"Option two is for you to consider this money as a form of investment in my new business. As my sole and very important investor, I'm happy to give you fifty percent of any profit the business makes. But, like any other venture, there's a risk. I don't know when the business would become profitable so I don't know when you'll get earnings from your investment. But I'm going to work so hard so you could get a good return for your money. What do you think?"
He smiled. This was an opening for him to pump more cash into her business and help her grow it. "If I take option two, then I also want to be actively involved in the business. In other words, since I'm going to take both risk and reward just as much as you are, I want to be your business partner."
Ari pursed her lips, but he could see the excitement in her eyes.
"Do you have the time to be involved in a new venture?" she asked.
"Yes. I'll make time. This is important. And if need be, we'll employ people to help with things we don't have time for."
"The business can't afford to pay employees yet," Ari argued.
"We can discuss that during our board meeting," he grinned.
Ari was quiet for a few seconds before she responded. "Well, you're vastly more experienced than me in growing a business so I'd be a fool to decline your offer. You just got yourself a new business partner, Mr. Summers."
His lips curled up happily. "I'm absolutely delighted, Miss Mitchell." He caressed her face. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Dylan. And thank you," she whispered, locking her arms behind his neck and lifting her lips to his.
"Since your sister and nephew are out for a walk, how about a nooner with your new business partner?" he asked after long minutes of hungry kissing.
"They could come back at any minute," Ari replied, tilting her head as his mouth made its way to her neck.
"Call Sylvie and ask her to give us another half an hour before coming back. Since they'll be staying here for the weekend, we'll be stuck in the bedroom tonight, trying to be quiet. I want to make a little noise right here, right now," he said huskily, snaking his hand underneath her shirt, unclasping her bra and cupping a breast.
She gasped. "Then let me grab my phone and call her."
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
"Ari, may I say that you look just as stunning as the bride and bridesmaids tonight."
Ari looked pointedly at the man sitting next to her, trying to stifle her grin. "You're full of compliments today, Trey."
"Hey, I'm just saying," Trey said with a chuckle. "And I'm glad I'm sitting next to you tonight."
"Why is that?" she asked, her eyes full of mirth.
"Who wouldn't want to sit next to someone as beautiful as you, Ari?" Trey said flirtatiously.
Ari rolled her eyes. "Is this another test? Are you trying to see if I'd succumb to your charms?" she asked teasingly.
Trey's expression turned mortified. "No! God, Ari, no! I was just trying to break the ice so I could apologise to you. I am so, so sorry, Ari. Very sorry. I was wrong, and stupid, and —"
"Trey, it's okay. I was just kidding," she said with a hand on his arm and a sincere smile. "And don't worry about that day. It's all forgotten."
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."
"You want to get laid with anyone?" Ari wanted to clarify.
"Not with anyone. Since I'm going to indulge myself, I want someone who's got a pretty face and a hot body. Trey seems to fit the bill."
"If all you want is sex, yes. But …"
"That's all I want," Kris said.
"You sounded like you hoped to get lucky like Jaz. Jaz and Kane fell in love. Doesn't that mean you're hoping to find someone special?"
"No. If I fall in love, great. If I don't, great. I just want some bedroom action, Ari," Kris said with a hint of frustration, grasping her arms and giving her a little bit of a shake.
"O-kay," she said with a reluctant chuckle. "Just don't hope for much. Trey is the number one playboy I know."
Kris grinned. "Don't worry. I've done casual sex a few times before. Unlike you, who didn't know what you were getting into when you agreed to a one-nighter with Dylan."
She grinned. "He was irresistible."
Kris sighed theatrically. "Well, look at where you are now."
"You're not hoping for the same with Trey, are you?" Ari asked her friend suspiciously. She really didn't want her to jump into certain heartbreak if she was carrying even a small seed of romantic visions with Trey.
"Oh, Ari. I don't even know the man. But you know what? I see where you're coming from. Maybe I should just go clubbing and pick up someone totally unknown to any of us. It would avoid unexpected consequences."
