“There.” Aubrey gave Matt’s bow one more twisting motion and let go. He grabbed Matt’s shoulder and turned him, forcing Matt to end his ogling of Aubrey in the mirror.
“I’m nervous.”
Aubrey grinned and kissed his chin. “Nooo…”
Matt smacked him on the arm. “It’s not funny.”
“It’s adorable, and you are absolutely gorgeous.” Aubrey stepped back, studying Matt. “It’s going to be pure hell trying to keep my hands off you all night.”
Heat raced up Matt’s neck and face at the thought. That shouldn’t embarrass him now after all they’d done, but it did. He wasn’t used to being admired like that.
Aubrey stared at him. “What’s that look for?”
“I like that you like the way I look. No one’s ever complimented me like you do.”
“The people in New Mexico must be blind.” A smirk oozed over Aubrey’s face. “I’m going to have to beat the women and probably a few men off of you with a stick.” He caught the back of Matt’s head and pulled him down for a kiss. He nibbled softly and sucked at Matt’s bottom lip for several seconds before nudging Matt’s lips open with his tongue.
Matt sighed into the caress and allowed Aubrey to do what he wanted. He didn’t even try to kiss back. The wet slide over his lips, teeth and tongue was soothing. The only person he wanted on him was right here, and no way would Matt want to beat him off—well yeah, he would, but not like Aubrey meant. He smiled and suppressed the giggle wanting to escape. Time and place, Matthew. Sheesh.
The whole kiss was gentle and coaxing, meant to reassure. God, he loved this man. Sighing in pleasure, Matt wrapped his arms around Aubrey’s waist and kissed back. He could get through anything with his mate by his side. Suddenly this party was more of an annoyance than an anticipation. He’d rather skip the party and snuggle in bed.
The scent of arousal surrounded them. He hadn’t realized he’d gotten hard. He’d been too caught up in the kiss, in letting Aubrey love him. But now…now his cock was becoming insistent, and Aubrey’s arousal was invading his senses as well.
Aubrey’s arms came around his shoulders, and his hands cupped Matt’s neck. He loved how Aubrey always held his head and touched his face. It made Matt feel irresistible. He wasn’t, but he loved that his mate thought so.
Matt pulled Aubrey closer, needing the press of body against his. He circled his tongue around lazily, exploring and caressing, wanting to savor the magical moment. Even the feel of Aubrey’s erection against his thigh and racing heart against his chest didn’t make him want to hurry.
Breaking the kiss, Aubrey smiled at him. “I’d love to continue this, but Tee’s here.”
What? Matt blinked, trying to focus. Aubrey’s kiss had robbed him of conscious thought, apparently.
There was a knock at the door. Followed by Tara grumbling, “Come on, guys. I forgot my damned key. Let me in.” She sounded annoyed, like it wasn’t the first time she’d knocked.
Tara was going with them? Had he missed something?
“Hold your horses.” With a wink, Aubrey headed out of the bathroom.
Matt didn’t want to feel disappointed but he did. Guilt followed closely after. Tara was his friend. He liked hanging out with her, nearly as much as he did Aubrey. But he couldn’t deny the powerful urge to have Aubrey all to himself and for everyone to know Aubrey was his. Which was just dumb. That was a ways in the future. He should’ve realized Tara was coming. And really he was glad…he was. If anyone could make him feel less edgy, it was Tara. As far as he knew, she went to every social function with Aubrey.
Another feminine voice came from the living room. Telling Aubrey hello and…kissing him? Yeah, that was definitely a smack. Who the heck was kissing his man? Matt practically ran into the living room. About halfway there he caught himself and slowed. Possessive much? That was a new feeling for him. He tried to decide whether he liked it or not. Not that it mattered, because he’d had it regardless. It had been immediate and from the gut.
Tara drew his gaze as soon as he stepped into the living room. The tomboy who drove like a NASCAR driver and shot Nerf darts true enough to make a sniper envious was gone, and in her place stood a goddess. This was the Miss Georgia persona. She wore a long strapless formfitting dress with a slit all the way up to the top of her right thigh. The curves of her breasts appeared ready to spill out of the bodice any second, and if she moved too quickly, that slit would let everyone see what she wore beneath. The dress was gold, but it was that weird gold that told Matt it was probably a color his eyes couldn’t see rather than a true gold. Her dark hair was piled on her head with that sexy almost-coming-down look that women did.
