Roarke stood against the wall, watching the guests circulate as they waited for the wedding party. He’d taken the requisite pictures before the ceremony, but the photographer wanted a few more of the bride and groom now that night was falling.
Actually, he wasn’t watching the guests. He watched Celeste.
Someone clapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, Roarke, how’s it going?”
“Just fine, Uncle Reese. How about yourself?”
“Good, good. You did a fine job with little Miss Cassidy. She grew up to be a mighty fine young woman. I’m proud of you.” He winked and moved on.
Uncle Reese’s words put a nick in Roarke’s conscience. He wouldn’t be very proud of Roarke if he knew how hot with lust he was for another man’s woman. He’d barely resisted the urge to drop kisses along the back of her neck, or move the strap of the sleeveless dress she wore out of the way so he could run his tongue along her shoulder.
He swallowed some of his drink.
This obsession with her wasn’t healthy. The last thing he should do is watch her, wishing she were his date instead of his brother’s. Ever since he saw them together after the trek around the island, he’d been unable to avoid the truth: the jealousy and rage inside him had more to do with his heart than his groin.
Yes, he wanted her. His lust-addled brain imagined a repeat of their all-night lovemaking at the Ritz. But more than lust drove him; he enjoyed her company. He wanted to spend time with her and took pleasure in making her laugh just as much as making her come.
Even though he knew she had cheated, he had fallen for her. It had to be the least intelligent thing he’d ever done in his life.
There might be a slight chance she had feelings for him, but she acted as if she didn’t want to look him in the eye. Something must have happened between her and Derrick to cause such a reaction. Or maybe she regretted the day they’d spent together.
Maybe he should challenge Derrick to a duel. The thought made him laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Matthew asked as he walked up.
“Nothing,” Roarke replied.
“You’re going to bore a hole into the back of her head if you keep staring at her like that.”
Roarke paused the drink halfway to his mouth. “Who?”
“Is he pretending he doesn’t know what you’re talking about?” Xander asked. He and Lucas walked up on Roarke’s other side. Both men attended the wedding as guests, but Xander owned a bakery. He’d given the four-tier white cake with red and pink roses, and the groom’s tres leches cake, as wedding gifts.
“Yes,” Matthew answered. To Roarke he said, “You’re not doing a good job of hiding how you feel about her, bro.”
Damn. Was he that obvious? “She’s with Derrick,” Roarke said.
“And was with you last week,” Lucas pointed out.
“Doesn’t matter.”
“Then why can’t you take your eyes off of her?”
Roarke drained his glass. Apparently, he was that obvious.
“I know your grandmother and Aunt Iris aren’t allowing them to stay in the same room, are they?” Xander asked.
“No,” Roarke answered. “She has her own room. The one Lorena was supposed to have. Lorena and Cassidy are sharing a room.”
“In the same bed?” Lucas asked.
Roarke nodded.
“Am I wrong for being a little turned on by that?” Three sets of eyes turned to Lucas. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding.”
Celeste stood in a corner, talking to one of the other guests.