Up In Arms

By Kindle Alexander

Exclusive Excerpt

Both men were staring at him. Brody looked confused, his brow furrowed, and disbelief flashed in his eyes. Reed’s lips pulled into a sexy smile, showing his perfect white teeth.

After a minute of all three just staring at one another, Trevor finally asked, “I’m sorry. Were you talking to me?”

“I was asking if you have someone special in your life?” Reed repeated in his rich, deep cultured voice, his brow arched in question.

“No, not at all.” Trevor shook his head, a grin spreading across his own lips at the brutal honesty of his answer. He didn’t sugarcoat it. Brody chose then to step back, once again blocking Trevor’s view of Reed. Brody motioned for the bartender, requesting another beer, and stayed right there between them.

Trevor looked around his friend as Reed stood, picking up his glass and the bottle of champagne. Reed circled Brody and took a seat on the empty barstool on Trevor’s other side. Reed took Trevor’s glass from his hand, topped it off with more champagne, and handed it back with a wink.

“This is much better. It’s easier to chat when I can see your handsome face.”

Just then, before Trevor could recover from his shock, an announcement introducing the engaged couple sounded overhead. Both Reed and Trevor stood, placing their champagne flutes on the bar to clap.

Rylie and Elise moved to the front of the room. Rylie took the microphone to say a few simple but heartfelt words of gratitude. After a moment, Rylie called his family to the front with him.

Reed turned to Trevor, looking disappointed. His sexy grin spread across his lips, and Trevor watched the movement, his heart reacting with a strong lurch, wanting to bind itself to the allure.

“Looks like I’m needed. Too bad. I would have liked to get to know you better.” Reed held out his hand.

Trevor hesitated before taking it. His pulse hammered wildly, and the contact of Reed’s warm skin sent electrically charged impulses racing up his arm. He was afraid his hand might be trembling in Reed’s grasp. Without question, Brody had never stunned Trevor like Reed just did. The handshake lasted a moment or two longer than appropriate.

“It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, Trevor,” Reed said. Trevor pulled his hand away to find Reed had discreetly slipped him a business card. “I’m looking forward to finishing our conversation soon. Perhaps over a nice dinner.” Finally, after an extended minute, Reed turned away and crossed the room to join his family.

“What a jerk,” Brody muttered. “I can’t believe he’s the beloved brother Rylie talks about all the fucking time. What an ass.”

Trevor almost laughed. He’d completely forgotten Brody was standing next to him. His best friend wasn’t used to getting shut down this quickly into the game. He eyed Brody for a split second but turned back to watch Reed leave.

“I didn’t see that at all,” Trevor said in an octave above a whisper, giving a slight smile, keeping his gaze on the sway of Reed’s perfect ass as he sauntered away.

“Whatever. You want a pompous dick like that, go for it. I’ll stick with the regular people.” Brody grabbed his beer before stalking off. Trevor just stood, stunned, looking down at the business card in his hand.

Reed Kensington, Attorney at Law.