Show Stopper

by BJ Harvey

  I look down at my watch and smirk. “Not sure we’ve got time for that, but I’m game if she is.”

  “Oh, eww. I mean she looks hot, you perv!” she says with a laugh, throwing a handful of popcorn at me and thankfully missing.

  “Hey, you better clean that up,” Renee says, walking into the kitchen and grabbing her purse from the counter. I don’t move though—I can’t. I’m frozen in place, taking her in from her bare neck down to the blue velvet dress that clings to her curves the same way my hands are aching to right now. Maybe Hayley was right when she said her sister would knock my socks off, because she’s turned me mute and dumb with lust as well.

  She turns and stares at me, stopping mid-step as her eyes rake over me with just as much hunger as I’m feeling right now.

  “Hey,” she says, her voice rough and sultry and not helping my self-control at all.

  “You’re killing me in that dress, princess.”

  Her perfectly painted red lips curve up seductively. “I really hope not, Lieutenant, because I have dirty plans for you in that suit later.”

  Hayley makes puking noises from the other side of the room but I’m on a mission. Regaining the ability to move, I close the distance between myself and the woman I love, lifting my hands to cradle her jaw as soon as I’m within reach.

  “You look beautiful,” I whisper, lowering my head.

  “Wait,” she says, pressing her palms to my chest. “If you kiss me how I know you’re going to kiss me, I’ll have to redo my lipstick and—”

  I crush my lips to hers anyway, loving the way she whimpers into my mouth as I take my time. I wait till she’s soft and pliant and sagging into me before pulling back and gazing down at her now swollen, smeared lips, feeling triumphant and way too fucking turned on. Especially since we won’t be able to do anything about it until much later tonight when we’re back home.

  “Damn, now I’m gonna need a cold shower. You know it’s cruel to make out in front of a single woman with no eligible men on the horizon, right?” Hayley asks. I stand beside Renee and wrap my arm around her waist, deciding not to let the chance go by to screw with Hayley just a little bit.

  “You know, there’s a certain single man there tonight who I know for a fact is going stag . . .”

  Hayley narrows her eyes at me. “No. Don’t you dare. That was a one-time thing. He’s just not my ty—”

  “Type? Really?” I ask.

  Renee giggles, resting her head on my chest. “Hayls has a dream man she’s striving to one day meet, and no one else will do.”

  I frown. “Is this an actual person?”

  “No. Just an ideal. A girl has to have goals, you know,” Hayley says with a shrug and a smile. “Look, I know Scotty is probably a nice guy, and maybe even a good guy—he’s just not the guy I want to end up with, and I don’t want to get involved with someone and not be available when I meet the guy.”

  “Right,” I say, not understanding the logic but each to their own. I look down at Renee just as she shifts back and tips her chin to meet my eyes. “Thank fuck I’m your ideal guy, princess.”

  “You were my knight in shining armor. I had no choice.”

  “Too fucking right,” I say, smiling against her lips as I give her one last kiss and lift my head. “Now you better go fix your lipstick because I may like the look of you messed up and knowing I did it, but I’m not sure you will.”

  She snickers and wipes my mouth with her thumb, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “That goes both ways. I’m not sure Fire Engine Red is quite your color, Lieutenant. Ironic, isn’t it?”

  Hayley starts up with the puking noises again, making Renee rolls her eyes. “I’ll be back.”

  “And I’ll watch you go, just so I get the full experience of that dress.”

  “You’re such a perv!” she calls out as she walks down the hallway.

  “You’re not the first Hamilton woman to call me that tonight.”

  “It’s ‘cause we’re always right.”

  “I’ll remember that,” I say, turning back to a smiling Hayley.

  She nods. “It’s probably best.”

  “You know what’s also for the best?” I ask.

  “Go on,” she says with a resigned sigh.

  “Texting Scotty to tell him you’re not interested. Then maybe he’ll stop telling me we could be family one day.”

  She winces. “Yeah. That I can do.”

  “Much appreciated.”

  Walking into the hotel where the ball is being held, I don’t think I’ve stood taller or ever felt more invincible, and it’s all because of the woman on my arm.

