by Jamie Beck
“Fine.” Mari’s eyes narrowed slightly. “It must feel rather good, going to this party on the arm of a celebrity instead of going solo.”
The pointed remark appeared to bounce right off Emma. “What feels great is going out to celebrate one of the happiest occasions in my friend’s life.”
Wyatt couldn’t help but wink at her and her deft maneuvering around Mari’s loaded question. Still holding her hand, he gestured toward the door with his other one. “Shall we go?”
“Yes.” On their way out, she glanced over her shoulder at Mari. “Don’t wait up.”
Wyatt held her elbow as they made their way around the remnants of ice and snow in the parking lot. “Look at you, taking potshots at Mari. I always suspected your ‘nice girl’ routine was a cover.”
“Don’t equate nice with pushover. There is a difference.” Emma looked to where his hand held her arm and gently eased out of his grip. “That woman grates on my nerves. She’s so bossy.”
When they arrived at her old VW Passat, she pointed at the passenger seat. “I’ll drive.”
Wyatt covered a grin. Apparently Emma didn’t see her own bossy streak, but he’d best not raise it now. “I’ve never been to an engagement party, or a friend’s wedding, but I bet you don’t know why people wear wedding rings on the fourth finger of their left hand.”
“Tradition.”
“Yes, but it started because people used to think that the vein from that finger led straight to the heart.” He drew a line from his finger up his arm and to his heart.
Emma smiled in a way that suggested she thought him—with his ghost stories and fun facts—a little endearing. “Why do you know all this trivia?”
Wyatt shrugged. “I’m curious, and Google makes it easy to learn weird facts about everyday stuff.”
Within minutes, they arrived at Smuggler’s Notch, an upscale renovated restaurant and bar.
“So who are the key players, besides Trip and his fiancée?”
“Kelsey’s the queen of the night. I doubt I even have to tell you what she looks like because you’ll notice her straightaway. She’s sort of a pinup girl, and will likely be on Trip’s arm for most of the night. Trip’s partner, Grey, and his fiancée, Avery, whom you met last Sunday, will be here, too.” She paused, as if giving a moment of silence to his near miss with that avalanche, which neither of them wanted to dwell upon. “I think Trip’s dad flew in this weekend, and Kelsey’s family. Then some friends from town.”
Wyatt opened the door for Emma, and the din of the crowd rushed out into the cold. “Lead the way.”
Noise echoed off the floor-to-ceiling windows, wrought iron, and reclaimed wood of the cavernous space. Trendy joint for such a small town.
Within a minute, Trip waved them over. He’d probably caught sight of them because his height afforded him a good view of the crowd. As Wyatt and Emma approached, he noticed Trip elbow the beautiful blonde to his left and whisper something in her ear. She abruptly turned to look at Wyatt and Emma with a saucy smile. What had Trip done or said now?
Up until this point, Emma had been pleasant and familiar. But seeing Trip caused her to stiffen and hesitate, as if steeling herself against whatever schemes she must’ve sensed in play. She placed a wider berth between herself and Wyatt and tipped up her chin before walking straight into Kelsey’s arms.
“I already had two cupcakes. After tonight you must make me stop, or I’ll never fit into a decent wedding gown.” Kelsey tossed her mane of hair over her shoulder. “And you must be Wyatt. Trip is having the best time with you on the mountain. Honestly, to hear him tell it, I’d think he was the costar of this little video.”
Little video? Her perspective certainly put a different slant on what he considered a make-or-break point in his career.
“He’s definitely made the days more fun, and safe.” Wyatt shook Trip’s hand.
“Glad you decided to step out for a night.” Trip drank from his bottle of Red Rocket. “Need a drink?”
Wyatt shook his head. “No alcohol. I’ll grab a soda water. Emma, you want something?”
“What a gentleman.” Trip elbowed Kelsey again while Emma rolled her eyes.
“No, thanks.” She turned to Kelsey. “I’m going to go say hi to your family. Catch you all later.” Emma strode off, effectively proving to Trip and Wyatt that she wouldn’t be manipulated for their entertainment. Wyatt realized his hope of using this night to get closer to Emma had been a miscalculation. She’d never let her guard down around the prying eyes of her friends.
