The stars were out in full force, along with the Christmas-themed lights on the patio. His sister's wedding went off as a success just as a princess would have desired. Peter led Belle toward his table and went to find his sister at the appointed hour for their brother and sister dance. As the oldest, he'd escort her, but as he went to find Vicki, his gaze stayed on Belle. She sat still as the music played.

His sister elbowed him and then took his hand. They walked together to the middle of the dance floor. People stood to take pictures as he led his sister into a waltz.

She licked her lips. "Do you like Belle?"

He tightened his frame and glanced at Belle. She spoke to the old senator. Then he gazed at his sister.

"Vicki, she is different."

Her eyebrows lifted. "How?"

He swallowed, and the words just came out. "I haven't figured out her price. She's honest, forthright, and unlike any other woman I've ever kissed."

"You kissed her?"

He jerked her in the move. "I can't believe I said that."

His sister pinched him. "I don't care about the percent in the company and that stupid bet you made. I want you to find a girl who can make your life happy."

This wasn't what they should discuss. His collar felt tight. The bet made his stomach turn as he thought about it.

"I am happy."

She pressed on his back to ensure he didn't fall out of step. "No, you were not. You can be obstinate. You spent so much time with our father, and we were all scared you'd follow his path."

He was too much like his father. His stomach hardened. "What did you think I'd do?"

She smiled at him. "Ruin people's lives. Marry someone you can control. Tell your children how to live their lives. Force your will upon them, no matter how much they disagreed. Basically repeat our childhood."

All the reasons anyone like Belle should not be with him. That was why he didn't sleep much. "You thought that about me?"

Then Vicki's chin trembled, but she tightened her grip. "I was afraid of that for you, but I never gave up on you. You're my brother, and you watched out for me."

"I didn't do enough."

The music ended. He escorted her as people cheered. Then the music changed, and Colt led his mother to the dance floor. He held his sister's hand so they could watch this part of the marriage custom. Peter pressed his lips together.

"I'm sure you meant well, but right now I feel like dirt."

She waved for their other brother. Peter's cheeks felt warm as she said, "Dirt doesn't feel, and you're part of my family. If Belle is as wonderful as you say, then don't let her go."

Again he glanced at his table, and three men who worked for him circled Belle. His muscles stiffened.

"Thanks."

Vicki glanced in the direction he had stared. Peter saw clearly that she had understood as their brother approached.

"John, come here." Colt was half done with his dance with his mother. "Tell Peter you want to forget about the bet, so he can date Belle for real."

Peter’s jaw dropped. "Tell her what?"

"You can tell her that you like her." Vicki shrugged.

John crossed his arms. "Wait. What?"

Vicki nodded her head to get their brother to agree. "He likes her, only he's having a hard time because of the bet."

She had the tactics of their father too. Peter tugged on his ear and deliberately didn't glance at Belle for more than a second. Another man joined her at the table, and they all laughed at something she said.

John didn't notice anything and stared at him. "Are you sure? Or if we say to forget it, will he drop her off at the airport tomorrow and never see her again?"

That was an idea. Peter licked his lips. Belle might be better off without him, and she must have her price. He'd eventually see it. Either way, she deserved better than to be the subject of this bet nonsense. She'd hate him. His jaw was clenched, and he had a slight pain.

"I'll send the papers over in the morning to give Vicki ten percent of the stocks. I don't want to go near Belle again under false pretenses."

Vicki's hands went to her hips. "I won't accept. John, tell Peter to forget about the stupid bet and that he can date Belle."

Peter tugged his sister's hands to lower her stance. She was the bride.

John then nodded. "Of course. Peter, we wanted you with a good woman. We're happy for you. Bring her over to our house Christmas afternoon for lunch."

Now that the bet was over, his heart lifted in his chest. He swallowed and said, "I'll ask her. And thanks."

As he walked away, and his sister went to dance with her new husband, he stared at Belle. He hadn't intended to take her anywhere. The men around her all cleared a path for him.

Belle then grinned at Peter as he slumped into the seat beside her. He glanced at the other men, and they all took off. Belle's lips parted as she noticed, but then she stared at him.

She tilted her head and said, "You spent a lot of time with your family. Are you okay?"

The promise he had made swam in his head. He scooted his seat closer to her as he said, "What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Brunch with you." She blinked but didn't move. "Plus my friend Em and I want to go shopping."

He unclenched his hands and brushed his arm against hers. Electricity surged in him. "John is having a Christmas party in the afternoon. I'd like you to be my date."

She covered her parted lips with her hand. "What about Em?"

Good. She must have agreed. Belle was impulsive. His heartbeat grew stronger.

"Is she single?"

Her gaze narrowed. "Yeah, why?"

There was nothing to worry about. He licked his lips. "There will be single men, most with wealth. I'll make sure she's introduced to everyone."

She crossed her arms and brushed against him. "Em's not interested in a man for his wallet size. She's like me."

Everyone has a price. The thought hit him hard, and he flinched. He hadn't quite figured Belle out yet. He cupped his chin and leaned closer. The smell of apples grew and wet his appetite.

