But I’d like that right. I sound like a complete Neanderthal but damn it, I want Bryn to be mine.

Still.

“She’s a fucking looker man,” Archer utters. “I’d get it if you gave up the million bucks for a piece of that.”

Fury burns through my blood, and I glare at Archer. “Don’t talk about her like that, you bastard. You could at least show the woman some respect,” I tell him, my voice like steel.

“Ah, don’t get your panties all twisted,” Archer says, smiling as he shakes his head. “I love how caveman we all get when we’re with the women we love.”

“I never said I was in love with Bryn.” I’ve worked with her for six months and have only just noticed her as a woman, though her scent has been driving me crazy pretty much since day one. But there’s absolutely no way I’m in love with her. It’s way too freaking soon for that.

I can’t deny that I’m attracted to her though. Ever since that kiss, I can’t stop remembering what she tastes like—how she felt in my arms.

“Yeah, well you’re looking at her like you want to lick her from head to toe.” Archer laughs when I glare at him. He cut too close to the truth. “See? You like her, DeLuca. It’s okay. You can admit it. And as soon as the two of you fall into bed together, make sure you let us know so we can rescind the bet and let it die a happy, empty death.”

“Hell, no. I’m going to win that bet, no matter what,” I say with utter conviction.

“Keep dreaming,” Archer says, clapping me on the back much like Gage had done earlier. Only this time, I keep my footing. “It’s about damn time we see you show some interest in a girl. You’ve been celibate for far too long.”

I don’t even notice when Archer moves away from me. I keep my gaze locked on Bryn as she moves through the crowd, crossing the courtyard, seemingly coming right for me. The dress she’s wearing fits her like a dream. A daringly bold magenta color, it stands out in the crowd of mostly black. The silky fabric clings lovingly to her breasts and hips. Her shoulders are exposed, the straps are thin and the skirt ends just above her knee in a gentle flare.

The color is beautiful on her, bringing out the flush in her cheeks. Her hair is done: long, wavy black-as-midnight locks. She spots me and a secretive little smile curves her lush lips as she approaches on silvery colored stiletto sandals that shimmer in the light.

She looks like a fucking fairy princess brought to me just for this night. I’m tempted to take her hand, say screw the party and find somewhere private where we can be alone and naked together.

What the hell is wrong with you?

Bryn James. That’s what the hell is wrong with me. The problem? I like this problem. Hell, I’m reveling in it. I shouldn’t want her, but I do. I shouldn’t think about her in this manner but I can’t stop. Hell, I even dream about her.

Sweaty, wicked dreams that leave me aching for her every time I wake.

“Sorry I’m late,” she says stopping in front of me. Her scent carries on the breeze, deliciously sweet, and I inhale as discreetly as possible. My dick twitches, and I will it down. Now is absolutely not the time, but it has other plans, every one of them involving me and Bryn and the two of us naked. “I had to get home and change real quick, and traffic was a nightmare getting back out here.”

“You haven’t missed much,” I tell her, letting my gaze blatantly roam over her before it settles on her chest. All that exposed skin is a fucking distraction. “You look amazing.”

The smile grows and my body tightens in reaction. “So do you.”

I’m wearing a suit, and I’m as uncomfortable as ever, but I’ll take her compliment. “Thanks. Did I tell you I thought you did a fantastic job earlier at the wine tasting?”

“Oh really? No, we never talked, and I was sort of nervous over it all.” Her gaze grows earnest as she watches me. “You really thought I did a good job?” She sounds surprised at my praise. Doesn’t she realize her worth, both to the business and . . . to me?

Maybe not.

“You led the group expertly and spoke so highly of the winery. You were perfect.” I smile, fighting to the urge to touch her.

Relief crosses her face. “Whew. Thank God. I really was worried.”

“I don’t know why. You were composed and handled yourself well. I honestly don’t think you could ever disappoint me,” I say before I can stop myself.

Her expression softens, her eyes sparkling with some unknown emotion. Christ, she’s gorgeous and sweet and reminding me of that night when I not-so-accidentally kissed her. “Thank you, Matt. That means a lot to me, that you would say that.” She pauses, her gaze tearing from mine so she can watch the party unfold before us. “You’ve done such a fabulous job of putting this all together. Everything looks so beautiful.”

“It does look good, doesn’t it? And you had plenty to do with putting this together as well, you know.” I glance around, pride suffusing me. Everyone definitely looks like they’re enjoying themselves. But we still have hours to go.

“Hard to believe the day is almost over,” she says, sinking her teeth into her lower lip as she turns her gaze on me once more.

Hell. I want to grab her again. Kiss her until she can’t see straight, until I can’t freaking see straight. Having her here standing by my side, wearing a dress that should probably be illegal is pushing me past my limits.

I want to get her alone. Now.

Really?

Really.

“Do you mind coming with me to my office real quick?” I ask, my brain scrambling for an excuse. I shouldn’t do this. Shouldn’t ditch the party; the most important night of my life.

A night that could be ruined if my father does show and does something stupid which he’s an expert at.

She frowns. “What for?”

“I forgot something in there, and I need your help to find it.” Lame as hell, but I don’t care. I’m filled with the need to be with her. Alone. Just for a moment.

“Um, okay. Do you think it’s smart for the both of us to leave the party at the same time?” Bryn looks unsure, but I can’t let that bother me now.

Taking her hand, I lead her toward the office building, savoring how her fingers clasp mine. “It’ll only be for a few minutes. Besides, there are other employees out mingling, and Archer loves to keep an eye on everything.”

Bryn doesn’t reply.

We enter the building, though I don’t bother turning on the lights; the countless strands of lights outside illuminate the interior well enough. I take Bryn to my office, letting go of her hand when we enter.

“What exactly are you looking for you so I can help you?” she asks.

Guilt gnaws at me for the ruse, but I push it aside. Fuck it. “I didn’t lose anything, Bryn. I just . . . wanted to get you alone.”

She parts her lips as she stares at me but doesn’t say a word.

Her silence prompts me to go for it.

Finally.

Bryn

“I SHOULDN’T DO this.” Matt says, coming right at me, one determined step after another, and I slowly start to back up, fear and excitement bubbling up inside me, making it hard to think clearly.

“Shouldn’t do what?” I lift my chin, my gaze meeting his, and I can see all the turbulent, confusing emotions in his eyes, the grim set of his jaw and usually lush mouth. The man means business, what sort of business I’m not exactly sure, but I can take a guess. Increasing my pace, I take hurried backward steps to get away from all that handsome intensity coming at me until my butt meets the wall.

I’m trapped. And in the best possible place too.

In his office, alone with him and in the dark, right back where we started.

“You’ve been driving me fucking crazy since the minute you arrived tonight,” he practically growls, stopping just in front of me.

I have? I want to ask, but I keep my lips clamped tight. I only just got here and besides, he never seems to notice me, not that I really want him to now. Not after the fiasco that went down a few nights ago.