“Wow.” His brothers would probably drop to their knees and offer her the world, but Matt had the urge to tease her about being a girl. Maybe they should stop by the sporting-goods store and buy a bat, so he and Aubrey could beat people off her. If she had any idea he’d even considered it, she’d probably kick his butt.
“What? What’s wrong?” She did the exact same thing Matt had done earlier when Aubrey had looked at him. She lifted her arms a bit, studied herself and frowned up at him. “Do I have something on my—?” Her mouth dropped open. “Oh. My. God. You look incredible.” She strode forward. “Matt, you’re always gorgeous, but day-um…” She grabbed his hands, holding them out from his body to check him out, and smiled. “Honey, you’re beautiful.”
“Me? Look at you. Holy smokes. Maybe I’m not as gay as I thought.”
Tara laughed and Matt joined her.
“Matthew.” Aubrey was so quiet and steady it was eerie.
Together Matt and Tara turned toward him.
He wore an expression so blank it could have been made of stone. He stalked toward them, his gaze locked with Matt’s. “Can I see you for a moment.” It wasn’t a question, and he didn’t give Matt time to respond before continuing past him into their room.
Okay, that was weird. Aubrey was never that emotionless. Something told Matt he was seeing the corporate tycoon the business world saw. The hairs on the backs of his arms stood on end. Matt glanced back at Tara, and for the first time noticed the other woman coming to stand beside her. She was pretty, with long dark hair around her shoulders and a blue dress slightly more sedate than Tara’s but still quite elegant. She resembled Tara. “Hi.” She waved at him before glancing in Aubrey’s direction and swallowing hard.
Matt looked back at Tara.
She shrugged and furrowed her brow at the open bedroom door.
No sooner had Matt cleared the door, than Aubrey softly closed it. He gripped Matt’s shoulder and whirled Matt around to face him so fast Matt stumbled.
Matt would’ve bumped right into his mate, but the look on Aubrey’s face made him fling his forward progress to the side to keep from colliding. He shifted his weight and clasped his hands together. His stomach plummeted to his feet. What had he done? Surely Aubrey knew he’d been playing with Tara. He couldn’t possibly be jealous, could he?
Matt composed himself and gave Aubrey a weak smile.
Aubrey didn’t smile back. If anything, his scowl deepened. “What da fuck? Ya cain’t go around tellin’ people you’re gay,” he gritted out between clenched teeth so low Matt doubted that Tara and the other woman heard, even if they were standing with their ears to the door, and Matt wouldn’t put that past Tara. Aubrey’s eyes narrowed, piercing him to the spot. The anger coming off him was suffocating.
All the blood drained from the upper part of Matt’s body, he was sure of it. He grew lightheaded, and the room started to spin. He hadn’t expected that. Aubrey might as well have punched him in the face.
“I got Tara to bring Ashley as your date for that very purpose, and here you go spoutin’ off that you’re gay anyhow.”
What? The other woman was his date? He didn’t want a date. He was tagging along with Aubrey and Tara. Bile climbed up Matt’s throat, and he tugged at his collar. It was too tight. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn�
��t do this. He hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but he couldn’t hide who he was. It just wasn’t in him. Where did that leave them? Aubrey had never said anything about Matt pretending to be straight too.
“Are you listenin’ to me? It’s a damned good thang Ashley’s Tee’s sister and can be trusted to keep her mouth shut.”
Matt nodded, not even knowing what he was nodding for. Tears prickled the backs of his eyes, and he bit his lip to keep it from trembling. His whole world had come crashing down around him. Not only was Aubrey furious with him, madder than Matt had ever seen him, but he wanted Matt to be something he wasn’t. It was one thing not to let everyone know they were mates. It wasn’t actually lying unless someone asked outright, and no one would. But this was lying, plain and simple. He didn’t know if he could do that.