"This is why I find you so attractive. You think everyone is good and kind."

She dropped her hands to her side, but didn't push him away. She swept a piece of hair behind her ear. "She's my friend. I know her."

He shrugged and leaned away from her. "Then you'll come and let her enjoy herself. If she hates all of them, we'll send her to a dive, and she can meet poor men to her heart's content."

His brother, John, and his wife, Alice, both flashed him the thumbs up sign. His skin heated as Alice said, "Bets are for children. I can't believe you'd do that John."

They began to weave through the crowd closer to them. He licked his lips. Belle might hate him if she found out, and he never should have made a bet about her price. He had to act fast.

He stood and held out his hand, "Does that mean you won't dance with me again?"

John and Alice were closer. His heartbeat grew erratic, but then Belle squeezed his arm as she stood. "Of course I will, but your sister is getting ready to throw the bouquet."

He turned and saw his sister motioning with the bouquet. "All the single ladies please step forward."

His hands brushed against her side as she walked away, he said, "Come back soon."

Belle hid her smile and walked into the crowd of women on the dance floor.

His brother and his wife were close. As he turned to sit, Jennifer bumped into him. He swallowed as she whispered in his ear, "Are you enjoying your little date?"

Again he glanced at Belle as she hung toward the back. She had no intention of catching the flowers. He inhaled, but her apple scent was quickly replaced with perfume.

He grimaced. "She's different than anyone I've ever met."

Jennifer practically purred like a cat as she stepped in front of him to block his view of Belle. "Peter, I was hoping, after all the hoopla is over that you might take me to Paris. We can get coffee in that café we liked."

Her hands pressed against his, but he pulled his hand away. "Jennifer, you have a boyfriend.”

“He’s not…”

No. He didn’t need to know. So he interrupted. “I am happy for you. You should go and catch the bouquet with the rest of them."

Thankfully his brother and Alice came. He instantly shook his brother's hand.

"Peter, what's happening?" John asked.

"Is she gone?" He mouthed to Alice. She nodded, and he took a deep breath. "She caught me by surprise."

Alice peeked around Peter and smiled. "Belle caught the bouquet."

"What?" He turned to see Belle. She stood there with her mouth open, and her skin was alabaster white.

"Belle's perfect. Go. Talk to you later."

He walked toward Belle, and then picked her up and spun her around. Belle pressed her head into his chest for a second, and the smell of apples came back. Her natural beauty outshone everyone here.

After everyone clapped for Belle, the music started again. Couples came forward to dance. He held out his hand and offered to dance with her. She held the bouquet in the hand she placed on his upper arm.

"The rest of the night, I'm all yours, Belle. All my duties are complete."

She averted her gaze and stared out at the ocean beyond the stone patio. He twirled her around, unsure what she thought.

Then she said, "As you were dancing, another senator slipped me his card and told me to fit him into my schedule once Congress is back in session."

She must be shy right now. He held her in the dance and spun her around. "That's great."

She swallowed. "Were you talking to Jennifer?"

Caught. He sucked in his breath at the question about his ex-girlfriend. "She came over."

Her big brown eyes then met his, and she never blinked. "And?"

He tightened his hands in the frame of the dance. "I told her I was happy with you."

With a lift of her chin, her gaze had the ability to silence a school boy or anyone that crossed her path. "That must have gone over like a bag of rocks."

"I don't understand."

He twirled her again. She didn't back down from what she had to say. "Jennifer warned me that you don't trust easy, but I think she wants you."

"Jennifer is the past and that's it." Belle's brown eyes didn't blink. He swallowed and finished, "She was in my life when I didn't want to feel anything."

“That emotion and I are acquainted.” Her eyebrow lifted. "And now? What’s different in your life?"

Belle seemed like she intended to fight him if he answered wrong. He flashed her a smile. "I’m here, with you, and there is no competition."

Her face softened. He swallowed. At least she didn't demand his allegiance. He might have given it to her. He almost lost his step.

Then she stood on her tip toes, tugged his shoulder closer to her, and whispered in his ear. "Take me home."

He licked his lips. Belle Jordan might be the best or the worst woman in his life at the moment, not that he had anyone else on his radar. She took his breath away. She stared at him like he was an idiot.

He lingered too long. To cover he said, "What did you have in mind?"

She rubbed the base of her neck near her chest. The music stopped. "The wedding is basically over. It's time to go now."

"Of course."

He led her off the dance floor, and they walked in silence to the door. No one stopped them.

As they exited through the glass doors that led to the front of the building and toward the limo, Belle squeezed his arm. "And Peter, one more thing."

He slowed his pace. He swallowed. "What?"

She said, almost in a whisper, "I'll want another kiss. I was jealous."

Outside people spoke on the veranda and waited in groups. He wrapped his arm around her waist to ensure she stayed near, and then said, "No one else will be in the room, mentally or physically, when I kiss you again."

She winked. "Deal."

It might have been her wink. She was charming and forthright and nothing about her seemed false. She was unlike any woman he'd ever met. Luckily the bet was over now, and she would never be hurt.