“What color is your amazing dress that will make me mad with jealousy when men drool over you wearing it?” I asked Brynne.
“It’s periwinkle.” She smiled again. “Aunt Marie met us there and we had so much fun with her. She really does have the eye for fashion.”
“You should have brought her along for lunch with you.”
“I would have loved for her to come with us, but she was off to a ladies luncheon with her book club. She said to tell you how much she’s looking forward to meeting you.” Brynne blushed again as if the idea of our people meeting together made her shy.
She had a shyness to her that was charming in public, but didn’t carry over into the bedroom with me. Nope. My girl wasn’t shy with me like that, and it was all good. I thought about how many more hours until tonight when I could get her back into my bedroom and she could show me her un-shy side some more.
We’d been burning up the sheets lately...and the shower walls…my office desk…the rug in front of the fireplace…balcony lounger, and even the gym. I shifted in my chair and remembered that morning workout with great fondness. Who knew how much fun a weight bench could be with Brynne naked and sliding up and down my—
“You’ll love Marie, Ethan,” Gabrielle said distractedly, still checking her messages and interrupting my erotic musings. I needed to rearrange my c**k but forced a smile at both of them instead.
I had yet to meet the adored Aunt Marie, but was about to very soon. We had decided it was time to bring the family together in a dinner at my place. My dad, Brynne’s aunt, Gabrielle, Clarkson, Neil and Elaina made up the short list. We’d discussed and felt it was time to get everyone on board with what was happening with us and the possible threats to Brynne. Everyone was principal enough that they needed to know what might be in play. Brynne was too important to me to take a risk at this point, and everyone involved already knew her background anyway.
“Well I cannot wait to meet her. She sounds like she dotes on you.” I checked my watch again. “I can’t believe Ivan, just not showing like this. So rude.”
“Why don’t you call him?” Brynne suggested.
“That would be a total waste of my time. He never answers his mobile. I doubt he even turns the damn thing on,” I answered dryly.
“Oh, man!” Gabrielle looked up from her messages. “I’m going to have to get over to the university. Trouble with a painting. An accident involving solvent getting dumped on a rare, get this, Brynne—Abigail Wainwright.” Gabrielle looked absolutely horrified, stood up abruptly, and gathered her bags. “Not a good combination.”
“No, that’s not good at all,” Brynne said, shaking her head, “the solvent will eat through the canvas if they don’t neutralize…”
I tried to keep up with the art geek stuff they talked about but it wasn’t easy for me. I don’t think I have an artistic bone in my body. I can appreciate it though. Brynne’s portrait was the epitome of art in my opinion.
“Do you want a ride back? Neil will take you over there if you like,” I offered.
“No, that’s okay. I’ll get a cab—it’ll be faster. I need to go right now, but thanks. I’ll see you at your place tomorrow night, Ethan. Enjoy your lunch, you two.”
“Let me know how it works out,” Brynne told her. “If anyone can fix the mess, it’s you, Gaby!”
Gabrielle hugged Brynne, waved off and left, her tall curvy form attracting plenty of looks from appreciative males as she made her way out of Gladstone’s.
I smiled at Brynne and took both of her hands. “So I get you all to myself for lunch after all.” I whispered the rest. “Too bad we’re in public.”
“I know. We never get to do this.” She squeezed my hands a little. “You’ve had so much work lately and I can only imagine with the Olympics. God, that’s huge, Ethan. All those people.” She grinned. “William and Kate!”
I nodded. “Yes. They will be there for events. Prince Harry too. He’s good fun.”
“You know him?” she asked incredulously.
I nodded again. “I can try to get an introduction if you like…as long as you don’t have a thing for princes with ginger hair.”
“Never,” she told me with seductive eyes. “I am partial to security guys with dark hair.”
Who had turned on the blast furnace? I actually looked around the room for an exit. If there was a door marked ‘private’ I swear I’d have had her behind it and naked in two seconds flat.
“You are so very cruel, Miss Bennett.”
She looked very pleased with herself sitting there across from me in the restaurant. So pleased in fact, she made me think fondly of the spanking I’d given her over the sink. God she was a sexy thing, bent upon driving me mad…
“So back to your job. You are doing VIP security for the flippin Olympics, Ethan!” Her excitement brought me out of my head. Probably a damn good thing right now.
“Well, I’m not complaining, it’s good for business but I could do without the stress. I just want everything to run smooth. No plots or crazies with an axe to grind for their bullshit cause, no bombs, or embarrassments and I can breathe. Happy clients kept safe and I’ll be pleased.” I reached for my wine. “Let’s order, I don’t think Ivan’s going to show…always bloody late for everything!” I grumbled, opening my menu.
Brynne told me what she wanted in case the waiter appeared and excused herself for the ladies. I watched her walk away, and the looks she got from others as well. I sighed. As much as Brynne carried her reserve, she still had that certain something that made people notice her. Something I could have done without for sure, but understood was part of the deal with her. Men would always look at her. And want her. And try to take her away.