As Cait climbed out of the back seat, Aiden took Abby’s hand and pulled her into his arms, whispering, “How am I going to keep my hands off you in that dress?”
His affection and constant attention made her feel desired and feminine, and she’d wanted to look sexy for him. She’d gotten all dolled up in her favorite beige knit minidress and had paired it with knee-high leather boots. When he had arrived to pick her and Cait up, he’d taken one look at her and stumbled over his words, making Abby feel fantastic.
“The same way I’m going to have to keep my hands off you,” she countered.
He was strikingly handsome in a dark gray button-down and jeans. Even in jeans he had a commanding presence, drawing the attention of everyone around him. Abby had noticed that in great detail last night when they’d gone to the market to buy fresh fish and vegetables for dinner. She’d never seen so many women ogle one man before, but he hadn’t seemed to notice. He’d been too focused on sneaking kisses from her.
“Are you two done making googly eyes at each other?” Cait asked. She had arrived a couple of hours ago, and she looked pretty in black jeans and a peach sweater.
“Done sounds so final.” Aiden draped an arm around Abby as they crossed the parking lot. “Ready to check out the competition, ladies?”
“If Wells opens his mouth when the judges are around, we’re sure to win,” Cait said. “The guy thinks he’s the cat’s meow.”
“Abby, wait up!”
Abby turned at the sound of Leni’s voice and ran to greet her auburn-haired bestie with a big hug. Leni always looked well put together, and today was no different. She wore a short navy blazer, a blue-and-white-striped shirt, and jeans. “I’m so glad you came!”
“You said you needed my help with marketing, and I had to check out the guy Jules and my mom are absolutely raving about and your new sister. I still can’t believe you have another sister.” Leni gave Abby a once-over and said, “Girl, you look smokin’ hot. Your new man must be lighting all your fires.”
“And then some . . .”
“Lucky you!” Leni glanced over Abby’s shoulder and said, “Wow, your sister is beautiful, and he is drop-dead gorgeous.”
“I know, right? You’ll love them both.” Abby took her hand, hurrying toward Aiden and Cait. “You guys, this is Leni. She’s been my best friend since we were kids. Leni, this is Cait and Aiden.”
“Hi,” Cait said shyly.
Aiden extended his hand and said, “Aiden Aldridge. It’s nice to meet you.”
Leni’s eyes widened for a split second, and then she shook his hand. “I’m looking forward to getting to know both of you.”
As they headed inside, Leni held Abby’s arm, falling a few steps behind the others, and whispered, “You didn’t tell me you were seeing Aiden Aldridge. He’s Remi Divine’s brother and manager. Shea is Remi’s PR rep.” Shea Steele was Leni’s cousin. “I’ve heard his name dozens of times in the office. Shea raves about how classy he is because he’s not a jerk like other celebrity managers.”
“Shh. I know,” Abby said quietly. “But he doesn’t want everyone knowing about Remi being a celebrity, so please don’t bring it up. He wants to keep a low profile while he’s here.”
“Gotcha. My lips are sealed. Things are good, though?”
“Amazing,” she said quietly. “In every way.”
“I’m so happy for you.”
Aiden held the door open, placing his hand on Abby’s back as he followed them in. Abby was glad that Leni struck up a conversation with Cait right away. She was so good at making people feel comfortable.
Aiden whispered, “I bet you two could cause some trouble together,” and kissed her cheek.
The hostess directed them to a table by the window, where Jules, Grant, Jock, and Daphne were talking. Jules let out a squeal and jumped to her feet. “I’m so glad everyone made it!” She threw her arms around Abby.
“That’s my little pixie, sprinkling her happy dust on everyone,” Grant said as he came around the table to greet them.
“I’ve missed her happy dust,” Abby said as she hugged him. Abby loved how he called Jules Pix or Pixie, which suited her perfectly.
“And you must be Cait,” Jules exclaimed.
“Let me introduce everyone before we get into a flurry of hugs and conversation.” Abby took Cait’s hand and said, “You guys, this is my sister Cait.” She reached for Aiden’s hand, unsure of how to introduce him. Was it too much to say he was her boyfriend? She chose a safer route and said, “And this is Aiden, aka man of many talents, including the best handyman around. I’m only going over names once, so take notes. The happy-dust sprinkler is obviously Jules, and this shaggy brown-haired dude is Grant, her fiancé. The gorgeous blonde is Daphne, and the guy holding on to her like someone’s going to abscond with her is her husband, Jock. And here come the family ties. Jules, Jock, and Leni are siblings. Got it?”
“Not even close,” Cait said. “But it’s nice to meet all of you.”
“That’s okay. We’ll help with names,” Jules said as she embraced Cait.
Everyone said hello as they took their seats around the table.
Aiden held Abby’s hand under the table as he and Jock got reacquainted, and Abby chatted with the girls.
“Is it tough being a celebrity on this small an island?” Aiden asked.
Jock scoffed. “The only celebrity here is Grant. He’s our local hero.”
“Shit.” Grant shook his head. “Hero, my ass.”
“You have the medal to prove it,” Jock said.
Grant said, “I’ve got a prosthetic leg that says otherwise.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your injury,” Aiden said.
“Thanks. What do you do, Aiden?” Grant asked. “Any military service in your background?”
“No. I’m a finance guy . . .”
Abby liked listening to Aiden getting to know the guys.
“Why do guys always talk about work? I want to know more about you, Cait,” Jules said.
Cait was staring across the room.
Abby followed her gaze to Brant Remington, who was heading their way. Brant was everyone’s friend, with wily eyes and a love of all things outdoors. Abby nudged Cait, startling her out of her lustful leer, and said, “I can introduce you.”
“What? No. I wasn’t . . .” Cait’s cheeks burned red.
“Oh, yes you were,” Jules said as Brant sauntered over. “We forgot to mention that we invited Brant to join us. I hope that’s okay.”
“Did I hear my name?” Brant flashed a grin, and the dimples that had gotten him dates with all the hottest girls on the island appeared. His wavy brown hair and year-round tan made his blue eyes pop.
“The Bee Gees are back,” Abby said, pushing to her feet. “What have you been up to, Brant?”
Brant embraced her and said, “Stayin’ alive, baby,” amusing their friends, except Grant, who shook his head.
“We used to call Brant and Grant the Bee Gees,” Abby explained to Cait and Aiden. “Aiden, Brant is the one I said you should talk to about renting a boat. Brant, this is my friend Aiden.”