Free Worth the Risk by Karen Erickson Page B

terribly—sexist.” And quite romantic, if she were to be honest. A sweet, personal nickname. There was probably meaning behind it that no one else knew or would understand. How she wished for that sort of intimacy with someone.
    Could that someone be Hunter? No, that was her dreaming the impossible dream. She’d be a fool to believe they could have what Alex and Tessa shared.
    “She seems to like it. Of course, she likes everything about Alex. Even his asshole-ish ways.”
    Gracie laughed, marveling at the intimacy they shared at this very moment. He was talking about his brother not in a professional manner, but as if he and Gracie were friends. Lovers. He’d shared pieces of himself, his history, and she’d done the same.
    Was he always so free when it came to sharing those personal bits of information? She doubted it. He had reason to keep most of it quiet, due to his being such a public figure and part of a famous family—at least in the fashion world.
    It made her feel special, that he would share so much of himself and his family with her. Did that also make her foolish?
    Probably so. But she was too enraptured with Hunter at the moment to care.
    She carefully extracted her hand from his grip, and he gazed at her pensively.
    “You’ll come with me to dinner with Rhett, won’t you?” He asked like he was afraid she might turn him down. Vulnerability flared in his gaze, his expression turned to worry, and she was touched that he wanted her there.
    Touched even more he was afraid she’d say no.
    “Yes, as long as you don’t mind taking me along with you,” she answered.
    His smile could’ve blinded the sun. “You’ll be a good buffer. Maybe we won’t fight with you there.”
    “Anything I can do to help keep the Worth family peace,” she joked.
    “You’re become far more valuable than you think,” he said, his voice serious, his expression solemn.
    She had the distinct feeling he spoke the truth. And that scared her to bits.

Chapter Seven
     
    The restaurant was small but loud, with a giant bar that ran the entire length of one side of the building. Every stool was occupied and there was a large group of people waiting in the small lobby, yet Rhett somehow got them right inside. They ended up sitting at a fantastic table outside on the small enclosed patio, their waitress instructed by Rhett to bring them three margarita specials pronto.
    “They make the best margaritas ever,” Rhett assured them after she left with their drink order.
    “Are you trying to get me drunk?” Gracie teased, her gaze skittering to Hunter’s briefly before she looked away.
    Memories swarmed him of the last time he was with her after a few drinks—naked and tangled in the sheets. Just like that, a faint sweat broke out on his forehead.
    “If I knew I had a chance with you, hell yes. But I think you only have eyes for my brother. Why, I’m not so sure, but I’m not going to step on what he considers his.” Rhett laughed and clapped Hunter on the back.
    Gracie reared back, her eyes going wide. She wouldn’t look his way, and he wondered at that. Was she surprised by Rhett’s statement? It was a pretty obvious observation, at least to him—and to his brother.
    He and Gracie, they belonged together. They fit. He could see it. Rhett could see it. Why couldn’t she?
    She ignored him when the waitress returned with their drinks. She took hers with a big smile and immediately sipped from the straw, smacking her lips in satisfaction after she finished. Rhett laughed and encouraged her to drink up, shooting Hunter a knowing smile when Gracie looked away.
    What, was his brother purposely trying to get her drunk for his benefit? He didn’t know whether to thank him or tell him to leave her alone.
    They continued to chat, Gracie and Rhett. They were closer in age, seemed to have a lot in common, and Hunter glowered, watching his brother charm and flirt with her. White-hot jealousy speared through him, despite his