Hedging His Bet: From Valentine's to Vegas by LizAnne Axtel

Author:LizAnne Axtel [Axtel, LizAnne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dokopot Books
Published: 2024-02-28T00:00:00+00:00

eleven

Sydnie

There’s wary surprise in my cousin’s almost husband’s eyes when they turn at my call. “Stephen, I’m surprised Blaire let you out of her sight.”

A bronze flush rises on his clean-shaven cheeks and my sister’s boyfriend answers. “The girls are all at the spa.”

I grin at him. “I’m glad you got to escape, too, James.”

His nervous chuckle sets off warning bells in my head. Maybe he and Sylvi aren’t getting along as well as she tells everyone. I give a mental shrug. Not any of my concern. But I do hope he dumps her. He seems like a nice guy and deserves more than my witch of a sister.

“Why aren’t you with the rest of the ladies?” Stephen asks. “Blaire made such a big deal out of reserving the entire spa for the day to pamper everyone.”

“Ah, you’re a smart guy. I’m sure you’ve noticed that while Blaire and Sylvi are besties, I’m a persona non grata. I’m only here because you had one too many groomsmen.”

His brows draw together. “Really? Blaire told me that originally you had difficulty arranging time off from work, and only were able to come at the last minute.”

I don’t hold back a snort. “Yeah, my boss is a real terror. Stephen, I’m my own boss. Although I’ll have to remember that excuse next time Sylvi wants me to do something for her.”

With a sideways glance at James, Stephan huffs out a breath. “I wish I’d known.”

“Doesn’t matter. I am sorry you had to put out extra money for my travel and expenses, though. I can pay you back.”

He waves one hand. “A drop in the bucket when compared to the cost of this extravaganza. Listen, I was suspicious over Blaire’s insistence she hire a bodyguard for you. Now I see it’s just a ploy to keep you out of the way.”

I glance over my shoulder. Fynn is watching us closely, his lips set in a firm line. Returning my attention to the groom, I say, “It’s actually worked out well. Fynn has been showing me around the city. I haven’t had to worry about what Sylvi is planning next. Your bride and her maid of honor don’t need to even see me until the rehearsal. Good all the way around.”

“As long as⁠—”

“Really, I’m fine. You guys enjoy your day away from the hoopla. I’m trying to work up the courage to try one of the zip lines.”

All three of us lift our faces to peer at the thick cable overhead. James shakes his head. “Not me. There’s no way.”

“I was thinking that before, but now, I’m talking myself into it. At least then I can say I tried. I’ll see you guys at the rehearsal.”

I take a step backward before turning to return to Fynn but Stephen stops me with a hand on my shoulder. At the edge of my vision, I see Fynn stand, the tension in his frame disturbing the air around him. He does take his bodyguard duties seriously. I’ll think of a reward for his unneeded protection later.

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