Ari nodded her head in relief. She couldn't explain why, but she didn't feel at all comfortable introducing Kris to Trey. As Dylan had disclosed to her a few days ago, Trey was so set on bachelor living he wouldn't even invite a woman to his home. Not one date had ever set foot in Trey's bachelor pad. Trey had even openly proclaimed he was done with relationships.
So just in case Kris fell in love unintentionally with someone she met while she was here, her chances at happiness would be much higher if it wasn't Trey. Might as well put some heartbreak-avoidance tactics in place, rather than regret it later.
"Hi, baby. Hi, Kris," a deep voice said.
A smile erupted on Ari's face even before she turned around to face Dylan.
"Hi."
"Are you going to dance with Ari now, Dyl?" Kris asked. "She'd been waiting all night for you. She plans to do some dirty dancing, complete with hot lip locking and tongue play."
Ari spluttered in laughter. "Kris!"
Kris sighed as she shook her head. "Gosh. All I'm doing these days is live vicariously through you and Jaz. It's pathetic." With that, Kris waved to them and headed for the bathroom.
"Dirty dancing, huh?" Dylan said, his eyes hot and teasing.
"I was just joking around with Kris," she said with a nervous chuckle. She knew Dylan had an imp in him that couldn't resist shocking other people.
Dylan took her hand and headed to the dance floor. She tugged him back, unwilling to follow.
He raised an eyebrow at her, a smile playing on his lips.
"Just normal dancing, okay?" she said.
"What's normal dancing?" he asked.
"Not dirty. No hand on my ass, or my boobs for that matter. No gyrating hips, no suggestive movements, not even kissing," she answered.
"Oh, you mean boring dancing, then?"
"Dylan. Your parents are here …"
He chuckled and pulled her to him. "Okay. Normal dancing, it is. I just want to hold you close."
"Thank you."
"I want dirty dancing in bed later, though," Dylan whispered in her ear.
"Okay. You might even get a strip tease if you behave yourself tonight," she whispered back.
"Oh, really? In that case, I'll be on my best behaviour." Dylan leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her lips before putting a hand on her back to lead her to the dance floor.
As they turned, they were greeted by a shocked Linda.
"Oh, hi, Mum," Dylan said casually, while Ari blushed a deep red.
"Hi," Linda said, trying to recover from her surprise.
"Did you want to talk to me?" Dylan asked.
"Uh, no. Actually, I was going to ask Ari to meet a couple of people who wanted to compliment her on Jasmine's gown and the bridesmaids' dresses."
"Oh, right," Dylan said, glancing at Ari. He squeezed her tight against him as he smiled at his mother. "Well, if you must, I suppose, Mum. But don't hog her attention for too long. I want to dance with my girlfriend."
Ari's heart thudded in her chest. She crossed her fingers, hoping Linda would approve of her.
Linda stared at the two of them for what seemed like an eternity—although it was probably only about three seconds—before her lips tugged into what seemed to be a delighted smile.
"Dylan, why didn't you tell me you and Ari were going out? I wouldn't have aided Rosalie's attempts at getting closer to you, if I had known."
"Sorry, Mum. It just so happened Ari and I were in one kind of a rough patch or another whenever she was over at your place. We didn't mean to hide us from you."
"Rough patch?" Linda said worriedly. "Is everything okay, now?"
Dylan chuckled. "Yes, Mum."
"Oh, that's good," Linda replied. "I'm so glad you finally met someone, darling." Turning to Ari, she said. "And I'm doubly glad it's you, Ari."
Ari breathed a sigh of relief, her face splitting into a shy smile. "Thank you, Linda."
"Now, could you release her so I can introduce her to some people?" Linda asked her son.
"Okay. Just give her back to me quickly. I miss her already."
Linda patted Dylan's cheek, her face shining with happiness. "Wait till I tell your dad. He'll be very pleased. In fact, why don't you go find him and tell him right now?"
Dylan rolled his eyes upwards. "Sorry, babe," he said to Ari. "You're gonna have to suffer them for a while."
