Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“For feck’s sake, Beck.” I swallow thickly, leaning forward against the vanity. My puckered nipples are sore against the rough material of the dress, and I’m uncomfortably wet. “I can’t walk around all night like this.”
“Like what, Irish?”
“Wet and aching and needy.”
He growls and licks the side of my neck as he continues to loop the buttons closed. “That’s exactly how I want you, baby. Needy for me.”
He’s at my neck now, and I’m partly relieved that the dress fits, yet so turned on that I can’t breathe.
“Bloody hell, the things you say.”
“You’re gorgeous,” he says as he slips the hook on the vanity and catches my gaze in the mirror. He’s so tall, so broad behind me. And his hands come around me, looping around my waist as he presses a kiss to my temple. “Now, we’d better go before I rip this expensive-as-fuck dress off your body.”
“We only have to stay for a couple of hours,” I promise him, but he shakes his head and grins at me.
“No, we’ll stay until what you need to do is done. And then you’re all mine.”
I’m already his.
Chapter Nineteen
BECKETT
I’ve been around wealthy people before today. I’ve flown on a private jet before today. I’m lucky enough to have influential people in my life who I count among my friends, and I’m not a stranger to getting dressed up for fancy events.
But I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this.
The ballroom of this hotel—a sister property to the one we’re staying at just a few miles away—has been transformed to look like a super classy carnival. The food tables resemble carnival food trucks. Balloons and games and colors are all over the place.
And I have to admit, it’s not only fun but also appropriate for a children’s charity.
Despite the fun aspect, it still looks fancy as fuck. And security is everywhere. From what I can tell, Miller’s in charge, and I know it helps put Skyla at ease, which is Connor’s priority. Considering the millions of dollars in jewelry floating around this room, not to mention the clothes, security is a no-brainer.
But best of all, Skyla is in her element.
We’ve been here for an hour, and the woman hasn’t stopped smiling and talking, greeting guests as if they’re old friends. She works a room like she was born for it.
And I suppose she was. She not only comes from an affluential family but also has a dozen years’ experience in performing.
My girl can work a crowd like no one else I’ve seen.
Her dress shimmers under the glow of the crystal chandeliers as we hold glasses of champagne that we’ve hardly touched and move toward the edge of the room where the silent auction is being held.
“I’m not supposed to bid on anything,” Skyla says, leaning in so only I can hear. “But I’m always tempted because there’s some beautiful stuff offered. Oh look, a weekend at a chalet in Colorado. Just like in that book we read.”
She pauses, then looks up at me, squeezing my hand. I fucking love that she hasn’t let go of my hand once since we walked into this room. She has no problem leaning into me, letting me touch her, and touching me in return in front of all of these people. She has no issue revealing to every person here that she’s mine.
“I have a question,” she says.
“Do you want me to bid on Colorado? I will if you have your heart set on it.” Jesus, I’d do anything for her.
“No.” She chuckles and shakes her head, making her red waves move around her shoulders. I can’t resist setting my glass down so I can reach up with my free hand and wrap one of those curls around my finger. It’s so fucking soft and so beautiful against my skin. “I was wondering if you’d ever offer a stay at your ranch for one of our auctions.”
I tip up an eyebrow in surprise. “My ranch?”
“Of course, yours. It’s a beautiful place, Beck. It would fetch a high bid. Anyone looking for a mountain getaway would love it.” She smiles up at me so sweetly, it makes my heart ache. Jesus, I’m falling in love with her so fast that it makes my head spin, and I know there’s no way of stopping it. Not that I want to stop it.
“If you want to offer the ranch, Irish, it’s yours.” Her green eyes dilate as I sweep my knuckles down her soft cheek. “Anything you want. You know that.”
“It would be good advertising for you as well.” Her gorgeous mossy eyes fall to my lips, and she licks her own before continuing. “Because those who don’t win would likely also book a stay.”
“If you say so.” I want to kiss her. I want to kiss her so fucking bad. So I cup her cheek and lean down, but before I can get my lips on her, someone says my name.