Secret Designs(58)

Trey relaxed visibly. "Thank you, Ari. I really appreciate that. I thought you were still mad at me, and that was why you didn't go with Dylan when we had dinner with him the other night."

"Oh, no, I was just really busy with final fittings and last minute touch-ups for Jasmine's wedding and her bridesmaids' dresses. It wasn't because I didn't want to see you."

Trey swivelled his head toward the bridal party table. "Jasmine's dress is absolutely stunning, Ari. Everyone seems to be talking about it, including the men."

"Thank you," she said, swinging her gaze in the same direction to steal another look at Jasmine in the dress she created for her. But her eyes settled instead on Dylan who was having a conversation with the groom.

Dylan must have sensed her, for he suddenly looked her way and found her gaping. His face broke into a wide smile that made her heart thud hard in her chest.

She gave him a little wave and he waved back. Next to Dylan, his brother Bradley mockingly gagged, which earned him an elbow on the rib from Dylan.

"I thought I'd never see the day," Trey murmured beside her.

She returned her attention to Trey. "What day?" she asked.

Trey smiled. "Dylan falling head over heels. I thought he enjoyed being a bachelor too much."

Her brows furrowed. "But you were there when he fell for that woman who tried to scam him."

Trey snorted. "That was nothing like this, Ari. I can assure you of that."

To say that Trey's response pleased her immensely was an understatement.





*******



Ari had walked back into the ballroom after visiting the bathroom, when she saw Dylan talking to his mother and two other women, one of whom was Rosalie. The older woman must be Rosalie's mother, judging from their similar features.

She couldn't help the slight pout that appeared on her face. Dylan's parents were not yet aware of her relationship with their son.

It still hurt her a little that Dylan's mother wanted to push another woman into her son's arms and was being so obvious about it. What would Linda say when she finally found out that Dylan was no longer single? Would she approve of her?

"Hey, Ari!"

She turned and saw Kris approach.

"You okay?" Kris asked, darting a look at the group she'd just been staring at.

"Yes," she replied with a sigh. "It's just that Linda seems intent on making something happen with Dylan and Pretty Miss Rosie."

"Pretty Miss Rosie," Kris said with a little laugh. "Don't worry, honey. You're much prettier than she is. And it's you Dylan wants, not her."

She smiled at her friend. "I know. But wouldn't it be nice if his parents approved of me?"

"I'm sure they will, once they learn about the two of you. In fact," Kris continued conspiratorially, "why don't you go over there and drape yourself around Dylan? I'm sure he won't mind."

"Kris! I can't do that! I'll wait until we're dirty dancing to some sexy music. I'll pash him then."

The two of them giggled.

"Hey," Kris continued. "I was going to ask you about the hunky guy sitting next to you at your table."

"Trey?" she asked, her eyebrows arching.

"Trey, huh? He's kinda cute. Hell, he's more than cute. He's smokin' hot," Kris said, her eyes shining.

Ari's jaw slackened as she processed Kris' clear interest in Trey.

"Is he Kane's friend?" Kris prodded.

"Yes, but he's more Dylan's friend. One of his best friends, actually."

"Oh, good! Maybe you can introduce me? I see he didn't come here with a date, so I'm assuming he's single?"

Ari sighed. Trey was single all right. That was because he loved that lifestyle. "He's a real playboy, Kris," she warned her friend.

"Perfect!" Kris cried.

Ari frowned at her friend in confusion.

"Oh, Ari, I just want to get laid," Kris said openly. "I haven't been with a man for almost a year. Quite frankly, seeing you and Dylan, and Kane and Jasmine, get hot in front of us makes me want to jump the first good-looking man I see."

"We don't get that hot in public," she protested, blushing.

Kris smirked. "Yes, you do. You guys get so oblivious you're not even aware that we can tell when Dylan's hand is under your shirt."

She gasped at Kris in embarrassment.

Kris laughed out loud. "Oh, look at your face, Ari. And then there's Jaz and Kane. Seriously, every time I pass by their room they're having sex. And they don't seem able to keep the volume down."

This time, it was Ari's turn to laugh out loud. "I know what you mean. I've heard them, too." She paused, before reviving their earlier topic. "Are you really serious about getting laid?"

Kris shrugged. "Yeah. Since Sam and I are here for three weeks house-sitting for Jaz and Kane while they're on their honeymoon, why not make the most of my Sydney holiday? Besides, remember Jaz met Kane while she was house-sitting for Jessa and Rob? Who knows? I might get lucky like she did."