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Marley closed the door to her car, Sonora’s pink bridal folder in her arms. It was already hot, her hands slick against the plastic, and she could only imagine how she was going to melt later at the Newman wedding. It was the whole reason they were doing dance lessons in the morning instead of this afternoon. Sonora had nearly blown a gasket when Marley told her that she wasn’t her only client, but there was nothing she could do about it.
Of course, that hadn’t kept Sonora from taking her revenge by riding her about the celebrity entertainment. And despite Sonora’s shitty treatment of pretty much everyone, Marley had been nice enough not to repeat the many unpleasant things the musicians and their managers had said about her.
In fact, Marley figured she must be campaigning for sainthood, because not completely turning to goo every time Luke held her in his arms was a feat of strength. She hugged the pink binder to her chest, trying to forget about how good it had felt to just let Luke lead her around the dance floor. To enjoy him, and forget who he was and the damage being with him could cause.
A brief fling wasn’t worth her job or her chance to start a new life, and she had to keep telling herself that.
A flash of blue caught her eye and she saw Brent on the side of the dance hall, holding Kendall in his arms. He seemed to be comforting her, and unease made Marley’s stomach churn a bit.
Stop it. He’s going to be her brother-in-law. There is nothing going on there.
Clearing her throat, the two broke apart and Marley smiled awkwardly. “Sorry, guys, but Sonora is getting us together for some dance number.”
Brent ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, sure. I’ll see you two in there.”
Marley kept her gaze on Kendall, who was wiping at her eyes as Brent disappeared inside. “Do I look all puffy?”
She did a little, but Marley wasn’t going to tell her that. “No, you’re beautiful. You ready to go in?”
“I guess.” Kendall fell into step beside her, but just as they reached the porch, she blurted, “Is it wrong that I think my sister is a horrible person?”
No, because it is the truth.
“Sisters fight. You two will make up.”
“Sometimes I wonder how a guy as great as Brent can stand her.”
Marley stopped with her hand on the door, and turned slowly. Don’t ask. Don’t you dare ask.
“Kendall, do you have feelings for Brent?”
Kendall’s cheeks turned crimson, and Marley had her answer.
“If I say yes, are you going to tell Sonora?” she asked, softly.
“No. And you don’t have to tell me anything. I shouldn’t have asked in the first place.”
Kendall shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. “You’re so nice. I honestly cannot understand what you see in Sonora.”
Twenty thousand dollars and a way out of Sweetheart.
Marley squeezed Kendall’s shoulder. “Sometimes people lash out because they don’t know how to cope with their emotions.”
“Or she’s just a heinous bitch.” Kendall sighed and cracked her neck before blinking her tears back. “Okay, I’m ready to face the dragon.”
Marley pulled open the door and immediately, her gaze went to Luke. He was leaning against the wall, watching Sonora and Delores go back and forth, his dark eyes missing nothing. It was probably his cop face, and her stomach knotted up just imagining him storming an armed hostage situation or a spousal dispute. They’d been having so much fun dancing and talking that she’d almost forgotten she was supposed to be keeping him at arm’s length.
Even if he hadn’t been the best man, it would have been stupid to get involved with him anyway. He put his life on the line every day. Why would she want to risk falling for someone who literally ran toward danger?
Sonora was suddenly in her face, taking the folder from her. “Thank you. Now we can get started.”
Sonora spun around on those skinny heels, and Marley’s fists clenched.
“Are you sure?” Kendall said.
Marley turned toward the other woman, confused. “Sorry?”
“Are you sure you aren’t just pretending to be my sister’s friend? Most of Sonora’s friends are vapid, narcissistic whores.”
