Beth gave Joss a hilariously sly look that suggested she was intrigued rather than cautioned.
We were off again, Braden’s laughter louder than anyone’s. “Christ, next she’ll be repeating it in school.” He rubbed his eyes, his expression smoothing out from hilarity. “If she does, I’m leaving you to explain it.”
“What happened to being in this together?” Joss grumbled.
“She gets it from you, so you’re best equipped to deal with it.”
The look Joss cut him was not one of amusement.
“She’s definitely your daughter,” I said, picking my fork back up.
“Jocelyn’s?” Braden asked as Joss asked, “Braden’s?”
“Exactly.”
CHAPTER 6
T
he next week flew in with work and volunteering, the gym and my book club. By the time Saturday rolled around I was looking forward to taking some time off, spending the night with Cole surrounded by people we didn’t know, cracking jokes and making up life stories for the strangers we’d be sharing a reception hall with.
When I got into the cab he’d hired to drive us to the reception just outside the city center, my eyes roved over Cole in approval. He’d gone conservative for me this evening, wearing a three-piece suit that covered most of his tattoos. He gave a nod to his own personal taste with the chain that dangled from the front of his waistband, looping down and up to the back of it.
“You look great,” I said with a grin.
“You look stunning,” he murmured, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.
I was wearing a black dress, molded to my figure, and bright blue pumps with platform heels. “Was Stephanie okay about you escorting me tonight?”
Cole quirked an eyebrow at the mention of his girlfriend, appearing annoyed. “Nope.”
I winced. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. She’s been acting crazy jealous lately. Not just about you, but girls at uni, even clients at the studio. I don’t think it’s going to work out.”
“Cole, I’m really sorry.” I cuddled into his side as the cab drove out of town. “Wouldn’t it be so much easier if we were attracted to each other?”
“So much easier,” he agreed. “But alas, you are immune to my charms.”
“As you are to mine.” I sighed dramatically.
Cole chuckled and put his arm around me. “One day you’ll meet someone you can stand to commit to, and I’ll meet someone who isn’t batshit crazy.”
“Oh, you dreamer you.”
The wedding reception was in full swing when we got there. Someone I didn’t know directed me to the table where all the wedding presents were and I put my gift there before tagging Cole by the hand and leading him into the main hall. Tables and chairs had been pushed to the edges of the room and the lights had been dimmed. Guests danced on the floor to the DJ’s playlist, while others mingled at the tables and at the bar at the far end of the room. I spotted the bride easily and we made our way over to her.
“Oh, my gosh!” Nish cried out happily upon seeing me. “You look amazing.”
I laughed. “I say that to you. And you do. You look beautiful.” I gestured to Cole. “This is Cole.”
“The famous Cole.” Nish hugged him, sharing her joy. Cole patted her back awkwardly and politely tried to disengage. “Oh, my word.” She grinned into his face. “You are even more gorgeous in real life.” She frowned at me. “What is wrong with you? Just friends. Pfft. Anyhoo” – she flung herself around – “Andrew!”
A good-looking bloke in a kilt turned at her yell and grinned, swaggering over to us.
Nish grabbed his arm and yanked him close. “Hannah, this is my husband, Andrew.”
After the introductions, we left the happy couple to their mingling and Cole and I made our way over to the bar. I passed the table with my colleagues and waved at them.
“Do you want to go over?” Cole asked, following my gaze.
“Nah. Let’s just hang out. Mock people. Mock love,” I joked.
“I’m starting with you, Miss Cynical.”
I rolled my eyes as he ordered our drinks. As soon as we had them I moved us over to an almost empty table. I’d forgotten how awkward it could be to be in a room with a bunch of strangers who knew one another but didn’t know you. “We’ll leave soon,” I promised.
Cole shrugged. “It doesn’t bother me. Nish seems nice.”
“She’s a kook.” I shook my head, watching her drag Barbara onto the dance floor. I sank a little lower in my seat, hoping she wouldn’t demand the same of me.
We sat there a while, just laughing and joking and catching up on each other’s lives. Some time had passed when I began to feel a burn on the left side of my face. Skin tingling, I turned my head to look across the room. My eyes moved over the guests, not recognizing anyone. Don’t know him, don’t know her, don’t know her, don’t know him, Marco, don’t know hi —
My eyes dragged back, my heart suddenly in my throat as my gaze connected with Marco’s.
I felt as if someone had just swung a bat at my chest.
I couldn’t breathe.