The Bridesmaid's Best Man - Page 42

“Robin was the one who really hated Heidi. She didn’t try to hide it.”

“But it sounds like the wedding preparations brought forward a lot of hurtful memories. Remember, Heidi and Robin had been her tormentors when she first rushed the sorority.” He looked around the club. “There was nothing here that could be used as a weapon. Unless Brittany brought it and left with it.”

“No,” Angie said as she reached for her drink. “Security checks the purses.”

“Wait a second...” He looked at the tables near the stage. There was nothing on the tabletops except for purses and drink glasses. “The flowers.”

“There are no flowers,” she said against the rim of her glass.

“Exactly. There were flowers at the bachelorette party.”

“Oh, yeah.” Angie rolled her eyes. “Brittany wanted the same flowers that would be at the wedding. You would not believe how expensive that turned out to be. It took forever to find the vases that she wanted.”

“Were they heavy?”

“They were metallic.” She paused and then raised her eyebrows. “Oh, I see what you’re saying. Yes, they were heavy enough to cause injury.”

“Where are they now?”

Angie shrugged. “Cheryl will know. She has a checklist for everything.”

“Whoever did this had nerves of steel. Somehow she hit Heidi and then had the presence of mind to put the flowers back, leaving the scene undisturbed.”

“You still have to find the vase.” Angie saluted him with her drink. “Good luck with that.”

Cole saw a glimmer of sequins from the corner of his eye. He turned and saw Tiger, the most popular stripper in the club, walking toward them. Cole saw the appreciative look Tiger had for Angie. Cole grabbed her hand. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Wait.” Angie clumsily set down her glass. “I wasn’t finished.”

“Hey, lady.” Tiger stood in front of Angie and flexed his chest muscles. “How about a lap dance?”

Angie stared at him. “Who, me?”

“That’s not going to happen.” Cole had to fight back the raw, ugly emotions that poured through him. He felt possessive. Territorial. He helped Angie out of her chair and dragged her away. “No one gives this woman a lap dance but me.”

“Cole? What is your problem?” Angie asked as she hurried behind him as fast as her heels would allow. “I could have taken care of that myself.”

“I declined for you. You’re welcome.” And yet he wondered if Angie would have accepted the dance out of curiosity or attraction. His gut twisted at the thought.

She tugged hard at his hand as they exited the building. The cold rain pelted them and they huddled together. “Cole, listen to me.”

“Once we’re in the car.” He tried to shelter her as he guided her to the parking lot. Their shoes splashed in the puddles and Angie slipped. He put his arms around her, holding her securely against him until he got her safely in the car.

“You don’t speak for me,” she said the moment he slid into the driver’s seat. “And you don’t have any claim on me.”

“Yes, I do.” He wouldn’t let her deny that.

“Because of last night?” she asked as she brushed her damp hair from her face. “That doesn’t mean we’re back on.”

Cole rested his hands on the steering wheel. What would it take to get her back in his life? How many tests would he have to pass to make up for what he’d done? There were some things he knew he wouldn’t accept.

“Did you want the guy to dance for you?” he asked accusingly. The idea sickened him. “Did you want me to watch? Give you dollar bills so you could have every stripper in there?”

Her mouth dropped open. “No! I don’t want any of those guys. I—”

“Good.” He reached for Angie and kissed her. Threading his fingers in her hair, he held the base of her head as he deepened the kiss. He needed to claim her. Brand her with his kiss. It was only fair—he was hers and always has been.

Cole felt the soar of triumph when she softened against him. But then she went stiff and pulled away. Angie drew back in her seat. Her chest rose and fell as she glared at him. “What was that for?”

“Come on, Angie.” He didn’t mean for his voice to sound harsh, but he was fighting a desperation he didn’t understand. He wanted Angie, but he wanted Angie to accept him, as well. “You want this as much as I do. It’s been a long time for both of us.”

Tags: Susanna Carr Billionaire Romance
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