the bar had a perfect sleek, skinny body that probably made all clothes seem model perfect. Probably the regular type of women Carter went for. Not extra-curvy, wild-haired workaholics who made every decision based on practicality.
Avery slumped in the booth and sipped her champagne. She was happy for him. The blonde wouldn’t have rules about long-term relationships or expectations. Maybe they’d sleep together tonight. No strings and no hassles. Just the way he liked it.
He’d dressed casually tonight, but sharp. The navy button-down shirt was designer, with flipped-up paisley cuffs. The material clung and emphasized his molded chest. He’d put some type of gel in his hair so it was sculpted back away from his brow. The look made his eyes appear more intense—the blue-gray depths pinning an onlooker with a serious gaze, unbarred by his glasses. His dark-washed jeans were tight and made his ass drool-worthy. Every time she got near, the delicious scent of spice and whiskey teased her senses. Yeah, he was ready to get laid, and that woman was practically licking her chops.
On cue, the blonde threw back her head and laughed at something he said. Their faces were close together, probably trying to hear each other above the loud music. Carter grinned with pride at making her laugh, and the woman squeezed his biceps in a familiar gesture. He did nothing to shake it off or discourage her.
Asshole.
Avery brooded and drank and watched.
Noelle appeared with a big smile and leaned over the table. “Why aren’t you dancing?”
She laughed, averting her gaze firmly from the man a few feet away. “Just hydrating. Having fun?”
“Always.” Her blue eyes gleamed with pure mischief. Noelle practically exuded sex appeal and emanated confidence bigger women usually didn’t own. It was obvious she loved her curves, and dressed to accentuate every single one. Men were consistently asking her to dance and seemed to want to soak up her presence. Avery had adored her at first sight and wished she lived closer so they could be friends.
“Noelle, I didn’t get to ask what you do for work.”
The woman raised her voice to be heard above the music. “I’m a producer. I worked in New York for a while, but got transferred to Austin to do an indie series on Netflix. I’m employed by LWW Enterprises—they’re based in Port Hudson.”
“Oh, I’ve heard of them! They got Kyle Kimpton’s book made into a movie, A Brand New Ending. Did you see it? I couldn’t stop crying, it was so damn good.”
“Yes! That was my girl Presley Cabot’s doing. I was in the same sorority as her, and she’s done amazing things at LWW. Hey, when you come to visit Ally, make sure you invite me out! Sometimes I have a hard time making friends, and I just clicked with you.”
“Same.”
They smiled at each other, and then the DJ mixed into another song. Noelle shouted and began swaying her hips. “Come dance with me!”
Avery focused on the slow bluesy-type sound. Couples began pairing up on the dance floor, arms and legs tangled together. “It’s a slow song.”
“Who cares?” Noelle grabbed her hands, dragging her out. Only then did she notice Ally and Judith dancing together, laughing hysterically.
“Girl power!” Ally declared with a slight slur.
Maddie joined in, and they began a giant group hug that slightly resembled dancing.
Suddenly, Carter cut into the circle, grabbing his sister and spinning her into his arms. “Come on, Ally-Cat. Show me your moves.”
Ally’s face lit up under her brother’s attention. “I love you, bro,” she said with a sigh, making him laugh while he guided her in tight loops around the crowded floor. “Best man of honor ever.”
“Man HO,” Avery popped in, shooting him a glare. The champagne had loosened her tongue. “In my world, it’s Man HO.”
Ally cracked up. “Imagine my brother as a Man HO. Maybe you’ll get lucky tonight,” she teased her brother.
The look he shot Avery held little humor. In fact, his gaze narrowed with such intensity, she shivered and hid a bit behind Judith, who was still bouncing back and forth in an imitation of dancing.
“Maybe I will,” he said, his dark voice making lava bubble through Avery’s veins. Suddenly, he traded off Ally to Judith and reached for Avery. “Switch,” he said. “I’d like to dance with the wedding planner.”
Ally giggled, and the ladies drifted off toward the right, getting closer to the DJ booth.
“What was that about?” he asked, lowering his mouth to speak close to her ear. “Did I miss something?”
Temper and