spare minute with her. It’s hit or miss, but we make it work. More than once, I’ve seen that ‘kiss me’ look in her eye since that day, but we’ve rarely been alone, and it’s never been the right time. And in a way, I’m still waiting for permission. Old habits die hard, but I’m to the point where I’m just as determined as my object of affection to break them.

  Theo: Just gave up my keys.

  “You clean up nice, Houseman.”

  Smiling, I look up to see Laney staring at me from beside the double door entrance, her phone in hand, looking breathtaking in a form-fitting black dress, the material hugging her curves. Her hair hangs in loose waves around her shoulders. Her eye makeup is a little darker, her lips too. The neckline dips low, showcasing the beautiful curves of her breasts. My mouth goes dry as I imagine the things I would do with my tongue in the center of that universe.

  “You look so beautiful,” I join her where she waits for me.

  Her breath hitches. “I know you meant that. I felt it.”

  “Good.”

  Lifting on her toes, she slowly leans in pressing her lips against my bearded cheek, and it takes everything in me not to turn my head.

  “Thanks for coming.”

  “Thanks for having me.”

  Laney

  Theo sips his drink before tossing his head back with a laugh while Chase moves his hands animatedly. I can’t hear a word they’re saying, and I can’t tear my eyes off him. He looks so damned gorgeous in a mint green button-down and slacks that fit him perfectly. His long bangs are swept away from his forehead, and the rest of his unruly hair is tucked behind his ears. His smile is blinding, keeping me incapable of seeing much of anything else. He looks…happy. Even in a room full of strangers, he exudes the type of confidence I’m drawn to. A confidence I envy as I do my best not to nip at the drinks surrounding me. I’m nervous. This is my biggest side job yet, and the happiness of my best friend solely relies on me executing it without a hitch.

  Right now, I wouldn’t mind taking a sip from the drink in Theo’s hand. But not from the glass, from the lips attached to it. I’m turned on just imagining what his lips could do in the midst of that transfer. A little pride runs through me when I see his drink of choice tonight is whiskey.

  I’ve influenced him a little, just as he has me. I find myself opening more and more to his musical tastes, and every once in a while, he lets me DJ with something more of my choosing.

  We’re meshing, and we’ve come eerily close to having the routine of a couple. To any outsider, we look like one, the only part that’s missing at this point is the part I can’t stop imagining. Gina no longer stays silent when I’m around him, in fact, she won’t shut the hell up. But her voice takes a back seat to the feelings that engulf me when Theo’s around. Right now, the pull feels magnetic, and my legs proved useless when he got out of his car. Over the last two months, I’ve felt like I’ve been peeling layer after layer of this man away and there is still so much to discover.

  After a few brief introductions, I had no choice but to leave him and tend to Devin, but it seems he’s charmed everyone he’s met tonight. And I can see why so clearly, it’s becoming painful. How did I not see it before?

  I have hours of maid of honor duties ahead, and all I really want is to spend time with him.

  He takes another sip of his drink and runs a hand down his newly-trimmed beard as I slam into a cater waiter, distracted.

  “Sorry,” I mutter too embarrassed to meet my victim’s eyes and quickly resume my pace around the party.

  I’m not much of a beard girl, but on him, it just works. And it works well because as of late, it’s sent my imagination into overdrive. I can’t help but imagine the feel of it brushing along the top of my thighs.

  As if he can hear me, Theo’s eyes lift, his dark gaze searching the party finding me watching him before a slow smile curves his lips.

  Devin’s voice jolts me back to the ground I hadn’t realized I was floating above. “Laney! We can’t use the send-off sachets. It’s too dangerous for birds to eat. I’m going to have to redo them all! How did I not know this?”

  “I’ll handle it,” I tell her ripping my eyes from my plus one and pulling another drink from her hand. “Stop trying to drink yourself stupid. We agreed this would be a gentle buzz night, remember?”

  “We’ve still got the programs to fold!”

  “My mom is doing it after her shift. She’ll bring them tomorrow. And like I told you a thousand times, no one has programs at a wedding.”

  “Well, my mother wants them!” Devin shrieks, looking gorgeous in her white dress, her hair twisted up in the perfect ‘southern princess’ updo. The only thing taking away from her look is the sight of terror in her eyes.

  “Hang in there, okay? I’m your girl. I have a few hours tonight to work on the flowers. And then we’re all set.”

  “Did you get the out of towners the welcome packet—”

  “Done, they all got them when they checked in.”

  “Oh, thank God,” she drawls out in exaggeration.

  “Devin, it’s all done. This will be exactly like you wanted it. And if we forget something, it wasn’t important enough to remember. See that man over there?” I nod past her shoulder where Chase is looking on at her like he’s seeing her for the first time. She follows my line of sight and nods, wiping a tear from her face.

  “He’s the only thing you’re missing right now, and it looks like he could use a little one on one with his fiancée.”

  Devin turns to me with watery eyes. “God, I’m turning into that bride, aren’t I?”

