Page 21 of Weddings, Revenge & Fake Dating

As she snaps a photo of us, Nathan presses a kiss on my cheek, sending a shock across my shoulders, down my spine, and straight into my belly. He’s doing the possessive thing again. A funny little flutter pools there when the phone’s camera flashes.

When Roman scowls, I attempt to relax in Nathan’s arms because it’s clear something is happening. Roman is uncomfortable.

Sophia gives me a big smile. “I admit, Jeanie, I was worried. Roman warned me you were here to create a scene. I said, ‘No; you’ve got it all wrong.’” She slices a decisive hand through the air. “I said, ‘Jeanie’s here because family comes first.’ And here we are, one big happy family.” She bounces a little with happiness.

“Yes, here we are.” Roman scans the party, appearing bored.

I glare at Sophia’s oblivious and sunshiny disposition. She was the same way when she was little. It’s so annoying.

Thankfully, Dex and Freddie join us.

“Great dress, Mrs. Benton.” Freddie winks, and I give him a scolding look.

“You really do have a date.” Dex looks Nathan over as if confirming he’s not a hologram.

“You must be Dex. Nice to meet you.” Nathan grips hands with Dex, and then they bump shoulders like a young-person secret handshake. “I like your tie, man. Is that designer?”

“Made it myself.” Dex puffs out his chest and smooths his hand down the red satin with strange embellishments.

“Yeah, if you squint, it looks like a cooked lobster.” Roman laughs and bumps Dex’s shoulder like it’s a reasonable joke.

Dex’s proud expression falls, and I give his father a scorching look.

“Roman!”

“Jeanie, you need to stop coddling him or he’ll grow up to be one of those weirdo kids.” Roman’s voice lowers to a whiny pitch. “Oh, I’m so special and perfect, why won’t anyone date me?”

“So what if Tex is weird,” Sophia says. “He’s not a loser. He’s sweet.”

“D-D-Dex.” Freddie fakes a cough into his cupped hands.

“He’ll have lots of dates when he’s ready. We need to encourage him.” I stroke Dex’s arm, but he pulls away, annoyed.

“Encourage, yes. But when he sews or cooks something that sucks, tell him it sucks.” He eyes Dex’s creation.

Dex unknots the tie right before he and Freddie charge off. Frustrated, Dex tosses it in the pool. Before it even hits the surface, Nathan is on his way to save it. He scoops it up, soaking wet, then rolls and presses out the water before handing it to me.

“Roman, you’re too hard on him. He’s a kid.” I drop the ruined tie into my purse.

“Not now, Jeanie,” Roman says, his voice clipped. He takes a sip of his drink, ending the conversation.

At my side, Nathan shoots Roman a murderous glare. He only relaxes when I entwine my fingers with his. Now, I’m telepathing him a message: Keep your cool.

Sophia clears her throat, appearing conflicted. “We’re going to have so much fun this week. There’s the bachelorette party tonight, the dress fitting, the Miami boat tour, the spa day, and the rehearsal dinner on the beach.” She counts several events off on her fingers. “You two are going to love it.”

Did I commit to other wedding events? No.

I take one step, ready to run, but Nathan grips the waistline of my dress, and I snap back to his side. Firmly in place, he nudges me to respond.

“Sounds like fun. Can’t wait,” I say, my response stiff.

“Amelia!” Sophia’s arms shoot skyward as her attention is pulled in another direction, and she totters away.

“I don’t care what Sophia says. I’m watching you.” Roman points two fingers at his own eyes and then at us before stalking away.

Finally alone with Nathan, I release a heavy breath.

“The asshat is already jealous. Roman couldn’t keep his eyes off you.” Nathan plucks two champagne glasses from a waiter’s tray and hands me one.