  It’s not because she looks fucking amazing—she’s breathtaking, permanent hard-on inducing, the envy of all men, all of the above—and it’s not because the way she carries herself exudes such confidence and an aura of success that it makes everyone want to get close, talk to her, or be her. It’s the whole package. It’s just her. And seeing her in her professional element tonight as she works the room, shaking hands with existing clients, potential new ones, and business contacts, I’m in awe of the woman—and I’m the lucky S.O.B. who gets to call her mine. What makes it even better is that I’m equally and completely hers too.

  “Dinner will be served in ten minutes. Please make your way to your allocated tables,” the event’s MC announces from the middle of the stage. Renee laces her fingers with mine, and we walk over to join the rest of the guys at our table. There we find Rhodes and Jake, Scotty, Luca, Gio and Val—who all came together— and Cohen and Skye. Rounding out the group is our Captain and his daughter, London.

  I introduce Renee to everyone, chuckling when she pulls Jake up into a big hug. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen my godson speechless before now . . . or that I’ve seen him blush.

  “Behave yourself, midget. I’m watching you,” I warn.

  He quickly gets his bearings back, clutching his hand over his chest and feigning innocence. “Who, me? What on earth would I have to offer as magnificent a woman as Renee?”

  Rhodes hooks an arm around his son’s shoulders, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, Renee. My son here seems to think he’s a bit of a ladies man.”

  “Says my father who has been binge-watching a certain YouTube chef and hiding it from me.”

  My best friend’s mouth drops open, his eyes wide as Jake winks at Renee then turns to his dad and quirks a brow, as if challenging him to argue.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Rhodes mutters, lifting his glass to his mouth and without another word, walking around the table to join Luca and the rest of our group.

  I hold my hand in the air. Jake gives me a high five and laughs, his eyes tracking his dad as he walks away.

  “He so likes her,” he says.

  “A YouTube chef? I suppose it’s a pretty safe option, since it’s unlikely he’s ever going to meet her,” Renee replies.

  Jake’s eyes look between us. “That’s the thing. She’s from Chicago.”

  Renee gasps. “Oh, wow.”

  “How about this, bud. Let your dad do his own thing when it comes to dating and whatnot.”

  Jake groans and rolls his eyes. “Then he’ll never do anything and he’ll still be single when I move out, or I’ll never leave because I don’t want to leave him alone.”

  “You’re adorable,” Renee says, sidling up to the boy and wrapping her arm around his waist. “Can we keep him, Lieutenant?”

  I chuckle. “How about we let Rhodes have him, and I’ll let you visit whenever you’d like?”

  “Oh alright then,” she says, leaning in and kissing Jake’s cheek, making him blush again.

  I narrow my eyes but this time, nothing can wipe the shit-eating grin from Jake’s face. Not even when I tell him he’s got lipstick on his cheek.

  “I don’t care. I’m going to wear it like a badge of honor. Chicks will think I’m a catch.”

  “Chicks don’t like being called chicks. Have I taught you nothing?” I ask, shaki
ng my head in mock disappointment. “I’d say go to your room, but you’re in public, so maybe go save your dad from Skye’s pregnancy stories.”

  His eyes widen. “Good idea. Bye, Renee. Feel free to claim me anytime, especially when you get sick of this guy.” Jake nudges my arm then jumps out of reach, laughing as he moves away.

  Renee smiles up at me. “He is teenager goals.”

  “He is pretty awesome.”

  She pats my chest, placating me. “Don’t worry, baby. I promise not to share my lipstick with any other man tonight, okay?”

  “You’ll keep, princess. You’ll keep.” I expect a smartass reply but instead her head jerks from something over my shoulder back to me. “I just need to go to the ladies’ room before we start dinner.”

  “I can take you if you want.”

  She shakes her head and brushes her lips against my cheek. “I’m a big girl, Marco. But save me a seat, okay?”

  “Always.”

  She shoots me a smile, then turns and walks out the nearest door. I do as instructed, taking a seat next to Luca and waiting for Renee to return.