  “No, you just want it to be perfect, but it’s only ‘cause you love him so much. Take a break, get him alone for a few minutes and do questionable and naughty things to him and I’ll meet you back in the suite. I’ve got this. If I didn’t, I would speak up.”

  She turns back to me. “Sarah isn’t here yet.”

  “I just texted her. She couldn’t get out of work in time for rehearsal, but as soon as she gets here, I’m runnin’ the whole thing through with her.”

  Devin’s lips quiver. “You’re the best.”

  “Go on,” I say as we both collectively ogle the men staring back at us.

  “Okay,” she says, letting out a shaky breath. “But I feel it’s necessary to point out your date is looking at you like he wants to do questionable things to you publicly.”

  Theo’s got one hand in his black slacks, the other cupping his drained whiskey glass. His eyes hungrily sweep me from head to foot even as I watch him do it, and he doesn’t bother to look away. Our eyes hold for a
moment before Chase blocks our view of him.

  “Did you just see that?” I whisper.

  “Girl, I felt that.”

  Chills erupt over my skin as Devin turns to me with surprise in her eyes.

  “Is it me or does the Band Man look hot as hell tonight.”

  “It’s not just you. And it’s not just tonight.” I grip her hands in mine as if I’m about to share the secret of life. “Devin,” I swallow, “he’s always been hot.”

  “Did something happen between y’all?”

  “No.” Yes. I’m just not sure when it happened for him.

  “You mean not yet.”

  As much as I want to confide to one best friend about the other, now is not the time.

  “We can discuss this later, after your honeymoon. Your groom is getting antsy, and I think your mom just cornered him.

  She sighs. “Not again.”

  “What’s that all about?”

  “Who knows? She’s full of piss and vinegar lately. That’s why I’m so glad I have your mom as backup.”

  “Better go save him before she changes his mind about marrying into this.”

  “Good thinking.”

  “I am the best.”

  She hugs me, and all the tension leaves her shoulders.

  “I love you.”

  “You too, Devil.”

  “See you back at the suite.”

  Theo

  Rapt, I watch as Laney circles around Devin, pulling a drink out of her hand every few minutes, while talking to the staff. She’s taking her job seriously and has barely had time to enjoy the party. Every couple of minutes she searches for me and mouths ‘I’m sorry’ to which my reply is the same. A smile and a wink. I’m having a decent time even though I’m in a room full of strangers. Devin’s groom, Chase, chatted me up during most of dinner. Even without the new camaraderie with the groom, I’ve been to enough of my dad’s company functions to know how to schmooze. I’m comfortable enough in my element but know Laney’s fighting not to sip a drink at this point.

  She’s nervous behind her smile but running the show like a boss. She looks incredible in her dress, and I’m having a horrible time keeping my eyes off her. Several times tonight, I’ve imagined lifting that hem and doing wicked things with my mouth. I want to taste her, I want it so much, I’ve drunk myself into a buzz that has me thinking about all the dirty things I would do to her given the permission.

  Though she’s playing it cool, I can see the tension in her shoulders. The more I sip, the more I know if I spent five minutes between those gorgeous legs of hers, I could ease that stress. Whiskey is good for my libido.

  She saunters over to me just as I receive a fresh drink, takes it from me, and drains half.

  “Sorry, I had to have it. I went a record-breaking three hours without a drop. And wow, that tasted way too good.”

  “I never meant to police you, I just wanted you to prove to yourself that you didn’t need it.”

  “Hey, I need the training. How in the hell am I going to venture out in strange cities, alone, if I can’t handle a few hundred people around me? I’m glad you push me to do good things for myself. Don’t stop, okay?”

  “Promise.”

  “Besides, the drink was for my aching feet. I hate heels.”

  “Well, you look damn good in them.”

  Curious eyes lift to mine. “You flirtin’ with me, Houseman?”

  “I might be.”

  She worries her lip as I imagine her moan. “See, good whiskey can make you brave.”

  “I can put this down and show you brave.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  She gazes up at me with need that has me momentarily speechless, so I nod, wishing that I could lean in and just fucking kiss her. But we aren’t alone. At all.

  “You okay? Need any help?”

  “You’re sweet to offer, but I can handle it.”

  “I can see that. You may have missed your calling.”

  “You think?” She smiles with pride. “I did the table settins’ for the dinner. You like them?”

  “Very elegant.” I didn’t notice them, but in my defense, I have a penis, and right now it’s pointed straight at her and has been the whole night.

  “Well, I’ve got the hall flowers and five bridal bouquets to finish after this. I’ll be here all night. So, you can go when you’re ready. I’m sorry. After the wedding, I should be able to give you the attention you deserve.”

  She’s flirting. I don’t point it out, because she’s nervous and I’m not sure if it’s this new shift with us, or the wedding.

  I set my drink down on the bar. “I’ll help.”