Trip watched her go, his smile only growing broader. “Oh, it’s so on, Emma Duffy.”
Wyatt looked at Kelsey and then Trip. “Tell the truth, did you invite me here tonight as some ploy to win your crazy bet . . . one I never agreed to, by the way.”
“Now listen up,” Kelsey interjected before Trip could respond. “I’m all for fun and romance as long as no one gets hurt. So here’s my one and only warning. If you toy with Emma, you’ll answer to me.” Then she poked Trip in the chest. “That goes double for you, so you’d better know what you’re doing before you get in deeper.”
“Love it when you get fired up, princess.” He planted a big kiss on her lips that seemed to assuage her for the time being. Then he turned to Wyatt. “Let me introduce you to Grey. He’s a big fan.”
As the threesome made their way through the crowd, Wyatt noticed some people do a double take. One pulled out a phone and snapped a photo. Emma had asked him not to draw attention from Kelsey. Guess he’d need to park himself in a dark corner soon or he’d be forced to leave the party before he had a chance to observe Emma out among her friends.
Chapter Nine
“Looks like your knee is fine.” Avery smiled at Wyatt after he’d been introduced to Trip’s partner, Grey.
“Yeah, thanks. Lucky for me, my ego is the only thing that took a real hit.”
“I doubt spending every day with Trip is good for your ego, either,” Grey joked before he sipped his whiskey.
“Wyatt’s not the wimp you are,” Trip shot back with a grin.
“Touché.” Grey raised his glass. “But seriously, the first brush with an avalanche is a crazy experience.”
“Let’s change the subject.” Kelsey appeared to tighten her grip on Trip’s arm. “Avery and I don’t need to be reminded of the kind of danger you two face out there every day.”
“Risks can be managed when you know what you’re doing.” Grey said, then he smirked and jerked a thumb at Trip. “Let’s just hope this clown isn’t too caught up impressing your director to pay attention to the terrain.”
“Unlike you, I can multitask,” Trip smirked. “Besides, yesterday’s snowfall was only five inches of champagne powder. Very little risk.”
Grey directed his attention back to Wyatt. “This terrain couldn’t be more different from what you’re used to.”
“The hardest change is picking a line from below and being able to reverse it once I’m up top. Then there’s accelerating out of turns in varying conditions, dealing with unforeseen obstacles.” Wyatt scratched his jaw. “None of it’s as showy as my old stunts, but it’s every bit as challenging.”
“He’s being modest,” Trip interrupted, laying a hand on Wyatt’s shoulder. “You’ve got mad, natural skill out there. It’s one thing to watch you on TV, another to be right there, up close.”
“Wow, Wyatt. I’ve only ever heard that proud tone when he’s bragging about himself, so you must be good,” Kelsey teased, and Grey practically spit out his drink.
Trip took the ribbing with his typical good humor and then pinched Kelsey’s ass while muttering, “You’ll pay for that later.”
“I sure hope so.” She patted his cheek.
Wyatt knew a moment of envy then for the comfortable banter and affection he witnessed between Trip and Kelsey. He hadn’t had a serious girlfriend since tenth grade, if one could even count that as serious.
He’d had lots of sex, though. Between the
competition circuit and Ryder’s recovery, love hadn’t factored much into Wyatt’s life. He still had plenty of time to settle down, but right now he felt a surge of envy for the way Kelsey looked at Trip. He couldn’t recall ever being on the receiving end of something that genuine.
“Come on, Ave,” Kelsey said. “Let’s go find my sister and Emma and talk about bridesmaid stuff. My Valentine’s Day wedding means we don’t have much time.”
Once the ladies left, Grey snickered. “I might’ve gotten engaged first, but you’re being steamrollered down the aisle.”
“Obviously my fiancée doesn’t want to risk letting a good thing slip through her fingers. Don’t get your feathers ruffled just ’cause Avery’s taking her time.” Trip gave Grey a smile and clinked his beer bottle to Grey’s glass before turning to Wyatt. “Now here’s the real question, what’s up with you and Emma?”
Grey, who was shorter, more reserved, but no less interested than Trip in Wyatt’s answer, cocked his head, waiting. Emma. Well, maybe things would be progressing if Trip hadn’t interfered.
