“And that makes me the luckiest man in the world.”
His eyes warmed me up, inside and out. I laid my head against his chest, and sleep came quickly.
Mase
The next day, I discovered that Aida and I would be the only Colts at the Stouts’ party. My stepdad had needed to drive to Austin for business, and my momma had gone with him. She had called and asked me to take Aida with us. She didn’t want her to drive over there alone. I wasn’t sure I trusted Aida to be nice to Reese yet, but I’d asked her to come with us anyway.
After making love to Reese on the kitchen table after breakfast, then again on the sofa while we were supposed to be watching a movie, and then again on the bed when she’d gone to take a nap, she’d really needed to get some rest. I’d woken her up an hour ago so she’d have time to get ready.
I heard a knock on the door, and when I opened it, Aida smiled up at me. She was wearing a red dress that probably cost too much money and a pair of stiletto heels, which actually wasn’t unusual for this kind of party. The Stouts were incredibly wealthy and ran in elite circles. She seemed happy and in a better mood. Relieved, I stepped back and let her in.
“Reese should be ready in a few minutes,” I told her.
Just as I said the words, the bedroom door opened, and I turned to see Reese stepping out of the room wearing a short blue-jeans skirt with a pair of boots. All I saw was her legs. Holy hell, her legs were really out there. Mine. Men weren’t going to be able to take their eyes off them.
I lifted my gaze to see she was also wearing a pretty white blouse tied around her waist. The fabric showed off the sunkissed glow of her skin. I met her gaze, and my breath hitched. Her long dark hair was pulled to the side and draped over one shoulder. As always, her makeup was minimal. I wouldn’t be able to let her out of my sight tonight.
“You’re gorgeous, baby. Maybe we should just stay here,” I said, honestly considering it.
Reese’s smile brightened, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
“Uh, yeah . . . I guess blue jeans will do,” Aida said hesitantly.
Reese’s face fell immediately, and worry touched her brow. I knew her wardrobe was limited. She didn’t have designer clothing like the other women who would be at this barbecue, but no one there would hold a candle to Reese. An expensive dress couldn’t compete with her.
“I thought it was a barbecue. I can find something dressier. I didn’t know—”
“You’re perfect. So perfect I’m not leaving your side all night,” I told her.
She glanced from Aida to me, still looking unsure of herself.
“He’s right. You’ll do. We need to go, or we’ll be more than just fashionably late,” Aida said at my side.
I walked over to Reese and pulled her to me. “You’re breathtaking. I swear.” I slid my hand to rest on her lower back and led her to the door.
Aida forced a smile and turned to leave.
“She looks so nice. I should find something dressier. I do have heels,” Reese said.
“No. She’s overdressed,” I assured her.
Reese didn’t relax, like she wasn’t sure she believed me.
Aida went to the passenger side of my truck and opened the door to climb in first. I paused for a moment, then led Reese to my side and helped her climb into the cab so she could sit in the middle seat beside me. I didn’t want to hurt Aida’s feelings by asking her to get out and let Reese in first. I climbed up behind Reese and settled in.
“I won’t be able to reach the radio,” Aida said, clearly annoyed. I didn’t think she had intentionally meant to sit between Reese and me, but I wasn’t sure.
“Good,” I replied. I never liked it when Aida controlled the radio.
Once I had us headed toward the main road, I slipped my hand over Reese’s bare thigh and squeezed. That small gesture seemed to ease her some.
“Who will be at this party? Just the people in town?” Reese asked.
“Everyone the Stouts do business with. Bankers, lawyers, ranchers, and then the folks from their restaurant chain who own one of their franchises. They fly in from everywhere,” Aida said, sounding pleased with herself.
Reese stiffened again.
“You make the Stouts sound more important than they are,” I said to Aida, shooting her an annoyed glance.