Page 42 of Wrapped in Red

“It’s fine,” I assured him as I climbed to my feet.

“Ezra, this is my sister, Brooklyn, and her husband, Rand Shepard.” London introduced me to the woman standing next to her, and holy shit, that man was huge. He was scary as hell, too. I was guessing six-foot-five, and he was covered in tattoos. I had seen him on television when I watched the races, but that did not do him justice. He was all hard muscle and scowls as he looked at me with those blue eyes before he broke into an easy smile. Sexy, but scary.

Brooklyn’s smile was gentle, but instead of offering me her hand, she moved in for a hug. “You are stunning,” she murmured as she pulled back. “Are you with Carson?”

“Um, yes.” I felt his hand on my back before I could reach for him. God, he was good. “We’re together.”

London nudged her sister. “Look at that outfit. Isn’t it gorgeous? Ezra made it himself. Wouldn’t something like that be perfect for the awards show in April? I mean, with my stomach covered.”

“Wait, you made what you’re wearing? Oh, wow, yeah, I could see you wearing that. Is this what you do for a living?” Brooklyn tilted her head as her dark orbs took in my outfit.

I guess it was now. “Yes,” I managed to choke out. “I mean, it’s sort of a side gig for me at the moment, but I’ve always wanted to make it a full-time job.”

“If you make something for me, I can promise you it’s going to be your full-time job. I don’t mean to sound all high and mighty, but the country music ladies are going to lose their minds when they see me wearing that.” London giggled. “Trust me, Ezra, everyone is going to want something like this when they see it. You’re going to be a huge star.”

CC’s hand found mine, and he laced our fingers together just as I caught sight of Noel headed our way.Oh shit. Was he going to come over here and slap me? Would he do that? Would they kick him out? I mean, I guess he was probably mad that I stole his boyfriend, but Noel did break up with him. CC and I didn’t get together until after that. That’s when I noticed a slightly younger version of Noel trailing behind him. Did Noel have a kid? The plot thickens.

“Carson, I need to talk to you for a second.” Noel ignored me completely.

What? Was he going to say he was pregnant, because I was very aware of the fact that the two of them never had sex nor did things work like that. Plus, I knew CC was very responsible and would have worn a rubber if they did do the dirty deed.Nice try, Noel. You aren’t stealing my man again.

CC glanced up. “Hello, Noel. It’s nice to see you.” He tightened his grip on my hand.

“Yes, hello. A word.” Noel’s eyes flicked over to me for a second, and he must have realized who I was, because his eyes went wide. “Oh, freaking great.”

Rand grunted. “Noel, you good?”

“I see you two finally worked your stuff out.” Noel jutted his chin at me just as the lights turned down. “You know what, never mind. I don’t need to talk to you.”

Was he going to try to get back together with CC, but because of me, he changed his mind? My stomach turned. Should I maybe let them talk? Noel was probably a better boyfriend choice. I came with all this baggage, anyway, so maybe I should encourage CC to go after him. He had a kid.

“Hey.” CC tugged on my hand. “Sit down with me, princess.”

Right, I was still standing up. I eased myself back down into my chair and gave CC a brief smile when he looked at me.

“Closer.” He leaned over, grabbed the back of my chair, and moved it right on top of his. “That’s better.”

It was. I leaned into his big body as the banquet started, his warmth and scent helping to relax me. CC dropped my hand but only so he could wrap his arm around my shoulders.