Behind the Velvet Rope by Jane Fox

Author:Jane Fox [Fox, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-02-13T16:00:00+00:00

I should have waited to ask her to come home with me, because it makes the rest of the reception drag. There are the obligatory dances (the one where I have to watch a pimply groomsman put his clumsy hands all over Parker is a particularly low point), the speeches, the smashing of cake in faces.

And one very memorable exchange with Kevin the idiot.

I’m getting a drink while Parker’s dancing as part of the wedding party when he sidles up next to me.

“How much is she paying you?” he asks conversationally.

“What?”

“To pretend to be her boyfriend. What’s she paying you? I’m not stupid.”

I snort, but resist the urge to say anything else. I am a guest at someone else’s wedding, after all.

“Cut the shit,” Kevin says. I almost have to admire the balls on this guy, but it’s probably stupidity more than anything else. “I know you’re not here because you want to be.”

My hands are balling themselves into fists, and I have to force myself not to lay the little worm out flat. “Just because you’re too fucking stupid to know when you have someone truly exceptional doesn’t mean I am.”

“You’re good,” he says. He thinks he’s safe because I’m on my best behavior, and he’s taking advantage of it. “Tell Parker you deserve a bonus for being such a good actor.”

I sling an arm around him and laugh as if he’s said something hilarious. I squeeze the pressure point on the back of his shoulder in a way I know causes extreme discomfort.

“Don’t think I can’t take you down without anyone knowing what’s happening,” I growl in his ear. “Quit being a dick to Parker, or I will make you hurt in ways you don’t even know exist.” I drop my arm. “Are we clear?”

He eyes me warily. “Yeah,” he says.

“Go find someplace that’s not in Parker’s line of sight and quit trying to ruin tonight for her,” I growl.

He scurries off, every ounce of bravado gone. I glance to the dance floor and find Parker’s eyes on me. She gives me a small smile and I smile back. I watch as she dances, and, as soon as it’s appropriate to do so, I cut in.

“What happened with Kevin?” she asks.

“He realized the error of his ways and promised he’ll behave himself for the rest of the night,” I say. “He was going to come beg for your forgiveness, but I told him you’re all mine.”

She gives me a playfully exasperated look. “Do I want to know what really happened?” she asks.

“Probably not,” I tell her.

“My hero,” she says, laying her head against my chest as we dance.

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