Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
I turn to see my brother striding toward me, a bottle of champagne in one hand.
“Hey, you two! I hear congratulations are in order,” Jack says, a smile on his face as he yanks me into an embrace. “Congrats, sis,” his voice whispers in my ear.
“Thanks,” I say, a lump rising in my throat. It’s one thing to accomplish my goal, yet another to know my brother is genuinely happy for me.
Jack and I have always been close. I adore all three of my loving, overprotective male siblings. You’d never know I was the oldest the way they carry on, especially when I was younger. Nobody was good enough for me and they let any potential boyfriends know it. Even when the twins were young, they thought it was their job to protect me. Whispered instructions from my father, no doubt.
Releasing me, Jack turns to Kaylee. “Congrats to you, too. It’s a huge get,” he says.
Her grin matches mine. “Thanks, Jack.” She pulls him into a sisterly hug. Kaylee and I have been friends since elementary school and Jack is like a brother to her, too.
“Now let’s head to your table and celebrate,” he says. “You two can order whatever you want on the house, but not before we toast your success.”
He holds up the champagne and tips his head toward the private, elevated platform area reserved for Jack, Lucas, Tristan, and their guests. VIP patrons have separate private areas they can rent that overlook the lower floor of the club, but this is the owners’ space.
I look up, surprised to see Tristan and Lucas already seated there. I thought it would just be us and Jack tonight.
“Oh!” Kaylee says, obviously pleased.
“The guys wanted to celebrate with you.” Jack extends his arm, gesturing for us to walk ahead of him.
I step behind Kaylee and walk to the far staircase that leads to the balcony. My gaze locks with Lucas and I trip. Jack grasps my elbow to steady me. My cheeks grow hot, and I look away. Jeez, Rainey. Clumsy much?
As we approach the table, both men stand. Tristan pulls me into a friendly hug. “Congratulations,” he says, before stepping back and turning his attention to Kaylee.
Lucas steps up next. “I had no doubt you’d get the account.” A sensual gleam lights his eyes, and his gruff voice turns me on. He doesn’t even have to try. Sex appeal is just a part of who he is.
Though he can be withdrawn at times, as a club owner, he is also able to turn on the charm. And when he does? Ladies, watch out!
“Congratulations.” He reaches out and I step into his arms.
Unlike Tristan, I feel this embrace all the way down to my toes. As I lean into him, my entire body tingles and when I draw a deep breath, I inhale his cologne. The masculine mix of smoke, citrus, and leather fills my nostrils, and I can’t help but stay where I am for a second too long.
As usual, when I’m near Lucas, a longing to be more than friends fills me, but I know better. He has too many red flags to be an option for me, no matter how strong the attraction between us is. And I have no doubt that attraction is mutual; stares that last too long, brushes of our shoulders or hands that elicit sparks on my skin. But he’s the ultimate playboy and I’m a relationship kind of girl. I’ve never seen him with a long-term girlfriend, and I’ve heard my brother talk. He doesn’t do serious.
Add to that, he’s Jack’s best friend and partner, and given Lucas’s reputation with women, I don’t think my sibling would approve. I’d hate to come between my brother and someone so important to him, especially in business. Even if I was in the market for a relationship right now, Lucas isn’t the right man for me.
I sigh and step out of his embrace. “Thanks,” I say with a smile. “I appreciate you celebrating with us.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” He pulls out the chair next to him. “Have a seat,” he says, and I slide in.
We’re all sitting now and Jack gestures to a server who walks over. “What can I get you, Mr. Dare?”
“Sophie, can you bring us an ice bucket and open this for us?” He hands her the champagne bottle and settles in. “So, care to share your ideas for the Thunder’s 50th?” he asks.
I glance at Kaylee who nods, indicating she wouldn’t mind if we talked about it now. “I was going to set up an appointment with you to discuss things, but since you asked, part of our plan involves this club.” I grin at my brother, and not because I’m looking for a favor. This proposal will put a lot of money in Midnight’s coffers, but it never hurts to butter him up. “I was hoping we could set up a time to talk soon.”