“I bet it is, on you and in you,” Juls barks and we fall into a fit of giggles as her phone lights up. “Ooohhh, they’re here,” she squeals excitedly.
My back goes rigid and my pulse begins to race. As if my body is somehow wired to his, I look up at the doorway just as he walks through behind Ian. I listen to my heavy breathing as he moves like liquid through the crowd of people. Eyes dark and hooded in the amber glow of the bar, hair perfectly messed up, making my fingers ache to touch. And that sexy as hell mouth that is glistening as if he just licked it. Good God, he is glorious to look at. Needing the liquid courage, I down my drink and earn myself a wide-eyed look from Joey as the men walk toward our table.
“Hey, babe,” Juls says as Ian wraps his arms around her back. He smothers her in quick kisses as she moans softly against him.
“Dylan, Joey, it’s nice to see you both,” Ian says.
I raise my glass at him as Joey does the same, my eyes locking on to Reese. He walks around the table, his gaze never leaving mine as he comes and stands next to my stool.
“Hi.” His voice is low and soft as his hand rests on my lower back, claiming me in front of everyone. Yes, that’s right. I’m with him. Move along, ladies.
“Hi, yourself.” I turn my body and cross one leg over the other, the hem of my dress rising up on my thigh and quickly catching his attention. I admire him while he admires my legs. He’s looking as hot as ever in a dress shirt and tie, which is partially loosened, and regarding me sweetly, with soft eyes and parted lips.
“You look…” he runs a hand through his hair and I smile, his eyes slowly scanning my body. “…I like your dress. A lot.”
“Thanks. Wait till you see what’s under it.”
Stepping closer to me so his leg is brushing against mine, he slowly trails his hand up my thigh under the table and stops at the metal clips of my garter. His neck pulses as he swallows and slides his hand back out, pulling down my dress.
“Per your request,” I say as his lip curls up in the corner.
“So, Dylan, how’s the bakery business going? That wedding cake you made was really fucking good, right, Joey? Didn’t you have like six pieces?” Ian says as he steals Juls’ stool before pulling her into his lap. She runs her fingers along his collar, blissfully oblivious to anyone but him.
“Whatever. I burned it off later with Billy.”
“Well, I’m glad you guys got to enjoy the cake since I didn’t. I was a bit preoccupied with my own drama.” My eyes quickly flick to Reese who is watching me, studying me with a small smile. I give him a quick wink before I turn back to Ian. “But yeah, business is good. Busy as we usually are in the summer. I think I have a wedding every weekend to bake for until September.”
“Yeah, we’re crazy busy. And when she’s not whipping up wedding cakes, she’s floating on cloud nine all over that damn shop from the love notes and deliveries she’s been receiving.” Joey sighs dramatically as I tense in my seat. “It’s all very romantic.”
Reese’s hand moves on my back, his thumb rubbing the material of my dress.
I quickly shove my chatty friend and spill some of his beer on the table. “Remind me why I hired you as my assistant?”
“Because I’m gorgeous and can sell anything to anyone,” he replies playfully.
“Please, you say that like my treats don’t sell themselves.” I twirl my ice in my glass. “If anything, you’re more of a liability to have around. Just how many sexual harassment suits are pending against you this month?” Not that he really has any, but it wouldn’t surprise me with the way Joey flirts daily with customers. He rolls his eyes as Juls giggles against Ian.
“Jesus Christ. You two fight like you’re married,” Billy says as he approaches the table with three beers, passing two of them to Ian and Reese.
“We practically are, and before you ask, I’m the man in the relationship,” I reply, sucking on an ice cube before dropping it back into my glass. Reese laughs quietly next to me and I glance up at him, meeting his stare.
“Baby, do you hear what I have to put up with daily? Tell Dylan to be nice to me.” Joey strokes Billy’s arm, and I see my opportunity.
“Hey, Joey, would you like me to get you anything from the bar? Another beer, some food, your balls maybe?” Juls slams her hand down on the table and laughs as Billy’s face lights up. Ian and Reese both chuckle as Joey glares at me.
“Bitch,” he murmurs.
“Anyway,” Billy stretches out before his eyes flash to Reese and then quickly to mine. “Reese tells me you thought he was married. That’s probably the funniest thing I’ve heard all year.”
“Fuck off,” Reese mutters against his glass.