Page 10 of Bad Boy for Hire

“First off, this party is practically running itself. I have a catering team and bartenders to ensure that our friends have everything they need. Secondly, no one would notice if I left. They’re all?—”

“Xavierrrrr!” came a booming voice from the bottom of the stairs.

“That sounds like Brady,” May offered.

“Xav! Fireworks! Get your ass down here!” Yep, that was Brady. Unknowingly cockblocking him.

“Listen,” he said to May. “Don’t worry about how you’re getting home. Or about what to do about the wedding invitation. Watch some fireworks, have another drink. Enjoy the night.” He sent a sideways glance to his bed before pegging her with a meaningful look. “Wherever it may lead.”

He offered his hand. She regarded it for a prolonged beat before weaving her fingers with his. It was sappy as fuck, but that move went straight to his chest and squeezed.

May was strong and sure of herself, always. She knew what she wanted. She took what she needed. Except when it came to men. He thought of that douchecanoe who came into his bar last summer and fought a sneer. She chose guys who were of a lower caliber than she deserved. He knew because she’d brought a few first dates into his bar. He didn’t think she was parading them in front of him, more bringing them there because she felt safe. Which made him feel good—except for the douchecanoe part.

“Xavier!”

“Coming, Hutch! Keep it in your pants!”

Brady’s laughter drifted up the stairs, growing fainter as he walked outside. Once the door slid shut, May blinked over at Xavier, her hand still warming his.

“I’ll call a car to take me home.”

“May—”

“It’s decided. Don’t argue with me.”

“I thought you came up here to decide about the wedding.”

“Well, I’ve decided to take your suggestion and decide later.”

He was fortunate to have her fingers wrapped in his, so he chose not to argue with her. But this discussion wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

They descended the stairs side by side, but when they reached the bottom, she smoothly slipped her hand from his. “Since I’m not driving anywhere this evening, I am going to need one more of those beers.”

“Lucky girl.” He grinned. “I know just the guy to pour it.”

The fireworks ended with an expected bang. Applause and whistles came from the remaining dozen or so Evergreeners gracing Xavier’s lawn.

May finished her beer as Brady thanked Xavier for a “hell of a party.” Xavier slapped him on the back and told him it was his pleasure. Then, as if he’d felt May’s eyes on him, he pegged her with an incredibly intense and very sexy stare.

“Do you hate me?” Lou bumped May’s shoulder with her own, startling May out of her trance.

“Why would I hate you?”

“For doing Lisa’s bidding and confronting you about the invitation.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” May returned her friend’s shoulder bump. “I hate Lisa.”

“Ha-ha.” Lou, her eyes slightly glassy, was with it enough to notice Xavier and May exchange another heated glance. “If you were smart you would take Xavier as your date to Posy’s wedding.”

“I can’t date Xavier. He’s?—”

“Hot. I know.” Lou sighed before her eyes widened. “I have an idea.”

“So I gathered by the glowing bulb over your head.”

“You can hire him.”

“Hire him for what?”