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“What’s going on back there??
? I ask.
“I’m not sure. Two girls over there keep looking at me and whispering back and forth.”
“You know them?”
“No, maybe they know you.”
I touch her hand. “Maybe, but I’m here with you tonight, and you’re the only one I want to talk to.”
I pull my hands back when the server comes with our bottle of wine. He pours some into my glass, I taste it and nod. Once he’s gone, I say, “I’m glad you’re feeling better. I was pretty worried about you.”
Her smile is sweet, grateful. “Thanks for taking care of me all night. I’m just glad whatever it was passed.”
“I had a talk with Richard.”
She toys with the stem on her wineglass. “He told me you did.”
“I don’t trust that guy. I still think he was behind whatever made you ill.”
She sets her napkin on the table. “I’m going to make a quick trip to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be right here.”
I pull my phone from my pocket and check messages as I wait for her to return. There are a few from my sisters, and one from my team at Hard Wear. I read it quickly, but it’s something I can deal with later. I put my phone away and pour another splash of wine into our glasses as the server returns with bread. The warm scent fills my senses. I look toward the hall leading to the washrooms. What is taking Peyton so long? A knot coils in my stomach. Jesus, I hope she’s not sick again. I’m about to stand, go to her, when she comes from the hall, her face a little pale.
What the hell?
She hurries to her chair. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, that girl who was staring followed me to the bathroom. She asked who I was to you. I told her you were my husband, and she said you were old friends.”
I turn and see the woman coming from the bathroom, headed our way. Holy shit. Here comes trouble.
Anna’s eyes go wide, and she holds her arms out to me, a big surprised smile on her face. I stand and bring her in for a hug.
“Anna, it’s so nice to see you. It’s been a long time.”
“Too long, clearly,” she says, her gaze going from me to Peyton, back to me again. “I saw you two earlier, and let me say, it comes as quite a surprise to find out you’re married. Lucy never said a word to me about it.”
My throat tightens. “It was a fast ceremony, and we’ve been keeping things quiet.”
Her dark eyes narrow in on me, and my stomach twists. “Are you saying your family doesn’t know?”
I smooth my hand over my tie. “We prefer to keep it that way, for now.”
She laughs, but it holds no humor. “Oh, Roman, what kind of mess have you gotten yourself into?”
“No mess at all.” I force a laugh. “You know my family. They wouldn’t give the newlyweds a minute to themselves. We’ll tell them when we’re ready.”
“Yes, I suppose you will,” she says, and casts Peyton a glance. “It was lovely meeting you, Peyton. Let’s see if you can keep his interest. He tires of relationships very easily. Prepare yourself.” Before Peyton can respond, Anna flips her long black hair over her shoulder and saunters away.
I sit back down and blow out a breath. “Shit.”
“This isn’t good, is it?”
“No.”