“Nothing, just like you ensured when you sold me out to score points with Kelsey.” Wyatt crossed his arms, feigning indignation.
“I’m just looking out for Emma.” Trip set his empty bottle on a nearby table. “She’s a good egg. I didn’t want her to be blindsided if all you’re looking for is a little action to take the edge off.”
Grey laughed. “Wow, that’s irony. I bet at least sixty ‘good eggs’ in town would shoot you on the spot if they heard that sentiment falling from your mouth now.”
Trip shrugged with a broad smile. “Hey, I got no problems with any guy sowing his oats. But trust me, before Kelsey, those women knew what to expect. I never pretended my interest in any woman extended beyond the night.”
“If that long.” Grey shook his head. “You know, sometimes you’d be better off keeping your trap shut.”
Watching Grey and Trip spar made Wyatt think of Ryder and the fun they’d had talking trash, bragging, and picking up lots of girls in bars. Now Ryder hardly socialized with Wyatt and rarely ventured out in public.
Most of the blame could be placed on the lingering effect of Ryder’s injuries, but Wyatt suspected a little part of his brother had just given up, too. Had decided that he could no longer enjoy a normal life, or a beer, or flirting, or anything that most twenty-something guys did on a regular basis.
Wyatt refused to accept that fate for his brother. Hell, he couldn’t live with himself if, having encouraged Ryder to compete in the first place, Wyatt didn’t soon figure out how to coax Ryder into wading back into life.
The sound of laughter pulled Wyatt back to the present. He glanced around the crowd and saw Emma talking with Andy. Andy gave Emma his full attention. His eyes didn’t wander the room, not even when another attractive woman passed by. Whatever he’d said had her laughing and smiling.
In one short week, Wyatt had watched Emma dedicate herself to taking care of everyone, including him. She deserved someone who made her smile. She looked happy now, but for whatever reason he couldn’t explain, Wyatt’s jaw clenched. He should be the guy doing that for her, not Andy.
“You’re looking a little green around the gills,” Trip muttered.
Wyatt snapped his head back. “How about you take care of your own love life?”
“That’s what I’m doing. Kelsey wants Emma to have a little romance. I want Kelsey to have whatever she wants. Maybe you’re the guy to break Emma out of her shell.” Trip glanced at Emma and Andy. “Or maybe she’s better off with someone like Andy.”
Wyatt grunted and then grimaced, wishing he hadn’t walked right into Trip’s little trap.
Trip just smiled. “What I can’t figure out is why you’re wasting time standing here talking to Grey and me.”
“Is he always like this?” Wyatt asked Grey.
“Pushy?” Grey asked.
“Gossipy, like a girl,” Wyatt said.
Grey burst into laughter and Trip just shrugged, unrelenting and comfortable in his own skin.
Wyatt was about to wander over to Emma when an attractive woman joined Trip, Grey, and him.
“Hey, guys.” A brunette in high heels and a skintight, waist-baring outfit sidled up with her friend. “Congrats, Trip. Still can’t believe you’re off the market.”
“Something tells me you’re going to be just fine without me, Sandy.” Then he nodded to Wyatt. “Have you met Wyatt Lawson?”
“I heard you were in town, but you’ve been laying low. How do you all know each other?” She brushed against Wyatt, using the crowd as cover for her flirtatious maneuver.
“Trip’s helping me with my training,” Wyatt replied and cast a quick glance over Sandy’s shoulder to look for Emma, who’d disappeared.
“Can I get your autograph?” Sandy asked.
It had been a while since he’d been asked. It felt a little awkward in this context, especially when he noticed Trip barely containing a smirk.
“Sure. Do you have paper and a pen?” Wyatt hadn’t felt this self-conscious in a while.
“Hang on.” Sandy strolled to the bar and reappeared with a Sharpie. “Here you go.”
“Napkin?”
“How about you sign right here.” Sandy pointed to her midriff. Classy.
“Uh, I don’t know.” Wyatt glanced at the guys. “This doesn’t seem like the time and place for that.”
“Seriously?” Sandy frowned, then shrugged and then held out her arm. “Okay, how about here?”
