Page 65 of I Want to Know What Love Is

“Yes. I’m a model.” I say my line, for once lying with shocking believability. Unfortunately, Amanda’s face shows her shock. But that’s not the problem. The real problem is when the hysterical laughter quivers on her lips.

“I know, it’s crazy,” I say and then I do the one thing that’ll stop her from laughing and calling me out, I kiss her. I swallow the hysteria, the indignance, the shock with tenderness and passion in equal measures. I possess her mouth, making her understand the charade with the seriousness of my lips on hers, with the promise that I would do anything for her, even this.

“Wow Mandy,” someone says. There’s a hoot from someone else and some nervous titters. But I don’t care about that, because I feel her tension and nerves disappear, feel her gripping my lapels and feel her tongue finding mine, returning the passion.

“I’m sorry, but who exactly are you?” A snooty voice cuts through the tittering and commotion.

“I’m—”

“He’s my And One, Hilda. Dylan, this is Mrs. Ludwick.”

“Our favorite groom’s mother,” Dooley shouts and zooms in to take her hand.

“Meet my manager, Augustus Dooley.” It’s only a half lie and he takes over as the perfect distraction, not giving Mrs. Ludwick a chance to suggest that he may not be an invited guest.

“Let’s find our table, Mandy.” I ghost my lips over her temple, taking in her scent. No acting needed here. She has me transfixed with her stunning up-do and the silky red dress that leaves her shoulders bare. My hands travel up her arms, caressing the creamy skin and the gooseflesh that pops out gives me as much of a thrill as her. She nods and I slip an arm around her in a way that screams she’s mine as we walk inside.

“Maybe we should get a drink first,” she says. “I have a feeling I’m going to need it.” I chuckle low in her ear, dipping my mouth close and whisper.

“No drinking for me, but let’s get you one.” We head to the bar and I know the exact moment she realizes the two handsome devils leaning against one end are more than familiar. Her steps slow and then she stops, stiffening. She turns and hisses.

“Is that Shelby Bertrand?”

“The one and only. And his friend is Trey Eagleton. They’re my best friends. They came to—”

“They crashed the wedding,” she states the obvious and I nudge her forward with a shrug.

“This is so…”

“Couyon?” I say as we reach the bar. I check the featured drinks. “The lady will have a martini, straight up.” It’s not on the list, but I don’t take her for a Cup Cake Martini kind of girl. Because she’s not a girl at all.”

“No use worrying about the crazy now, Coach,” Shelby says. “Best to roll with it. We’ll take care—”

“You shouldn’t be here. None of you—”

“Too late for that.” I give her the most sizzling look I own and hand her the drink. “I won’t cause you any trouble. I promise.”

“Too late for that,” she says, but there’s no anger in her words, nothing but vulnerability in the sparkle of her golden jewel eyes. She swigs down half her drink. “What are you going to do?” She asks me.

“Let’s go somewhere private for this discussion,” I say. I nod to the guys and we go to the table. A gong sounds and most of the crowd follows, so I pull her into a side hall for our private discussion.

“All I’m going to do is have a conversation with Gary. Right after I have a dance with his new bride. Right after you introduce me to them.”

She stares at me, all kinds of emotion warring inside her. “This is worse than crazy. You could get into such trouble. We could both—”

“No one here knows who I am. You’re the only one who can change that.”

“Guess you have me over a fucking barrel there, Jonesy.”

“Shhhh. My name is Bond—”

“And you couldn’t have come up with a more believable cover name than Bond?”

“I was inspired by the costume.” I tug at my tie, watching her, holding her, wanting her, my heart beating like crazy because maybe she’s right and this is all ridiculous. But I remember the haughty Mrs. Ludwick and my mission to have a chat with Gary and I remember the desolate vulnerability in Amanda’s eyes when she told me about what he did to her.

“What I’m doing is the only thing a man who cares about you should do. I’m standing up for you. I’m exorcising the bastard who hurt you from your life—”

“I… know that’s what you’re trying to do, Dylan. But I can handle it. I was handling it fine.”