  “No, no,” she frowns. “No way, you being here is plenty. I’m sorry I’ve been running around and haven’t gotten to talk to you much.”

  “Let me rephrase. Laney, I want to help.”

  Amber eyes search mine. “Really?”

  “Yeah, why not?”

  “I don’t know. Wouldn’t you rather be at home working on, whatever you work on all the time and refuse to tell me about?”

  I chuckle. “No, I’d rather be helping you.”

  She lifts to her toes and presses a kiss to my cheek.

  “You keep doing that,” I say, my voice coated in whiskey and arousal.

  “You keep letting me.”

  I lean down and kiss her cheek before slowly pulling away.

  Her eyes widen before she smiles. “What was that for?”

  “Existing.”

  Her breath stutters as I stare down at her with intent. I’m not going to last much longer and from the look in her eyes, she won’t either. This has to happen. We owe it to each other to test this chemistry. Not only that, I feel for her. I feel a hell of a lot more than I’m comfortable with for never having kissed her.

  “Laney,” a short brunette calls, rolling through the door of the party with a suitcase in hand, eyes darting around in panic.

  “That’s Sarah, one of the bridesmaids. She’s runnin’ late.” Laney looks back to me apologetically. “I have to run through the ceremony with her. It shouldn’t take long. Will you wait?”

  I grip one of her hands and slide my thumb along the top of it. Her lips part. “You know I will.”

  She grabs my drink from the bar and finishes it as I lean in and whisper. “You’ve got this.”

  When I pull away her eyes close, goosebumps covering her chest. In this moment I would move heaven and Earth to have her alone. Cursing the timing, she murmurs a, “Thank you,” to me before she walks away.

  Laney: I’m so sorry, it took longer than I expected. They should be serving dessert. When you’re done, I’ll be in reception, it’s just down the hall.

  Theo: Got it. Want anything?

  Laney: No. I won’t fit in my dress tomorrow. It’s already too tight.

  Theo: Strawberry shortcake?

  Laney: Damn you, Houseman. Yes, please.

  Theo: On it.

  Laney: You are the bees-knees.

  Laney’s dessert in one hand and my fourth cocktail in the other, I pad down the quiet half of the country club as the wedding guests sound noisily at the entrance, buzzing after the night’s festivities while waiting on their cars. Soft country music drifts from the room down the hall. Soundlessly, I open the door and spot Laney at a large eight-top on the other side of the massive room. Heels kicked to the side, she sways—barefoot—back and forth to the music, smelling the half dozen roses in her hand. Holding the door with my foot so I don’t alert her to my presence, I lean against it watching as she dances around, cutting stem after stem of fully bloomed pink roses and laying them on a table covered in crystal vases. She sings along to the song, her long hair moving in the opposite direction of the sway of her hips. I’m totally drunk on the sight of her this way. And it has nothing to do with the whiskey warming my insides. Guitar music fills the air as she spins in a melodic circle before tossing a few roses into a vase. She lifts a pitcher of water, pouring it onto the fres
hly cut stems and spots me, her eyes lighting up.

  “You were watching me?”

  “Yes,” I say unapologetically, moving toward her because there’s no way in hell I can’t.

  “This one has got me feelin’ all kind of romantic,” she says as I approach. “Alabama.”

  “What?”

  “The song, it’s Alabama. Old school country.”

  “Ah.”

  She wrinkles her nose. “Do you like it?”

  “I like that you like it.”

  She sighs, lifting the pitcher and dividing the water into the vases. “I’ll never convert you.”

  “No, you won’t, but I’ll listen to it if it makes you happy.”

  She pauses her pour, her eyes lifting to mine. “What a sweet thing to say.”

  “Speaking of sweets,” I smile, lifting her dessert. “Take a load off and eat this. It’s incredible.”

  “I know. I’m the one who made sure it was on the menu.” She darts her eyes around the hall. “I’ve still got so much to do.”

  “Laney, I’ll stay until it’s done.” I set her dessert and my drink down on the table and gesture for her to sit.

  She stutters on nervously. “I just, I was gonna get the bridesmaids to help a little, but Devin is a hot mess express and well—”

  “Laney, I’ll stay.”

  “I can handle it, I just—”

  “Ask me for help, Laney.”

  She looks up at me pensively. “What?”

  “Ask. Me. For. Help.”

  She blows out a harsh breath through lush lips. “Will you help me?”

  “Yes, now,” I pull out the chair in front of her, “sit.”

  “Gah,” she says, ogling her dessert. “This looks so good.”

  I tug her into the chair and cut into the dessert, bringing the fork to her mouth. She takes the offered bite, and as soon as it hits her tongue, her eyes close. “Exactly,” I murmur, leaning in. I catch the goosebumps that spread on her skin as I scoot her chair closer to the table.

  “T-thank you.”

  Moving to the other side of the table, I sit behind the waiting pile of sachets. “So, I’m taking it we’re replacing the insides of these with this?” I raise an insulated bag full of filler.