Page 20

“I want to kill him.”

Magnus raised a brow.

“Not really, but he should know better. Zach has a baby. Emma is worried.”

“Emma has nae need tae be worried. Zach is goin’ because his brother wants him tae act like a single man for a few hours. Zach will laugh and have fun, and I will be there and we will pretend tae look⁠—”

“No looking.”

“I will keep m’eyes closed the whole time.”

He looked so freaking handsome. He was wearing a dark linen shirt, buttoned up the front, and a dark wool kilt. He had a new sporran and belt. His hair was a little longer than usual and a bit wet so it was back from his face, no curls coming forward.

He said, “I wish Quentin was here. I would have him drive ye for protection.”

“I don’t need a driver, I have a limo. You too. And ours is a bachelorette party. No protection, no boys allowed. It’s going to be a rocking good time. Emma is a mom. I’m a married lady. Hayley isn’t drinking. We’re going to go crazy.”

Magnus chuckled.

I added, “Quentin’ll be here soon though. The Mustang is packed with what we need. We just have to get this wedding done first.”

I lay back sprawled on the bed. “I’m still stuffed from the pretentious bridal breakfast this morning. All day spa. I’m exhausted.” I opened my eyes to look up at him, stock still, appraising me.

“You likey? I got my nails done, a facial, the full massage.” I held up a hand to show off my nails and put a leg up in the air. “Feel it, soft and silky.” He ran a hand down my leg and sighed.

“I like ye verra much. This dress is verra...” He shook his head.

My dress was a soft shimmery filmy little party dress. Seemed a shame to waste it on strangers in a nightclub in Jax, but also, it would be fun to dance in a night club. I hadn’t gone dancing since I lived in Los Angeles.

He pulled me to standing. “But I am runnin’ late for our limo.”

I took a deep breath. “Okay. I’m running late for our limo, too.”

He put a hand on each side of my face. “Ye arna frightened?”

“I’m not. Not really, just nervous. A little, yeah. I’m scared.”

He smoothed my hair back. “We will be separated for a few hours, mo reul-iuil, tae have some fun with our friends. I will see ye tonight.” He kissed me on the lips.

“Tonight.”

9 - KAITLYN

We were at the Myth nightclub in Jacksonville. There were ten women. Some of Emma’s friends from high school were there and some of us were drinking a way lot. Hayley had a couple of drinks because she justified it as people were “counting on her.” I had too many drinks, but in the fun way.

It was good to relax.

The music was so loud, the beat pounding into my bloodstream, the lights strobing. Hayley ditched us to dance with some guy. Another man tried to dance in the middle of our circle and kept rubbing up against us, all handsy and stupid.

Emma was having a blast. One of her drunk friends kept drunkenly declaring how much they loved each other. There was a very handsome hipster sitting near the bar checking me out⁠—

My eyes swept across the floor.

Magnus.

Zach was pushing through the crowds, scanning the room. Magnus followed him.

I jumped and waved. “Zach!” I danced up to Emma and yelled in her ear. “Zach is here!”