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Did he just imply I’m his beard? No, that couldn’t be what he meant. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” She raked her hand through his hair. “You were magnificent tonight.”
He grinned. “And I’ll be even more so later.”
She rolled her eyes. “Promises, promises.”
He pulled her close, his mouth at her ear. “It’s a good thing I’m wearing a codpiece or everyone would know what I’m feeling right now.”
“Hearing that is enough to make my maidenly heart flutter.”
“That’s her? That’s the girl he’s thrown me over for?” Melanie Daniels shrieked, her voice carrying across the room. “She’s not even that pretty.”
Reece frowned, staring into Nicole’s eyes as she absorbed the insult.
Nicole grinned, nuzzling her cheek against his. “I’m glad you’ve gone on an all-natural kick, Reece. With some things, you never know if it’s real or artificial.” She glanced over at Marcus, standing beside the actress. “You should leave being fake to the ones who are good at it.”
Reece chuckled as he set her on her feet. “Behave yourself, madam,” he said, releasing her. “Don’t make me spank you.”
She giggled. “Don’t let the media hear you say that. You’ll end up in anger management classes.”
He snorted as he spun her around, pushing her lightly back toward their family and friends. “What do you think? Did I do justice to the part?”
His mother leaned up, kissing his cheek. “Those acting workshops were a wonderful investment.”
His father nodded agreement. “It was money well-spent.”
Reece turned to Maggie. “What of you, Maggie, my love? Was I as good as your imagination?” He knew Twelfth Night was her favorite of Shakespeare’s plays.
She beamed in pride. “I think you did The Bard proud, Colin.” She covered her mouth, her chagrin obvious. “I’m so sorry. I always seem to forget not to use your name in public.”
He hugged her. “I think the cat’s out of the bag anyway. With all the news coverage Nicole and I have been getting, it was bound to happen.” He looked at his parents. “I’m sorry I can no longer protect your anonymity.”
Clarissa shook her head. “We’ll deal with it as it comes.” She beamed at her youngest child. “You did a marvelous job, dear.” She glanced over at Marcus, who had wandered up unexpectedly. “Aren’t you going to congratulate your brother?”
Marcus stepped forward, Nicole bracing herself. “I wanted to tell you I was wrong, Reece. I should have listened to you when you said you wanted to try other types of roles. I’m sorry the dollar signs in my eyes blinded me from seeing I was stymieing your career.” His gaze flicked to Nicole. “I’m sorry for other things as well.”
Reece nodded, pulling Nicole tight against his side. “Thank you, Marcus. That means a lot to me.”
Marcus reached out, clasping Nicole’s hand. “I’m sorry for what I did to you. I know it’s no excuse,
but I thought I was protecting my brother. In truth I was only thinking of myself. I didn’t want to lose my golden goose.”
She nodded but remained silent. She didn’t trust him. If he was contrite, why did he bring the actress to the show, stirring up trouble?
Marcus’s lips twisted. “I can see it’s going to take more than an apology for you to believe me.” She didn’t say anything. He glanced back to his brother. “She’s going to be a tough nut to crack, isn’t she? Perhaps you can put in a good word for me.”
Reece smiled. “Sorry, Marcus, you’re on your own.”
Marcus nodded, his head turning toward a darkened corner of the room. “I’m sorry about Melanie. I had no idea the reason she wanted to come tonight was to cause a scene. She’s always been genuinely fond of you. I thought she wanted to show her support.”
“Yeah, she wanted to show how she can support her boobs against his arm,” Nicole grumbled.
Marcus’s eyes widened. He began to laugh—low at first, growing steadily louder with time. Reece and Nicole glanced at each other and back again, but Marcus continued to laugh. “Dear God, brother, does she always have a snappy comeback?”
Reece smiled. “Always. It’s one of the reasons we get along so well.”
Marcus wiped moisture from his eyes. “I see that.” He backed away. “I won’t keep you any longer. Again, Reece, you were fantastic.” His eyes shot to Nicole. “Write him well.”
“That’s my plan.” As Marcus moved away, she gazed up at Reece. “You’re still keeping him as your manager, aren’t you?”
