Harry picked up Alec’s beer and brought it to him. “You’ve done a hell of a job taking care of Suz. Seems to me that the beatdown she gave us proves that she learned plenty from you about how to take care of herself.”
“She did a great job of nailing us to the wall, didn’t she?” Alec grudgingly admitted.
“She sure did,” Drake agreed. “I kind of wish I’d seen the first part of the fireworks out here.”
“Something tells me you’re going to have another chance, because if she and Roman do end up working things out, we’re all going to have to figure out a way to deal with the two of them being a couple.” Harry nudged Alec. “Especially you.”
“Roman said he’s going to do whatever it takes to make her forget about him.” Alec sounded so hopeful that Drake felt a little sorry for his brother.
“I never thought Roman was a fool,” Harry said. “But if he believes that she’ll let him walk out of her life, then he’s just proved me wrong. And you shouldn’t make the mistake of believing that’s going to happen, either.”
Alec’s jaw tightened. “Just the thought of them as a couple makes me want to go ballistic.”
“I feel sorry for your future daughters.” Only his siblings could have gotten away with talking to Alec like this. No one else in his world would have the guts. “If you’re this protective of your sister connecting with someone you like,” Drake continued, “you’re never going to let your own kid out of her tower on high.”
Alec shuddered at the thought. “Yet another good reason never to get married or have kids. I’ll leave that to the two of you. And to Suz.” He scowled again, obviously thinking of Roman kissing his sister.
Alec talked a big game about staying solo forever, but when it came right down to it, he was utterly committed to family. And one day, Drake had no doubt, a woman would come along who would change Alec’s mind about absolutely everything, exactly the way Rosa had come along and changed his.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
By the time Roman caught up to Suzanne at the wedding reception, he was clearly dead set on reverting to the no-emotions bodyguard, trying to act as if they’d never kissed. He kept her in sight, but kept his distance at the same time.
She’d always prided herself on being the kind of woman who talked things through with people in a reasonable manner rather than stomping away. But if she went up to Roman now, she was either going to punch him or kiss him. Or both! She wouldn’t regret another kiss…but she might regret knocking him to the ground in front of everyone.
A group of her cousins from the West Coast were all chatting by the rose arbor. They were always fun to be with and made her feel loved. Lord knew she needed that even more than usual tonight. She was heading over to them when Buck Elroy intercepted her.
“I’ve been looking for you. Any chance you’d still like to have that drink?”
She’d forgotten all about him. Hadn’t given him one single thought since she and Roman had went off into the woods together.
Feeling awful about the way she’d treated Buck, she said, “I’m glad we’ve gotten to know each other, and I had a lot of fun dancing with you, but I didn’t mean to give you the wrong impression. Not,” she added, “that I would assume you’re interested in me in that way.”
“I am.”
“Oh.” That stopped her for long enough to realize that Roman had been right. If she’d been up for a wedding fling, Buck would be more than willing to join her. “Well, the thing is—” She couldn’t keep from looking over at Roman, who was standing by the fountain glowering at everyone. Especially Buck. “I’m not actually on the market.” Because even though she and Roman were at a heck of a crossroads, she couldn’t turn away from her feelings for him.
“I’d like to try to change your mind, Suzanne.”
Buck was sweet. She knew how hard Hollywood relationships could be, but one day she hoped he’d find a wonderful woman to be with, the way Smith had with Valentina. “Sorry, Buck.”
She didn’t get the sense that he let much defeat him, but tonight he simply leaned closer to give her a peck on the cheek. “He’s a lucky guy.”
Buck had barely walked away when her eagle-eyed female relatives waved her over.
“Spill,” her cousin Lori said the second Suzanne sat down. The women had kicked off their heels and were relaxing on outdoor couches with cups of hot tea as the night wound down. Lori’s skin glowed from the pregnancy she was wearing as well as she wore absolutely everything.