Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(70)

“Yeah. But then my father got colon cancer when Hugh was in college, so he decided to get the business degree and take over the family business to help out Dad.” He glanced out on the dance floor and chuckled when he saw Hugh spinning Gracie around.

“I’d heard about your father’s cancer, but I didn’t know Hugh changed his plans during that time,” I said, leaning forward, my eyes wide.

“Yes. It was a really rough couple of years. But Dad’s been in remission for a while now. Hugh being Hugh jumped into gear and did what he needed to do for our family. I was in vet school at the time and not living close. And, well, you know how family dynamics work. Everyone knew Hugh would take care of things, just as he always does. It’s who he is. He comes off like a selfish playboy, but he’s actually the dude who takes care of everyone. Just not always himself,” he said, glancing back at his brother and his daughter.

“Well, people aren’t always as they seem, are they?” I said, keeping my voice steady and trying to make light of the situation while still processing what he’d just shared.

“You promised me a dance, Lila.” Sebastian startled me as he stopped at our table.

Cage chuckled as if he knew this was not going to go over well. But I nodded and turned back to Hugh’s older brother. “Excuse me. I’ll be back after this dance.”

“I don’t think it’ll take that long, but we’ll see,” Cage teased, and I wasn’t sure what he meant by that.

Sebastian led me out to the dance floor as “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran started playing. He placed one hand on my lower back and one on my upper arm, but he didn’t pull me close. We kept a distance between our bodies, which I was grateful for. He looked down at me. “You look gorgeous. Tell me what’s going on with you and the grumpy cousin.”

I chuckled as he swayed us from side to side, and my gaze moved past his shoulder, looking for Hugh. “He and my brother are best friends. We’re good friends. Always have been.”

“I see. Does he always growl any time a man speaks to one of his friend’s sisters?”

I smiled, feeling my cheeks heat. “He’s always been protective.”

“Well, I have a gift for helping people along. So, you’re welcome,” he said, his voice low.

My body tingled, feeling him before he made his presence known.

Bear.

“I’ll be cutting in now,” Hugh demanded, his voice deep, and he made no attempt to hide his irritation.

“Ah, we’ve been waiting for you.” Sebastian stepped back and winked at me before stepping away.

Hugh pulled me against his body. His arm wrapped snugly around my waist, and the other moved behind my neck.

Possessive and protective at the same time.

“What the hell is that dude’s deal?” he hissed against my ear, his breath tickling my neck.

I chuckled. “I was going to ask you the same thing.”

“It’s killing me to keep my distance. They’re about to cut the cake. What do you say we sneak out of here as soon as that’s done?” He pulled back. His hand moved beneath my chin, and he tipped my face up to meet his gaze. His green eyes blazed with pops of amber and gold.

I nodded, and he turned and led me off the dance floor.

And I had a feeling our night was just getting started.





twenty-one





Hugh





We were finally back at the hotel, and I’d just slipped the key into the door of our room, and we stepped inside. The wedding had been great, but I was ready to be alone with Lila. It had been torture keeping my hands off her all night.

And that fucking Sebastian. Don’t even get me started.

I was done waiting. Hell, we’d crossed the line so many times, I didn’t know where it was anymore.

As soon as the door closed, I pressed her back against the wood, and she gasped with surprise.

“Are you sure you want this, Snow? All of it?” I asked, reaching for her hands and pinning them above her head. I was losing control with this woman. I’d never wanted anyone more.

Not even close.

“Yes,” she said, no hesitation. Her gaze locked with mine, looking at me like she could see straight into my soul. “I’ve wanted you for so long, I can barely see straight.”

I released her wrists, running my hands down her arms, over her gorgeous breasts, down to her waist where I slipped them behind her and cupped her perfect, tight ass. I lifted her off her feet, and her legs wrapped around my waist as her head fell back in a fit of laughter.

“You know you don’t need to carry me everywhere,” she said, as I dropped her onto the center of the mattress and hovered above her.

“I like carrying you,” I said, as I nipped at her sweet mouth and pulled back to take off her shoes. I unbuckled the straps and slipped them off one at a time before hovering over her once again. “This dress is driving me fucking crazy.”

I slid both straps off her shoulders, pleased to see that she wasn’t wearing a bra. My hands moved down to trace along the outside of her tits as the fabric pooled at her waist. My mouth was next, covering one breast at a time and teasing her nipples with my tongue, flicking and licking as she writhed and panted beneath me. I needed her naked now.