I’m normally a quiet guy. I come off as an asshole because I’m standoffish with people I don’t know. It took a while, but I’m finally at ease enough around this group to open up and have a good time.
Except when it comes to Presley.
But I’m not a complete asshole, so I greet her with a tip of my head and a smirk.
“Princess.”
Okay, so I lied. Maybe I am a complete asshole.
I couldn’t resist taunting Miss High and Mighty.
If looks could kill, the glare she shoots in my direction would stop my heart. But a look is all she gives me. She doesn’t speak, doesn’t respond. She turns and looks out across the crowded bar, presumably looking for her friend.
“Will we see Cannon tonight?” Camille asks, hopefully.
Sipping my whiskey, I shake my head and she frowns.
“He’s not up for large crowds. It’s gonna take some time.”
She nods, and thankfully I don’t need to say more.
Camille has such a good heart.
She met Cannon briefly, but she happened to be holding one of the twins at the time and it was too much for Cannon. He reacted badly and unintentionally upset her. Because of that, and the fact that she’s practically married to Ryan at this point, we sat her down and explained Cannon’s situation. We needed her to understand that Cannon isn’t himself right now. He’s not the best company and he has no desire to be around people who aren’t Ryan or myself.
I’m aware of Presley’s close proximity and the fact that she’s hanging on every word. The curious expression on her face makes it obvious she’s interested, but she remains silent. As usual.
I don’t feel compelled to explain anything to her. She hasn’t met Cannon yet, and quite frankly, his business is none of hers.
Ryan snares Cami’s attention, and Madalyn has disappeared somewhere with Jaxson. Presley and I sit in a tense, uncomfortable silence. I try to think of an excuse to leave the table, but from the corner of my eye I see Presley wrap her plump pink lips around the straw in her drink and my mind blanks out. She doesn’t notice me watching her and that’s exactly how I’d like to keep it.
I don’t understand my attraction to her.
I don’t want to be attracted to her.
Sure, she’s gorgeous, but beauty is only skin deep.
I’m saved when her friend makes his way to the table and pulls her from the booth.
“Dance with me, my pretty!”
He’s sloshed, but Presley doesn’t seem to care. She giggles as he pulls her away and the sound goes straight to my dick.
Groaning quietly, I adjust myself under the table and force my eyes away from the sway of Presley’s ass as she makes her way across the floor. I hope no one notices my discomfort. Thankfully, Cami and Ryan are still lost in each other. I stand, excusing myself to get another drink, but I doubt they’ll even notice I’m gone.
I park my ass on an empty stool near the back of the bar and grab Noah’s attention. He nods, gesturing to give him a minute. He's a king in his own right behind that bar, so less than a minute later I have a fresh drink in my hand. I thank him and turn toward the crowd.
My eyes immediately lock on Princess Presley. I watch without care. I’m mesmerized, unable to take my eyes off her as she dances. With her back to his front, her arms are lifted, wrapped around Derrick’s neck. He holds her hips as she pushes back, grinding her ass up against him. It’s hypnotic, sexy as fuck, and completely wasted on her friend.
“She’s something else, isn’t she?”
Noah’s voice breaks my trance and I look back at him. “Who said I was watching her?”
He chuckles and shakes his head. “You’ve been straight up eye-fucking her for the last ten minutes.” He takes my empty glass and places another in front of me. “I can’t blame you—she’s gorgeous. They all are.”
His comment touches some type of nerve and sets me on edge. My body tenses at the way his eyes linger a little too long on the way she moves.
Apparently, my reaction isn’t subtle.
“Don’t hulk out on me, man.” He laughs, drying glasses with a white bar towel. “I’m a nonissue. Presley is beautiful, but I’d never go there. I’ve known the Sterlings most of my life. Those girls feel too much like family.”
“It’s not like that. I’m not into her,” I insist, but it falls on deaf ears.
Noah smirks. “Keep lying to yourself, brother.” Someone calls his name and he looks toward the source. He nods, turning back to me. “Just remember...you fuck with her, you answer to Holden.”
He taps his fingers to the bar top and he’s gone.
If Noah can see right through me, I wonder what everyone else sees.
I quickly decide it doesn’t matter.
My attraction to her is purely on a physical level and I have no plans to act on it.
Like Noah, it’s a nonissue.
SEVEN
Presley
Stepping into The Sweet Spot, I instantly spot Tara seated at a table in the corner, picking at a muffin while she taps at the screen of her tablet.
With a quick wave to Madalyn, I make my way to Tara, not bothering to stop at the counter because Mads already knows what I like and I know she’ll bring it over to me when she gets a chance.
“Hey, Tara.”
She stands, greeting me with a hug.
I’m normally not a touchy-feely person with people who aren’t family, but Tara has basically seen me naked. I’m more than comfortable with her now.
“Presley, your photos turned out ah-mazing! I can’t wait to show them to you.”
It’s been a few weeks since the shoot and I’ve both anticipated and dreaded this day.
Tara’s excitement lights up her entire face and I must admit...it’s kinda contagious.
The more I listen to her ramble about setting and lighting and a billion other photography-related things I don’t understand, the more excited I feel about finally seeing pictures of me in practically nothing.
“Gah! I’m sorry. I know I’m rambling. You can tell me to shut up at any time. I’m just so pleased with your shoot. It’s one of my favorite sessions to date. You were great to work with and the pictures...well...see for yourself!”
She slides the tablet across the table, but I don’t immediately pick it up—something I’m thankful for when Madalyn pops up beside me.
“Your usual,” she says, setting my iced white chocolate mocha in front of me. A small plate with a large apple fritter appears next to it. “Oh! Are those the pictures from your boudoir session?” she asks, reaching for the tablet.
I smack her hand away and move it out of reach.
“Christ, Mads. Could you say that shit any louder? I don’t think the people across the street heard you.”
“Sorry. I didn’t realize it was some big secret.”
I stare at her blankly. “Did you forget which sister you’re talking to?”