A Moment Like You (The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #2) - Claudia Burgoa Page 0,50
being productive. I should be working too. I mean, Vance is in charge of the security, and Beacon is playing later tonight.”
“If it makes you feel better, Mills isn’t doing anything today. He’s at home,” he says, staring at the booth where Sophia and Leyla are still chatting with a shirtless man with lots of tattoos.
“He has a kid. That’s plenty,” I remind him and then say, “If you had had one of those during the happy period of your marriage you could be exempt from this ordeal.”
“Never, never bring that shit up in front of Leyla,” he warns me.
“Why do I feel like you need to provide us with a long list of banned subjects when it comes to you two?”
“It’s not long,” he says pointing at a big drink a woman carries. “I need one of those. I bet they have alcohol, like those drinks they sell in Vegas. Maybe if I’m drunk enough, I can keep walking around. We have to see every booth and thank the vendors for being a part of this wonderful festival.”
“Don’t sound so excited,” Sophia says, carrying a small suede bag with her. I take it from her and put it in my pocket, with the other four I’m storing so far. “So far that booth is the best one. The pieces are gorgeous and the artist, he’s hot. He likes redheads, by the way.”
“Where is Leyla?” Pierce asks, stomping toward the booth.
“Don’t forget to thank the vendor,” she calls after him.
When I glance at Sophia her mischievous grin makes me reach for her hand. I squeeze it.
“You've been hanging with Blaire for too long,” I state. “Then again, you can be wicked on your own.”
She shrugs one shoulder. “He deserves it. Plus, I get a kick out of those two. They act like they can’t stand each other, but it’s just bullshit.”
“Do you know there’s a list of banned subjects we can’t discuss in front of Leyla?”
“No, that’s a new one,” she answers. “I get the feeling that he coddles her even though she’s pretty strong. You know, because he hates her and wants her out of his life.”
I laugh, “He’s so whipped it’s not even funny.”
“She loves him too. I wish I knew what happened between them.”
“Earlier one of the Mary’s came to visit with him and Leyla didn’t care. Maybe it is just one-sided,” I point out, watching the booth and waiting for my brother to swing a punch at the guy in front of them. Instead, they are shaking hands. “Do you think he set them up on a date?”
Sophia rolls her eyes. “Of course not. He’s an Aldridge. If he knew there’s any chance that he’d take his woman, he’d be throwing the first punch. I’m sure he met his wife.”
“The artist is married, and you knew it?”
She releases a loud laugh. “The actual artist is the redhead next to him. She brought her husband along. They are from Idaho.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Leyla did care about Mary Beth dropping by with breakfast for the boys,” she states. “I heard Mary Lu came along to visit with you.”
I put an arm around her shoulder, bringing her closer to me and say, “She did, and I told her I was on my way out to be with you.”
“Oh no, you’re not using me as your shield, Aldridge,” she spouts trying to push me away, but I don’t let her. “Just enjoy their adoration and tell them you’re a taken man. After all, you are taken.”
Pierce comes right behind Leyla. He’s glaring at Sophia. “Nice couple. I skipped the thanking since you had done it already.”
“How’s Mary Beth, Pierce? Are you two going out on a date?” she taunts him.
“Only if Henry and Vance agree to join us since she can’t go out without her sisters,” he retorts but gets no reaction from Sophia.
“I still don’t understand why they are called the Mary’s when the third sister’s name is Nina,” Sophia says, ignoring Pierce’s taunting.
“Wasn’t Nina the one who was trying to catch the doctor?” Leyla asks. “They have their sights set on the Aldridge boys. I’m sure at least one of you is going to end up related to Anna Tattle. It could be you, darling husband.”
He sneers at her but doesn’t say anything. As we make our way to the other booths, I move my arm from Sophia’s shoulder and grab her hand, interlacing our fingers. It’s something we’ve done before, I just never thought much of