Chapter 3

• “The plumbing in my room seems to have an issue.”
• “Really?” I smirk. There are hotel rooms at this resort and she’s obviously staying here.
• “Really. I was wondering if you could come up and have a look at it after the wedding finishes.”
• I chuckle. Wow. That’s the oldest trick in the book. “I am very good at unblocking pipes,” I tease.
• “I imagine you are.” She giggles on cue and passes me a key. “Room 282.” She smirks.
• I smile down at her and stuff the key into my pocket. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to see someone.”
• “Okay. I’ll see you later.” She grins.
• Good grief.
• I walk around the dancefloor with my eyes glued to the woman in the pink dress. She’s petite and curvy with the most perfect face I have ever seen. She’s now talking to two men, with one on either side of her. One is older, while the other is close to my age. I sip my beer as I watch her move.
• Hmm, she’s fucking gorgeous and innately feminine.
• She’s also very different than my usual taste in women. She has a gentle air about her. I roll my lips as I watch her, and Brendan, an old school friend of mine, comes to stand next to me.
• “Hey, Spence.” He slaps me on the back.
• “Who is that woman?” I ask, completely distracted.
• He frowns. “Which one?”
• “Pink dress. Charlotte.”
• His eyes widen, and he chuckles. “Stay away from that one, old boy. She’s out of your league.”
• I smirk as my eyes stay glued to her. “And why would you say that?”
• “Every man in the county is after her and she won’t give any of them the time of day.”
• I feel my skin prickle at the challenge. “Really?”
• “Yes. And then you have to get past her father and brothers even if she is interested at all.”
• I frown. “What do you mean?”
• “That’s her father on the right. If I stand correct, he is the third wealthiest man in the country. He owns casinos around the world and has connections everywhere. On the left of her is her older brother Edward. Complete and utter bastard that one.”
• I narrow my eyes as I watch him. “What does Edward do for a coin?”
• “Guard Charlotte, from what I hear. He doesn’t let her out of his sight. It’s a full-time fucking job.”
• I raise my glass to him in a silent toast.
• He shakes his head. “Not her, Spencer. She really is off-limits. Way too pure for you.”
• Excitement rolls over me. “The thrill of the chase is alive and well, my friend.”
• He chuckles. “Or simply a death wish. You fuck around with her and her father will murder you without a second thought.”
• I smile as I turn to watch Charlotte talk to the two men. “Challenge accepted, old boy.”
• He laughs into his beer and shakes his head. “Next time I see you, it may be your funeral.”
• My eyes dance with delight. “Give me a good wrap in the eulogy, hey? I’m sure it will be worth it.”
• He chuckles, and with a shake of his head, he disappears through the crowd.
• I stand on my own watching her. She is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a very long time. At once, she glances up and her eyes fall on me, holding my gaze. I smile and raise my beer to her in a silent toast. She immediately looks away and fidgets with her hands in front of her.
• I smile to myself as I watch her.
• Run along, boys.
• I want her alone.
• Charlotte
• Mr Spencer smiles sexily and raises his glass in my direction. I bite my bottom lip nervously. Is he really doing that to me? He’s standing alone in the crowd, a beer in one hand, his other hand tucked away in his expensive suit pocket. I snap my eyes away as my stomach flips with excitement.
• Stop it! He’s probably not even aiming it at me.
• “Charlotte, I have someone I want you to meet,” my father says.
• “Dad, not now. I don’t want to meet any of your boring friends.” I sigh.
• He rolls his eyes, and I glance back over at Mr Spencer still staring at me. I glance back up to my father. “What is it?” I ask with a huff.
• “His name is Evan. I know his family, and he happens to be a lawyer.”
• I cringe. “Father, please,” I moan. “Stop. I’m not dating one of your boring friend’s sons.”
• My brother Edward looks at my father and scowls. “Yes, please stop. The thought makes me murderous.”
• I roll my eyes at my overbearing brother. “You, too.”
• My father and Edward fall into conversation, leaving me to glance back over at Mr Spencer. As soon as our eyes connect, he crooks his finger and gestures for me to go to him.
• Me?
• I frown, look around, and point to my chest.
• He nods with a sexy smile. I look around, instantly filled with some kind of guilt, and I subtly shake my head.
• Oh my God. My stomach flips over.
• He crooks his finger again, and I find myself biting my bottom lip and dropping my head to hide my smile.
• “Would you like a drink, Charlotte?” my brother asks.
• “Please.” I smile as I concentrate on not looking Mr Spencer’s way again.
• My father falls into conversation with a man who walks past, and I glance around nervously. I’m not sure whether to go and talk to Mr Spencer or not. No, that’s a bad idea. Perhaps I’ll go and get some fresh air instead.
• “I’m heading to the ladies,” I whisper to my father.
• “All right, love.” He smiles as I put my hand on his shoulder. I walk through the ballroom and out onto the back terrace and down the steps. Fairy lights are strewn across the garden giving it a romantic feel. Waiters are circling the garden with trays of fancy cocktails and champagne. This wedding has been amazing, and the attention to detail has been impeccable. Every detail is perfect. I walk along the pathway down to the outdoor bathrooms. Once there, I head inside and close the door behind me.
• Peace at last.