Page 21 of My Real Love Affair

Movement in my peripheral vision caught my attention. Cash, cutting through the crowd toward us with the determination of a man on a mission. A very pissed-off mission.

“Incoming,” I muttered.

“What?”

“My brother. He’s about to make a scene.”

Sure enough, Cash appeared at my elbow, his expression dark. “Austin. A word.”

“I’m kind of in the middle of something.”

“Now.”

Melody’s grip on my hand tightened. I gave her what I hoped was a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll be right back. Don’t let anyone steal you away.”

“I’ll try to control myself,” she said dryly.

Cash practically dragged me to a corner of the garden, away from the main crowd. The moment we were out of earshot, he rounded on me. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Dancing. It’s what people do at weddings.”

“Don’t be a smartass. Who is she?”

“Her name is Melody. She’s my girlfriend.”

Cash’s eyes narrowed. “Since when?”

“Since about thirty minutes ago. Love at first sight. Very romantic.”

“Austin, I swear to god?—”

“What?” I crossed my arms. “Isn’t this what you wanted? Me in a relationship? Looking respectable? I made it pretty fucking public. The whole internet is probably already speculating about when the next Bancroft wedding will be.”

“That’s not—” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “You were supposed to be here with Summer. We had an arrangement.”

“Summer’s a narc. I got a better offer.”

“You can’t just ditch your date,” Cash muttered, clearly trying to control his temper. “This isn’t a game.”

“Sure it is. And I’m winning.” I grinned at him. “Look, you wanted me to clean up my image, right? Show Dad I can be in a stable relationship? Well, congratulations. Mission accomplished. I’ve got a gorgeous woman on my arm, and I plan to be a very nice, well-behaved big boy. Just like all my brothers. A proper Bancroft.”

The words tasted like acid, but the look on Cash’s face was worth it.

“You’re unbelievable,” he said through gritted teeth.

“I know. It’s part of my charm.” I clapped him on the shoulder. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a girlfriend to get back to.”

I started to walk away, but Cash grabbed my arm. “This isn’t over.”

“It never is with you.” I shook him off. “But right now? I’m going to enjoy my evening. You should do the same. Maybe find someone to dance with. Loosen up a little. That stick up your ass can’t be comfortable. Summer is available, right? Since you liked her so much, you date her.”

I didn’t wait for his response. I made my way back to where I’d left Melody, finding her exactly where I’d left her, nursing a glass of champagne and looking slightly overwhelmed.

“Hey,” I said, sliding back to her side. “Sorry about that.”

“Everything okay?”

“Peachy. Just my brother being his usual controlling self.” I snagged a champagne flute from a passing waiter. “Want to get out of here for a bit? There’s a really nice spot by the pond.”