Ari chuckled and turned to Linda. "I hope you don't mind learning about us here tonight, Linda. I don't want things to get awkward with you and, err, Rosalie and her parents."
"Oh, don't worry about that, darling," Linda answered, linking her arm with hers as she led her away from Dylan. "I admit, I was hoping Dylan would ask Rosalie out because she likes him and I wanted him to find someone special, but Dylan's clearly interested in you and not Rosalie. Rosalie will be disappointed, but that can't be helped. Anyway, is everything really okay between you and Dylan?"
"Yes, it is," she answered with a smile.
"Good, good. My son is not used to being in a relationship, Ari, so be patient with him, okay? I would really like for things to work out between the two of you."
"Yes, thank you."
Linda shook her head and looked at her apologetically. "Oh, what am I saying. Forgive me, Ari. I'm not going to intrude in your relationship. I'm not that bad," she said with a self-deprecating laugh. "I'm just really happy that Dylan found someone special. I was starting to believe he really didn't have any plans for finding himself a proper girlfriend. And I'm truly happier that it's you."
"Thank you, Linda," Ari replied, her eyes moistening a bit. "We love each other."
"Ooh!" Linda said delightedly. "That's great! I'm going to shut up now. If I go overboard, just tell me, okay? I'll try not to mind."
"I will," she agreed with a laugh.
*******
"Finally," Dylan said, as he wrapped Ari in his arms and swayed with her on the dance floor. He'd waited patiently until his mother had finished parading Ari to her friends, introducing her as the designer of her daughter-in-law's exquisite wedding gown and as Dylan's girlfriend.
"I don't think I remember a single one of the names of your mum's friends," Ari replied, laying her head on his shoulder.
He kissed her forehead. "I'm not surprised. She practically introduced you to everyone in the room."
"She's really thrilled you have a new girlfriend."
"You mean she's really thrilled I have a girlfriend," he said dryly.
She giggled. "You must have worried her a lot when she thought you had no plans to find a special someone."
"The most important thing in my mother's life is her family. She wants all of her kids to end up like her and dad, with five loving children."
"That's so sweet," Ari murmured, before she gasped and leaned back in his arms.
"What?" he asked and followed her line of vision. What he saw was Trey dancing intimately with Kris—a little too intimately for two people who'd only just met. He sighed. "Oh boy."
"I warned Kris about him," Ari said.
"And?"
"I guess it didn't work. But she said she was only looking to get laid."
He stared at Ari and shrugged. "Well I suppose if that's all she wants, there shouldn't be a problem. Trey wouldn't say no to a pretty girl like Kris."
"I'm worried," Ari said. "That's exactly what I said to Jasmine when I told her it was only a one-night stand between us. And look what I did. I fell in love with you."
He smiled and brought her head back to his shoulder. "Well, I think we just need to trust that they both know what they're doing."
He held her tighter and buried his face in her hair. He loved her so. If only he had a ring with him right now…
But there would be a perfect time for that. For now, he'd ask her another question.
"Baby, what do you say about moving in together?"
Ari lifted her head to look at him, her eyes shining with love and excitement. "I'd say it's a great idea. I love waking up next to you."
He grinned. "Good. We'll arrange for a removalist straight away."
He tightened his arms around her as they swayed to the music, happy to show everyone in the room he was in love. Truly and deeply in love.
###
SECRET MOVES (SECRET DREAMS BOOK 3)
EXTRACT
The love story of Kris McCann and Trey Andrews
Chapter One
Oh, weddings, you bring out the best and worst of emotions. Kristen McCann smiled wryly as she spotted a pensive-looking young woman stare surreptitiously at a couple kissing passionately in a quiet corner of one of Sydney's luxurious five-star hotels. Judging by their clothing, the sad-faced girl and the canoodling pair were guests of the bride and groom. She didn't recognise them, so she guessed they were on Kane Summers' guest list, and not on her best friend Jasmine Allen-Summers'.
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