Priscilla cringed. “They insisted on helping. You should have seen the look on Rico’s face. He’s personally going to see to the banning of all such undies.”
“Ma, Buffy,” Peg said between gritted teeth. “I can handle getting dressed. No need to wait on me.” Pink cheeked and freshly scrubbed from her shower in the boss’s private bathroom off his office, she clutched a fluffy green towel around her.
“We need to talk, dear,” her mother said, smoothing her hair into place. Her new blue dress picked up the color of her eyes perfectly. “About the boy.”
By the boy, Peg knew she meant Austin.
“Peg, you know we only want the best for you, so don’t take this the wrong way,” her sister-in-law said, clutching her hands. She bit her lip. “Um…he’s smitten now…but it might wear off quick.”
“Cut to the run,” Peg’s mother said.
“Chase, Ma. Cut to the chase,” Peg corrected her.
“No one else has shown any interest. So don’t wait for the wedding. Put a ring on it before he changes his mind.” Her mother’s advice didn’t surprise her.
Priscilla shoved a bunched-up wad of material at her. “Here, Peg, try these. They’ll be much better.”
“Don’t try to distract me, Prissy,” Peg said, but grabbed for the black lacy lingerie. She backed into the bathroom and left the door halfway open while she dropped the towel and shimmied into the delicate fabric. “Mother, what are you up to?”
“We told,” Buffy piped up.
“Peg, it was for your own good,” her mother added.
“Told what?” she asked, looking down at the skimpy attire; it barely covered her important parts.
“The press—”
“What?!” Peg and Priscilla cried out in unison. Peg rushed out of the bathroom and into the executive office just as the outer door opened.
Austin, with Rico following, barged into the room. “Peg—” He whistled long and low.
Heat swooshed into her cheeks. “Hotness, what are you doing here?”
“O-M-G, Peg!” Rico cried out. “You’ve been hiding that all these years! Girl, you got some legs on you.”
With all eyes on her, Peg wished she could crawl away. Instead, she took a half step back and then another. Priscilla rushed to her side and tried to shield her. “Thanks, pal, I owe you,” Peg said, trying to avoid looking directly at Austin.
But he was there in front of her and nudging Priscilla aside. “I’ve got this,” he said and backed Peg up into the bathroom, slamming the door behind them.
On the other side of the door, she heard her family and friends talking all at once. Chaos. But it was nothing compared to what her insides were doing as she stood two feet away from his holy hotness with his light blue eyes nearly devouring her.
She pointed over his shoulder. “You should be out there.” Looking around, she gauged how far she had to stoop down to grab the towel off the floor. How geeky and awkward would she look in next to nothing leaning over and trying to snag it up?
His gaze traveled over her.
Heat stole into her cheeks.
Austin leaned down and grabbed the towel, handing it to her. But he didn’t release it; he stepped closer.
Peg backed up, hitting the wall, trying to escape. “Mamma…Mamma Mia…” Was she stuttering?
His dreamy smile caught her attention. His lips moved. “You owe me.”
“Huh?” Now she couldn’t talk at all. That was a first.
“A kiss.” He crowded close, dangling the towel from his fingers, just out of her reach.
The voices on the other side of the door rose.
“Peg, not before the wedding,” her mother scolded.
“Do it, girl! Hurry up. I’ll keep them away,” Rico called out. Something hit the door. “Ouch! Not fair.”
“A cheering squad?” Austin asked.
She snorted. “Rah, rah, sis cum bah. What’s next? Score cards?”
He lifted his hand and trailed his fingers over her cheek. His frown said it all. “This isn’t what we want.”
“Tell me about it.” She sucked in a sharp breath when he ran his thumb over her bottom lip. Little tingles started where he touched and shot out and beyond.
“No way,” Rico cried. “How can I win against a woman whose preggers?” He grunted. “That was my shin you just kicked!”
“It’ll be higher next time,” her sister-in-law warned.
“Peg? Peg!” Rico’s voice rose another octave. “Hurry up, will you! She’s aiming—”
Austin sighed, pulling away. His hot breath fanned over her face. Gently, he placed the towel around her.