The temperature in the restaurant must’ve been turned up, because perspiration had broken out on his back. He did not want to be seen signing any woman’s body parts at an engagement party, let alone have Emma catch him doing so. Sandy, however, remained persistent, her arm still dangling before him. “Okay.”
As quickly as possible, he signed her forearm and handed her the pen. Behind her, he could see Trip and Grey suppressing their laughter.
“Wanna dance?” Sandy asked, gesturing toward the small area where several people, including Emma and Andy, were enjoying the music. Before he could respond, she grasped his wrist. “Come on, Wyatt. You’re in Sterling Canyon. Time to loosen up.”
“Have fun.” Trip’s low reply followed Wyatt as Sandy led him straight toward Emma.
When Emma saw them, he noticed her body tense for a second before she resumed dancing with Andy. The lights above cast a golden glow around her, making the blonde highlights in her red hair shimmer and glint just like the beading on her dress. The muscles in her legs flexed with each step.
Emma never gave off a highly sexual vibe, but she reminded him of a dormant volcano. Instinct or ESP told him that, down deep, something hot churned, waiting for release. Wyatt suddenly wanted nothing so much as to cause that eruption. He didn’t know why he had a feeling it would be the most exciting thing to see, but his desire would not be ignored. He could barely hear the music or notice the crowd thanks to the voice in his head shouting mine, mine, mine!
He’d watch for an opportunity to swap partners with Andy before the end of the song. Andy, happily oblivious to Wyatt’s scheme, raised his hand, seeking a high-five.
“Hey, man. Good to see you out.” Andy then twirled Emma, who looked like she had to concentrate hard on keeping her rhythm now that Wyatt had drawn near.
“Look, Em,” Sandy said, proudly baring her forearm before casting him a sultry smile. “A body brand.”
Wyatt caught Emma’s brow-raise before her gaze locked with his. Something that resembled disappointment passed across her sparkling green eyes before they dimmed. “Lucky you.”
The sarcastic delivery seemed lost on Sandy. Wyatt contented himself to dance without saying much, although Sandy wanted to grind her ass against his pelvis. Normally he’d have played along, but with Emma watching him in her periphery, and Trip across the room laughing his ass off, Wyatt found himself counting down the final seconds of the song. Just before it ended, he clasped Emma’s hand.
“Let’s swap partners for the next song.”
Andy looked as if he might resist, but then handed Emma over and playfully dipped Sandy. Both ladies looked less than thrilled with the switcheroo, but Wyatt stayed the course.
The tempo slowed considerably, which he couldn’t have planned better if he’d tried. He wrapped an arm around Emma’s waist and brought her other hand to his shoulder.
“I didn’t want to sign her body, you know. I asked for a napkin.” Wyatt dipped his head to get a closer look at Emma. The perfumed scent of her hair aroused him. It took a lot of restraint not to press his mouth against the sensitive part of her neck, right beneath her ear. The only way to refrain was to pull back and look at her.
“Doesn’t matter to me.” That tight, polite smile she’d worn at the beginning of the week settled on her face. God, he’d grown to hate that emotionless grin. Her common retreat whenever he got too close.
“Then why are you so mad?”
“I’m not.” She scowled, her shoulders and arms turning rigid.
Clearly a joke or two was needed to loosen her up again. “Relax, Emma. I told you already, I don’t bite unless asked.”
She cracked a smile. A good start, at least. Wyatt tested the waters a bit by holding her just a little more closely. He watched her eyes widen and her lips part. Those plush lips made his heart thump a little harder—made everything in his body a little harder, actually.
Her forehead wrinkled as if she were gripped by indecision. Suddenly she glanced over her shoulder and noticed Trip watching. He tipped his Stetson with a nod, which pissed Wyatt off. The guy was determined to keep Emma on the hot seat.
Instead of retreating further, she surprised him with a steely look of determination. “Wyatt, tell me the exact terms of Trip’s bet.”
“I told you, I never shook on the bet.” He nudged a little closer, because holding her close made his body purr.
“Just tell me the terms.”
Okay, her focus was not where he wanted it to be. Best to answer her and get that out of the way.