  After dinner, the CEO of the charity finishes giving his thank-you speech, and shakes hands and takes photos with some big names holding oversized checks. I take advantage of the lull in proceedings, running my hand up Renee’s thigh under the table. Ever since she returned from the restroom, she’s been strangely quiet.

  She covers my hand with hers and stops my advance, meeting my eyes.

  “You’re very distracting,” Renee whispers in my ear. I turn my head and press my cheek to hers.

  “Says the woman who’s commando under that dress.”

  Her head jerks back. “I’m wearing a thong.” Her gaze narrows as my lips curve into a knowing smirk.

  “I look forward to discovering it later,” I say, leaning close and brushing my mouth against hers. She reaches up and rubs her thumb over my lips, holding it up to show the lipstick smear she’s tidied.

  “Red looks so much better on you.” Her eyes crinkle as she shoots me a devilish smile. “I dunno, I’m up for testing my red lipstick on other parts of your body when we get home if you are.”

  And now, all I can think about is that mental picture, and how long I have to wait to make it a reality. Damn. My princess can play dirty.

  The MC for the event announces the dance floor is open for business. After waiting a few songs to people watch—and laugh at Luca, Scotty, Skye, and Cohen mucking around—I decide it’s time.

  There’s no way I’m missing the chance to dance with my girlfriend for the first time and show her off as mine in front of everyone. With this in mind, I stand and hold out my arm, waggling my brows. Renee grins and places her hand in mine, standing and following as I lead her out onto the edge of the floor to a place near the crew but not too close.

  As we sway from side to side to the beat, she nestles her head against my shoulder, her arms wrapping right around my back. “Thank you for being my arm candy.”

  I touch my lips to the top of her head. “You’re welcome, princess. It’s been a good night.”

  “Yeah . . .” The lack of enthusiasm in her voice grabs my attention.

  “That sounds convincing,” I reply

  “It’s not that.”

  I stop moving and she shifts back, her wary eyes staring straight into mine. I cup her cheek. “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s nothing. I don’t want to let anything or anyone ruin our night. Just forget about it.”

  “I would have if you didn’t just say that.” Then a light bulb goes off. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner. “He’s here, isn’t he? You saw him before dinner.”

  She looks down, her silence saying it all.

  “Hey, it’s okay,” I say with a gentle smile. “He’s just a guy. He doesn’t get to dictate what you do, where you go, or who you see now, right?”

  “Yeah. I just . . . he represents the me I’m embarrassed I ever was.”

  “Whoever you used to be, the woman who worked the room tonight and owned it was always in there. Whoever it is, he’s an asshole who didn’t realize the beauty he had when he had it. He used the uniform and his job to fuel his ego. It says nothing about you and everything about him. Okay?”

  “I love you,” she whispers, her eyes shimmering with happy tears. This time, our lips meet halfway in a soft, gentle, full-of-feeling kiss that’s more of a promise to each other than anything else.

  “You good now?”

  She tilts her head flirtatiously and beams up at me. “I’m with you. Of course I’m good.”

  “Aww, aren’t you two cute,” a familiar voice slurs behind me.

  Renee’s expression falls and she tenses.

  “Pierce, lay off. Leave Marco and Renee to it,” Rhodes says, moving closer. “We’re not on duty. You can be an asshole another day. Just leave it.”

  I stare dumbfounded at Renee. “The asshole is Nick Pierce?” I ask incredulously.

  Her fingers cling to my arms. “Just leave it, Marco. Please. He’s not worth it.” I’m angry but not at her. I didn’t once suspect Nick Pierce was her ex because she never told me his name and I never asked. But the absolute last person I ever thought Renee would be engaged to is the thorn in my side. Mainly because I didn’t think the guy had it in him to score someone as hot or as amazing as she is.

  As her man now, and the man who plans to be by her side forever, it’s my job to show Lieutenant Nick Pierce just what he lost.

  I hook my hand behind her neck and pull her close, crushing my lips to hers, kissing her long, hard, and deep. It’s not how I’d normally kiss in public, but needs must. Nick fucking Pierce deserves to know what he stupidly threw away. He needs to know she’s mine.

