“However,” I breathe, dragging my consideration again to my card as I shift in my chair, “we’re simply taking part in for enjoyable, proper?”

“And bragging rights,” he admits, with a cocky carry of his shoulder.

I didn’t rank prime of my class at Wharton and work my approach as much as Director of Public Relations for a billion-dollar nano-technology agency with out a sliver of a aggressive streak. One thing this astute man should understand.

“You’re not going to let me win, are you? Simply so you’ll be able to counsel one other recreation for double-or-nothing after which elevate the stakes?”

It’s a beat earlier than Carson chuckles and leans again, relating to me carefully with a playful smile. “I hadn’t considered that, however now that you just point out it, let’s play for setting apart that pesky enterprise of being PR and press, only for this weekend.”

“You imply ignoring who we’re?”

“I didn’t say that,” he insists. “I’m positive there are one million sides of your character that don’t have anything to do with AV Industries.”

I want it had been true, but it surely’s not. Not that it bothers me. For a very long time, I’ve prioritized my profession above all the pieces else in my life, and aside from being thirty and single, with out a regular boyfriend up to now 5 plus years, I don’t remorse my decisions. However I’m not about to confess to him I’m a one-trick pony.

“High quality,” I say, lifting my chin.

“High quality?” He appears shocked, however thrilled. “Nicely, then, Mallory. Good to satisfy you. I’m Carson. I’m a Sagittarius, who’s into cross match, despises deep-dish pizza, and is, not surprisingly, a diehard Cubs fan. Oh, and I can’t play the ukulele to avoid wasting my life, regardless of six months’ of classes. What about you?”

I combat again a smile because the toasts start and attain for my glass of wine. “You didn’t win but, you realize?” I murmur, steadfastly ignoring the flutter in my stomach that’s definitely due to consuming on an empty abdomen, not the person at my facet.

However I am unable to assist however marvel if perhaps I don’t know all the pieces I must learn about Carson Bennett, in spite of everything.

Carson

Each phrase on my card was crossed out throughout the first two speeches whereas Mallory’s sits, forgotten, with three phrases remaining because the salad is served. She dismissed the loss after I teased her about my prowess at marriage ceremony toasts, however one thing in her terse dismissal raised a pink flag. It wasn’t the actual fact she misplaced, though there was frustration in her eyes at that.

No, this was marriage ceremony associated. However I dropped the topic instantly, her frown cinching my chest tighter than a boa constrictor round its prey. I shook off the bewildering sensation and as a substitute targeted on incomes again that smile. Which I did with some shameless flirtation and real compliments.

The dialog has flowed simply since then, and for a couple of minutes, as we devoured truffled risotto with sauteed mushrooms and seared salmon with lemon garlic butter sauce, the filet melting on my tongue, I practically forgot my objective of seducing this knockout. Her firm alone has been so pleasurable.

However now that the principle course is being cleared, and we’ve each had just a few drinks, I’m starting to remorse incomes again that smile. As a result of it’s quicksand. The extra she flashes it at me, the extra I need to see it.

Though I gained our little wager, and he or she agreed to be our non-work selves this weekend, she’s nonetheless attempting to maintain issues skilled between us, nonetheless attempting to maintain me at arm’s size. Good factor I’m a affected person man. Simply ask my grandfather, Carson Bennett, Sr., who’s been clinging to his place as Chairman of Bennett Media Group for years, regardless that he admits I’m greater than able to step into his position.

“Look after a stroll down by the lake?” I ask, brushing my knuckles throughout the naked pores and skin of her thigh as she checks her cellphone for the tenth time.

She units it face down, and her knees press collectively, however she flicks me a look. “I’m fairly positive Kelsie and Sawyer nonetheless should go out these items.”

“Presents?” I comply with the dip of her chin to a tableful of reward luggage, set off to 1 facet of the patio.

“And I’m holding out for dessert,” she provides, taking a sip of water. “I heard the strawberry torte right here is to die for.”

I do know one thing else I’d die for, proper about now.

And it’s not my standard objective in terms of a girl, though I’ve that in thoughts, too. However, for some cause, I need to study extra about Mallory. Not what’s made her the poised, articulate, and profitable lady she is, however what she loves and why. It’s not my customary mode of operations, however along with her, it’s prime precedence.

However earlier than I can persuade her I’ve harmless intentions and that slipping away with me is price a missed slice of strawberry cake, one other fork clinks on a glass. This time, it’s Sawyer, with Kelsie at his facet and a stack of items on the desk in entrance of them, commanding everybody’s consideration.

“Instructed you,” Mallory whispers, turning to face them.

Her triumphant smile is my undoing. I shift, too, as a result of it’s the one technique to ease the stress in my shorts. Plus, it permits me to benefit from her place and lay my arm throughout the again of her chair, grazing her shoulder forwards and backwards with my thumb. She shivers however doesn’t transfer out of attain. Someway, I really feel just like the victor regardless that I’m not in control of no matter that is between us as I comply with her gaze to the bride and groom.

Alternating forwards and backwards, the pleased couple acknowledge every of their family and friends standing up for them within the marriage ceremony occasion and current a considerate, personalised reward. When it’s our flip, Kelsie and Sawyer name us up. I escort Mallory with a hand skating over her low again.

Kelsie begins, and I step again to permit Mallory the highlight.

“Mallory is likely one of the most sensible and composed, loyal, and reliable individuals I’ve ever met,” Kelsie exclaims as she pulls in her bridesmaid for a facet hug. “She’s a tremendous pal who’s all the time been there for me and numerous of our sisters. She’s all the time prepared with a keen ear to take heed to our man drama or our wedding-planning debates, regardless that she’s been too busy killing it in company America to have her personal boyfriend to report on.”

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