Page 19 of One Weekend in Los Angeles

The way he emphasized his familiarity with Bryce and not Nina was an intentional nuance. “Nice to meet you both,” I offered.

By the clench of Nina’s jaw, the feeling was definitely not mutual.

“You as well, Andrea,” Bryce said graciously.

I didn’t miss the way Deacon tightened his arm around my waist.

Nina wasn’t done with the subject she wanted front and center. “Like I said, Deacon came back to see me before the wedding.”

Deacon didn’t miss a beat. “Yes, evidently there was a mix-up when one of the bridesmaids took me to see you instead of to my mother. But luckily Andrea didn’t have to wait long for me to return.” He smoothed his hand up and down my waist as if to remind his ex of who he was with.

Since her multiple attempts to cause drama had failed, Nina turned to me with a new tactic, venom dripping from her words. “You look familiar, Amanda. Aren’t you that reality star’s wife who was cheated on?”

Deacon was about to speak, but I gripped his hand. “My name is Andrea, and yes, we’re separated due to his infidelity which is definitely not a topic to bring up during a joyous occasion. Congratulations to you two. Beautiful wedding.”

Deacon was done with the small talk. “Glad we were able to catch you both before leaving.”

“You’re leaving? The cake isn’t cut yet.” Nina sounded almost desperate.

“Yes, apologies, but Andrea and I have limited time together before I leave on Monday, so you understand.”

Nina narrowed her eyes and feigned empathy, addressing me. “Don’t take it personally when Deacon doesn’t invite you to his Australian retreat. He’s only invited one of his loves to his special place in all the years he’s been living there.”

In other words: he’d taken her there.

Deacon stiffened. “Actually, Andrea is joining me there in a few weeks.”

Say what now? It was obvious by the way she recoiled that his intention had been to serve notice she’d been replaced. I’d have felt sorry for her if not for the brand-new wedding ring on her left hand.

“With all that he’s shared with me about the place, I’m excited to see it in person,” I squeaked out, trying to go with the flow of this blatant lie.

“How exciting for you both. Thanks again for coming, Deacon. It was lovely to meet you, Andrea.” Bryce took his bride’s arm. “Shall we greet the other guests?”

For a moment I thought Nina might shake off her new husband and make a scene. But it was as if she realized she’d lost this battle. The real question was whether or not she was ready to concede the war.

“Yes, of course. Thank you both for coming.”

As soon as they turned, Deacon wasted no time. He led me over to say his goodbyes to his mom and stepfather, paused for a couple photos with some of the other attendees, before he practically jogged me out to the parking lot. He nodded at his security team to indicate he would no longer wait for the rogue photographers to be rounded up.

In my high heels, I was unable to keep up. As if finally noticing, he came to a halt. “Shit, I’m sorry, Andi.”

My screaming feet made me wince. “It’s all right.”

“It really isn’t.” In an unexpected move, he swept me off my feet and into his arms, striding the last few feet toward the valet. Deacon handed him the ticket as if it was perfectly normal to be balancing a grown woman while doing so. “Better?”

For my feet, yes. For my attraction to him, not at all. “You don’t have to carry me.”

Oh, sweet baby mini cows, he dropped his face and nuzzled my neck. The sensation of his scruff hit my sensitive skin and sent a shiver down my spine.

I closed my eyes and lost all concept of space and time—until the moment was interrupted with the sound of click, click, click.

Deacon put me down gently, and we turned to see the photog about twenty feet away. Having gotten his pic, the dude waved and jogged down the private drive he’d snuck up for the intrusive photos.

“Guessing that’ll be in the tabloids by tomorrow.” Taking out his billfold, he tipped the guy who brought around his car. I slid into the passenger side, thanking Deacon for holding the door.

We were quiet as we drove away.

Chapter Twelve