Matt hadn’t looked him in the eye since they left the limo. That was three hours ago. The evening should’ve been flawless. The ballroom was a showcase for The Buchanan with its crystal chandeliers and Brazilian cherry wood floor. The band was good, the hors d’oeuvres and champagne were top quality. Best of all, he was positive he’d persuaded several board members and shareholders to his way of thinking. But it all paled in comparison to enjoying Matt’s company. Instead he was left remembering the crestfallen look on Matt’s face.
Damn Matt anyway. Aubrey took another drink of champagne and tried to concentrate on what his chief financial officer was saying.
Across the room Matt laughed. Even if the wolf senses that proclaimed them mates hadn’t honed in on Matt, his rich scent and joyous sound would’ve captured Aubrey’s attention.
Matt and Ashley had their heads together as they walked toward the ballroom entrance, obviously enjoying the evening. God almighty, he was gorgeous, especially when he laughed. His whole personality came bubbling to the surface. There wasn’t a soul around more down to earth and genuinely friendly, and most of the partygoers had figured that out as well. Every time Aubrey looked up, Matt had a crowd around him. It was hard to believe Matt could be so shy at times and even harder to remain irritated at him.
“Reynolds, I like your ideas for the chain, but Boskie brought up a good point the other day. For only a little more we could open another hotel,” Geoff Smithly, one of the minor shareholders, said.
Tearing his gaze from his mate, Aubrey turned his attention back to the group of men whose support he was trying to gain. Damn Boskie’s hide. “Very true, but right now the hotels aren’t taking in as much with this recession. By renovating we’re trying to attract new customers to all the hotels, not just a new one.”
Katchum nodded. “I agree. At first I had my doubts because of the cost, but the improvements are way overdue. The coffee bar idea Aubrey sent out the other day is a stroke of genius. Not only do we have the potential to draw more staying customers, but passersby as well. The restaurant and bar currently makes up thirty-six percent of our profit. I think the coffee bar will up that number.”
Aubrey barely suppressed gaping like a fish. When had Ralph Katchum done this one eighty? He cuffed Ralph on the back and nodded. “My thoughts exactly.”
Over Smithly’s right shoulder, Matt shook hands with some man Aubrey didn’t know. Did that old man just check Matt out? Or was he looking at Ashley? He definitely held on to Matt’s hand longer than necessary.
Damn it, he was doing it again. He’d been right in reprimanding Matt. He hated that Matt had gotten so upset, but it didn’t change the fact that Matt was in the wrong.
“I hadn’t thought of that. I’d love to see the numbers,” another shareholder added.
Aubrey reined in his wandering thoughts. “I believe the report is going out early next week.” Aubrey made a mental note to check on the latest reports. Boskie was usually on top of them, but with his attitude lately, Aubrey didn’t trust him any farther than he could throw him. Speaking of Boskie… Sipping from his glass, Aubrey glanced around the ballroom. This was the perfect opportunity to corner him and get some answers over his resistance to the renovation proposals. Boskie wouldn’t dare cause a scene here. Where the heck was he? Aubrey sniffed the air covertly.
Tee left the champagne fountain and headed his way, with a procession of male gazes following her progress. He needed to find out how much alcohol she’d had. Holding her liquor was not Tara’s strong point. She’d be flinging off her shoes and pulling down her hair after two glasses.
Catching his gaze, she smiled. She slipped her arm around his and all the talking in his circle ceased. Her red-velvet-encased hip bumped his.
“Gentlemen, you remember Tara?” Aubrey covered her hand where it rested on his arm.
“Miss Brandt, nice to see you again.” Katchum dipped his head.
While all the other men fawned over her and introduced themselves, Aubrey looked around for Orin Boskie again.
Marina Boskie held court in the far corner surrounded by some of the other board members’ wives. The burgundy wallpaper at her back contrasted her perfectly. Her strawberry-blonde hair was piled high, showing off the large diamond earrings and necklace. Marina liked to draw attention to herself. She’d even picked a slinky white satin gown to make sure she’d stand out from the majority of the other women dressed in black. She caught Aubrey looking and lifted her champagne flute in a silent toast.
He smiled and returned the gesture.
“Who’re you looking for?” Tara whispered into his ear, disguising it as a kiss.
