Page 127 of Bridesmaid By Chance
“Does it matter?” I ask.
“No, but I’m curious.” Of course she is. She’s always curious. But there is a very good reason I chose this charity, and although I can share part of that with her, the rest? Well, that’s deeply humbling. My brother and sister saved me from becoming likemy father.The money to support this cause was not just a means to an end.
“One million,” I say, causing her to gasp. “And before you ask, I chose the program because I know that both of us wouldn’t be where we are today without our siblings in our lives. Our childhoods were different but also very similar in some ways. We lean on those relationships, and I want to give disadvantaged kids the same opportunities.”
She pauses at the top of the stairs and looks up at me with those doe eyes of hers. “Are you trying to get me to fall in love with you? Because I will. Keep doing things like that and I very much will.”
“Shouldn’t my wife already be in love?” I ask in a teasing tone, which I know she loves. She’s made it quite clear that she likes the lighter side of me, and in all honesty, I like that side of me too. It’s just harder to show around her since we’re always involved in business.
And I’m always trying to avoid her.
Always trying to keep my guard up to protect her. To protect the both of us. To protect the business.
“She should, but I don’t think you paid her enough.”
“Shhh,” I say on a laugh. “Jesus, trying to give us away?”
“The marriage is real. The rest, well, that’s up for discussion.”
Shaking my head, I lead her to the room on the right that is markedSherry Room. We walk inside and find Archie and Sheridan talking to a few people. Okay, time to tighten up and put on another show.
When they spot us, large smiles spread across their faces. “Hudson, Sloane,” Archie says, “so glad you could join us. We were just talking about you two. Please tell me you were accepted.”
“Largely in part due to your generous nomination,” I say.
“Ah, well, it was an easy one to write.” Archie shakes my hand. “Welcome to the club. First, can I steal you away for a signature smoke in the cigar room while Sheridan takes Sloane for some tea?”
“Would love that.”
“Let them get all stinky and we shall dine on tea and scones,” Sheridan says.
“Sounds like we have the better end of the bargain,” Sloane says with a little shimmy of her shoulders.
God, she’s cute.
Before she takes off, she comes up to me, presses her hand to my chest, and then, on her toes, kisses my cheek. Whispering, she says, “Your ass looks stunning in those pants.” Then she pulls away and winks. My eyes trail after her as she walks away, sauntering in those fucking heels and looking so damn good that I’m going to have a really hard time keeping myself in check.
“How long have you two been married again?” Archie asks.
“Not very long,” I answer and then turn to him. “But she’s always captured my attention.”
“I can tell. When we were meeting at Maggie’s office, I felt like there was something going on between the two of you, but you maintained professionalism well. I admire that. I don’t think I could be the same way with Sheridan.”
Something going on? Jesus, maybe I wasn’t as sly as I thought I was.
“We make it a point to keep things professional while working. But when we’re home, that’s different.”
“I like that.” He claps me on the shoulder. “Come this way.”
Archie gives me a brief tour of the upstairs portion of the club. Basically, it’s just room after room of parlor spaces where members congregate and talk, drink, smoke cigars. In one of the rooms, hors d’oeuvres are passed around by servers wearing white gloves, while in the courtyard—a lawn space carved out in the middle of the club—members are playing croquet.
Don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone play croquet.
Archie brings me into the smoking parlor, and honestly, I’m not much of a cigar person, never liked them, but that doesn’t mean I won’t join him.
We walk toward the far end of the room, where there are shelves lined with cigar boxes and a man at a cigar bar, ready to assist.
“What are you thinking?” Archie says.
