Back on her feet, she opened her eyes as he released her, and she was unprepared for what she saw in his eyes. The bravado was gone. He really is mine. It was there on his face.
With sincerity, he said, “I’m sorry. That gal surprised me when she sat in my lap. I told her I was committed to someone but she wouldn’t listen, said she’d seen me sitting alone all evening.”
“You weren’t alone.” But you probably felt that way, since I didn’t say anything.
“It probably looked that way to her but that’s my fault for not speaking up sooner. I didn’t know what to say or how to say it.”
Julián crowded close to both of them and said, “If actions speak louder than words, then, woman, they heard you loud and clear—in New Zealand.”
Chris still hadn’t released her. “I’m really sorry, Gwen. I didn’t want hurt that gal’s feelings by pushing her off my lap and I wound up hurting your feelings instead which I definitely didn’t want. I fucked up by not acting faster.”
“I need more wine, I think,” she murmured as she was directed off the dance floor by them, the feel of both their hands on her a little disconcerting.
“I think we need to leave—now,” Julián replied for her ears only before smiling at one of the guys when he slapped him on the back. “I haven’t forgotten that I still owe you a spanking.”
Gwen gasped and nearly stumbled, her pussy spasming with excitement at the reminder.
“Not just yet, buster,” Grace said, holding up a hand to halt them, amusement clear on her features, and Gwen wondered if she’d overheard Julián’s quiet words.
Grace gestured with her thumb behind her at Seth Carter’s sister, Lucy, who was reading the riot act to the interloping brunette—up against Grace’s refrigerator.
The girl mouthed an apology, and Lucy cut her off. “Don’t tell me you’re sorry. You owe Chris—and Gwen—an apology. I slip outside for two minutes and you start causing trouble. Here in Divine, when a man tells you he’s taken, you damn sure better believe it.” She turned to Grace and added, “Sorry, Grace. She’s my coworker’s sister. This is entirely my fault. I allowed to her come with us. She’s leaving in just a minute.”
The girl gave Gwen a once-over, her cheeks going bright red with embarrassment, and anger, judging by the heat in her eyes. “I’m sorry. My mistake. I didn’t ‘get’ how things work around here and thought he was fair game.” To Chris, she simply said, “Sorry,” and seemed to mean it more that time.
Patrick Owen sidled carefully up behind Lucy and stroked her shoulder, obviously trying to smooth things over. “Hey, little tiger. Let’s get you something cold to drink, all right?”
Lucy nodded and allowed him to pull her toward one of the coolers where he put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed gently as he pulled out a Coke for her. Lucy smiled up at him as he opened it for her.
The hair-twiddling brunette glanced at the three of them again, then at Grace, and shrugged before slinking back to her group of friends.
Grace let out a deep sigh and said, “Bless her heart. It’s not a party if there isn’t at least one disturbance, right?” She eyed the three of them with satisfaction. “Judging by the looks of things, it all turned out just fine. You three headed home now?” The assumption in her eyes was so obvious it was comical.
Before Gwen could say anything else, Julián nodded, then glanced at Chris, who also quickly nodded and said, “Yes, ma’am, Grace. We enjoyed ourselves but it’s getting late.”
Gwen looked at her watch. It’s only nine o’clock! She opened her mouth to speak but it was Grace who cut her off.
“My, my, you’re right, aren’t you? And Gwen has to be exhausted.” She hugged Julián and Chris and then wrapped her arms around Gwen and whispered, “Seize the day, baby.”
They said their good-byes, and got hugs from Teresa, Angel, and Joaquin. Just as she prepared to put on her coat, Michael Martinez came to her, reaching up for a hug. “Bye, pretty cowboy lady.” When she bent down to hug him, he tilted his head and whispered, “You okay?” He was so much like his fathers it was uncanny.
Am I? This is all happening so fast. Looking back at her men, she caught a hint of vulnerability in Chris’s gaze, but certainty in Julián’s expression. Whatever happened, she knew she was in good hands. “Everything’s perfect, sweet little mister cowboy man. You need to get some rest too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”