He turned toward her and found himself staring right at her mouth. Tee was taller than him, but in high heels it was quite pronounced.
She grinned. “Matt escorted Ashley to the restroom.” Swiveling back to the group, Tara flashed her most radiant smile. “Gentlemen, will you please excuse us? I’m going to steal Aubrey away. I’ve run into an old friend I want to introduce him to.”
Again the group fell all over themselves with graciousness, excusing them both.
“Gentlemen.” Aubrey dipped his head and got Tara moving.
As soon as they were out of earshot, she turned on him. “What in the hell did you say to Matt?”
Aubrey groaned. She’d been giving him the eye every time he caught her gaze. He was actually impressed at her restraint. Normally she’d have read him the riot act in the limo. “I just told him he couldn’t go around announcing his, um, personal preferences.”
“What? You mean that he’s gay?” She narrowed her eyes and her perfectly shaped dark brows drew closer together. “That preference?”
“Shh… Tara…” he warned, looking around to make sure no one heard. As far as he had been able to ascertain he, Matt and Boskie—wherever he was—were the only wolves here, so Aubrey only had to worry about people close to them eavesdropping.
As usual it had no effect on her. “Don’t you shh, Tara me. You’re not going to bully him. You hear me? He is gay, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. If he wants people to know, it’s his business. Telling him not to tell about you is one thing, telling him to lie about himself is a different story entirely.”
Aubrey stopped, forcing her to come to a halt as well. He brushed a lock of hair back, hoping others would see it as a sign of affection. “Are you finished?” he asked sweetly.
Cutting her eyes to the left and pursing her mouth, she thought about it for a second. “Yes. I think I am.” She smiled at him, showing teeth. Anyone around them would see it as adoration. He saw it for the challenge it was.
“Good. Butt out.” He started them moving again.
Not even the constant buzz of conversation and the orchestra could disguise Tara’s snort.
“Let it go, Tee.” He nodded a greeting to one of the hotel managers. “Hello.”
“Nice to see you again.” Cheerily, Tara waved at the same guy.
The man lifted his glass as he walked by. “You too.”
Once the manager was past she whispered, “Don’t be an ass.”
Aubrey ignored her and set his glass on the tray of a passing waiter. “Where’re we goi
ng?” He surveyed the room, looking for Boskie.
“To find Matt and Ashley. I think you should consider apologizing when we do find them.”
“Mr. Reynolds, Miss Brandt?” An event photographer stepped in front of them. “Can I get a picture?”
Aubrey stopped and wrapped his arm around Tara’s waist. “Absolutely.”
Tara leaned into him, posing prettily like she didn’t mind the inconvenience. They were both well accustomed to putting on a public face, and they both despised it.
The photographer clicked a few photos and thanked them.
“You hurt his feelings, you know.” Tara took a drink from her glass.
“Who, the photographer?” Aubrey stopped and kissed the cheek of his father’s old secretary. “Sheila, nice to see you.”
“You too, honey.” She kissed him and blew one at Tara before continuing on her way.
“Hi, Sheila.” Tara waved and puckered her lips. “Don’t make me kick your ass, Bree.”
Aubrey snatched the glass from her and set it on a table as they exited the ballroom. The transition from the smooth hardwood in the ballroom to plush carpet of the hall slowed his pace a little. “You wish.”
“Hey.”
“You’ve had enough.”
“Asshole.”
“Bitch.” Oh Lord, they were ridiculous. Aubrey chuckled and she laid her head on his arm, or maybe she head butted it.
Tara pinched his side. “Come on. You know you don’t like him thinking you’re pissed at him.”
Aubrey groaned. She was right. He needed to go find Matt and see if he could repair the damage he’d done. He still didn’t think Matt needed to be telling everyone he was gay, but admittedly Aubrey could’ve asked nicer. Damn it all, the memory of Matt’s despondent look haunted Aubrey. He should’ve waited until he calmed down some to talk about it. “Fine. Let’s go find Matt.”
“And Ashley.” She chuckled.
He’d forgotten about Ashley. “Yeah, her too.”
“You’re welcome.”
Don’t ask, Aubrey, don’t ask. “What for?”
With Abandon: With or Without, Book 4 Page 17