I don't like it.
Not one bit.
“Wonderful,” she says. “And just so you know, everyone is already talking about you both. Keep it up!”
Kai looks delighted.
I groan.
“See?” he says. “Publicity.”
“This is not publicity.”
“It absolutely is.”
And he’s right.
People are already staring.
Actually staring.
Mrs. Russo from the parish office waves enthusiastically.
Then immediately whispers something to her friend.
Both women look at us.
Then smile.
Oh, dear Lord.
It's started.
Kai notices, too.
The smug jerk.
“Look at that.”
“Stop it.”
“The plan is working.”
“We've been in the same room for thirty seconds.”
“Exactly.”
I glare.
He grins.
And somehow I know tonight is going to be a complete disaster.
The worst part?
As Kai follows me toward the stage and casually places his hand at the small of my back—I feel warm.
Protected.
