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“And everyone was so hospitable that I didn’t even notice when my glass was refilled, and it must have been. A lot.”

“Fuck me. Tipsy Ally.”

“So as things were winding down, and I was seeing two of everyone, I went to call for an Uber.”

“You could have called me first.”

“I knew you had your opening the next day, and Megan was right there to take control—and me home with her.”

“She certainly knows how to stay on top, that one. She’s good. I’ll give her that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you’re marrying into my family. It’s big points for her if she takes care of you. She knows we’ll remember it, and we will.”

Ally pulled her face back. “You think she did it as some kind of business strategy to get in good with the Carmichael dynasty?”

“I know she did. Kudos to her. It was a smart move.” He saw the look on Allison’s face and held up a hand. “Not to say she’s not a nice person. Megan’s great. But she’s savvy first and foremost.”

“I don’t think I buy that at all.”

He kissed her cheek. “Because you’re Ally, and you think everyone has a heart of gold. That’s why I like you.”

“Good thing I like you back, or I might have to wrestle you to the ground over the Megan slander.”

He narrowed his gaze, amused but curious. “You really like her, don’t you?”

Allison shook her head, not really knowing how to explain. “I do. A lot. And I’m not someone who goes out there and makes close friends overnight, but something is”—she shrugged—“pulling me to her.”

“I guess it’s meant to be.” He grinned.

“No, I don’t mean it like that.”

“Why not? People form quick friendships all the time.”

Allison relaxed a little at his description, not comfortable discussing the details of what she felt when in Megan’s presence. They were new feelings and honestly a little alarming. Maybe she needed more sleep or more time with Brent. It was likely the stress from the upcoming wedding. Whatever it was, Allison planned to keep an eye on it. At the same time, she was already looking forward to the next time she’d see Megan, so it couldn’t be all bad, right? “Yeah, it’s a fast-forming friendship. That’s a good way to categorize it. But you’re wrong about her motives last night.”

“Oh no, I’m not, but I don’t think that takes anything away from your newfound whatever with her. In fact, marrying me only bolsters it.”

So now he was insinuating that Megan was extra friendly with her because of the Carmichaels. A sinking feeling came over her because there was a small chance that was the case. “Lucky me?”

“Lucky both of us.” He kissed her lips and dashed off. There was a college football game that afternoon, and he was heading to a friend’s house to watch with the guys.

Alone with her thoughts, Allison melted away, letting her mind go where it chose. She closed her eyes and thought about Megan’s gaze as it brushed her skin briefly the night before, the feelings it had stirred, and the way Megan’d looked in that T-shirt that clung to her thighs as she stood in the darkened doorway. Allison didn’t stop herself from going where she wanted to go. She imagined lifting the shirt over Megan’s head to see all that was beneath it. Her breasts. Her waist as it flared into the curve of her hips. Everything went warm, but she didn’t shy away. She imagined touching Megan’s breasts, lifting them to her mouth, and kissing her nipples. Her lips parted at the rush of arousal. She could almost feel Megan’s smooth skin beneath her fingertips as she ran them down Megan’s back to cup her ass and pull her hips close against her own. She adjusted in her chair, wet now with heated cheeks. What the hell was she supposed to do with all this? She pinched the bridge of her nose, now confident that she had a larger problem on her hands.

Her phone rang, and for a moment Allison just stared at it. Terrified, scared to death it would be Megan, yet at the same time, hoping to hear her voice. She checked the readout and relaxed. Just Betsy.Stand down.

“Hey there.”

“Well, well, well. Word on the street is you had a wild night out.”

“The street?” Allison frowned. “Where do you hang out these days, Bets?”

Betsy laughed. “When you didn’t answer my text last night, I checked in with Brent this morning. He filled me in on your debauchery downtown.”

“Oh, right, sorry. I had too much to drink, or I would have gotten back to you.”

“It sounds like you scored a nice little invitation. Moving up that social ladder, little sister.”