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“I’m not marrying for love,” I say. “But I’m sure we’ll find our way to it over the years.”
I follow suit, letting the sparkling bubbles flow down my throat. He reaches out for my empty glass, and I hand it to him. Our fingers brush in the exchange, sending a heatwave of electric tickles over my skin.
He takes the glasses, exchanging them for fresh ones.
He gives me the second drink, looking me up and down. “Can you have two without tipping over?”
“I guess we’ll find out,” I joke. “I already know my tolerance from sneaking drinks with my friends. And it’s just fine. How do you think we got through these boring grownup parties?”
He glances around. “Everyone here is over forty. Where are your friends?”
“Yeah, they all moved on while I stayed home. My mom did all the invites, sending them to her and my father’s friends. It’s mostly just aunties here, dragging their husbands along, to celebrate with me. I was okay with it, not wanting to burden anyone with having to come.” Now, it seems a bit silly I didn’t invite any old friends. I think that after Pippa, I just wasn’t in the mood to celebrate. “Happy Birthday to me, huh?” I sip the silky champagne, the bubbles tickling my throat.
“Well, you’ll have plenty of friends on our upcoming trip,” he says.
I correct him. “Bodyguards.”
“Still.” He shrugs. “Do what we say, and we’ll be friendly. Tell me about yourself.”
“Kate Paisley. Everyone but my parents calls me Paisley. Or Paise. My favorite color is blue. I’m allergic to shellfish. I like kickboxing.”
He actually smiles. “I don’t have a favorite color. No allergies. I like Moi Thai. Damian teaches me martial arts.”
“I know Damian,” I say. “Our moms were best friends. He’s older than me but we vacationed with his family a lot while I was growing up.”
“Looks like we have a few things in common. We’re Bachmans. We’re close with Damian. What else?” He eyes me, heat washing over my face.
“That’s all you need to know,” I say.
“Fair enough.” He nods toward the front of the room. “Your father is ready for us. It’s time for the big announcement.” Then he asks me something no one else ever has about this engagement. “Are you ready for this?”
“How can anyone ever be ready for this?” I say.
“I totally agree. Another thing we have in common.” He holds his hand out to me. “May I?”
I hold my hand out, slipping it into his big one. The warmth, strength, protection of his hand calms me as it closes around mine. The closeness of our bodies as we move through the crowd thrums through me like a current of electricity.
They know the announcement that’s coming. Still, excitement buzzes through the crowd. All eyes turn to us. For the first time tonight, I don’t mind the attention on me.
I catch whispered words as we pass by our guests. About my beauty. My dress.
Smiling, I try to enjoy the moment, luxuriate in the attention. I was always good at playing pretend. I dip into that energy right now, wanting to make my family proud. I smile. Wave to the people. Kiss my father’s cheek as I join my parents for the announcement.
Savage’s hand slips from mine and he blends into the background.
My dad’s face shines with happiness.
seven
Savage
The moment they make the announcement, she dips out from under her father’s arm, yawning. She makes her excuses, telling us she’s exhausted from the night. Gives dad a quick peck on the cheek, then disappears up the curving staircase.
She doesn’t even get one of the cupcakes I’d heard she’d been searching for. Suspicious. I wouldn’t choose to go from chasing our enemies to babysitting the princess, but I take whatever job I’m given and do it to my best ability.
What do I know about her?
She’s tough. Beautiful. The girl the boys feared. Pull her pigtail in grade school and you’d have yourself a black eye. She’s smart, graduated from her online college with a 4.0 grade point average. Tonight, she looked absolutely stunning in that dress. Her eyes bright and ready to take on her future.