  I pull away and plaster a smile on my face, ignoring Renee’s wide eyes and shaking head. I wrap my arm over her shoulder. Then I turn us around to come face to face with a glassy-eyed, sneering Pierce, who’s looking between Renee and myself with disgust.

  “I never thought you’d slum it after me, Nay, but if you’re desperate enough to go for Rossi here, then you must’ve hit rock bottom.”

  My entire body stills, my muscles tensing impossibly tight and my head ready to explode right here in the middle of the dancefloor. I fist my hands at my sides, my gaze filtered red as I wait for Nick to give me a reason to justifying laying him out cold.

  Renee gasps, obviously reading my body language. ”Marco, he’s not worth it. C’mon. Let’s go home and—”

  “Yeah, Marco. Why don’t you let Renee take you home? She used to try and lead me around by my dick as well, and look how well that turned out.”

  “You did not just say that to me,” I growl. I sense that we might’ve grabbed the attention of those around us now, and not just my crew either. But I’m not about to stand by and let the woman I love be spoken about so crudely, especially not by this lowlife.

  “Was it a pity fuck?” I ask, turning to Renee.

  “What?” she whispers, the word barely audible.

  “This guy. Was he that desperate that he wouldn’t leave you alone so you just gave in and then couldn’t get rid of him? Because I’ve had you; you’re fucking magnificent, baby, and I’ve also known him for years, and there’s no way in hell he’d ever be worthy of you. He’s not even worth the shit on the bottom of your shoe.”

  “Marco, please,” she pleads, her eyes darting to the crowd. “Please don’t make a scene. You’re right; he’s not worth it. Let’s leave now. Just turn and walk away.”

  “Yeah, Marco the Great. Listen to the ball and chain. I never knew you’d be happy with my sloppy seconds. I could’ve introduced you two a long time ag—”

  I’m stepping forward and cocking my arm before I even know it’s happening. My fist flies into Pierce’s jaw as Renee screams, “No!”

  It reverberates in my ears. I don’t get a chance to throw a second shot because Rhodes comes in front of me and Luca stands between him and Pierce, and it hits me
like a ton of bricks what I’ve just done.

  I spin to find Renee, but all I see is her back running out of the room and my pregnant, very angry-looking sister scowling up at me.

  “Skye,” I growl. I need to go after Renee. Skye stops me though, grabbing my arm and dragging me back to the table. She turns her head toward the small crowd watching us.

  “Nothing to see here, people. DJ, you’re up.” To his credit, the man in the booth on stage does what the angry woman tells him to and turns the music up.

  “Skye, I need to talk to her,” I say when we reach our table. My stubborn sister just pushes me into a chair and glares at me, her finger pointed ominously in my face.

  “No. You need to calm the fuck down and get some ice for your hand.”

  “On it,” Jake says, making a beeline for the bar at the side of the room.

  “And big brother, you need to give Renee some time to get home and come up with a plan to rip you a new one.”

  “Look. I know I shouldn’t have punched him, but—”

  “Oh, no. It’s not even that. You’re not here as a firefighter today—which is lucky for you—but it’s not lucky for her.”

  Fuck. Fuuuuuuuck. Skye nods, a slow, sardonic smile appearing on her face. “And now he gets it.”

  “I was defending her.”

  “And any other time, that would be hot to a woman. Not tonight. And not when it’s clear you’ve got personal history with the asshole ex that represents the biggest failure of her life.”

  “Shit,” I spit out, just as Jake reappears holding a napkin full of ice. “Here, Uncle Marco.”

  “Thanks, Jake,” I mutter, taking it from him and pressing it to my swelling knuckles.

  “Now, Cohen and I will take Renee home, and I suggest you give her tonight and start some much-needed groveling tomorrow.” She’s right. She’s Skye, of course she’s right. I was here as Renee’s date and I let Nick get under my skin and draw a reaction out of me, which is exactly what he wanted. That makes me no better than he is.

  I nod, leaning in to kiss her goodbye.

  “Look after her, brat.” If I know Renee, she’s equally parts angry and hurt right now and the knowledge that I made her feel like that is tearing me apart. If I can’t make it right tonight, then at least I trust Skye and Cohen to be there in my place.