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It wasn’t long after that she’d heard his Porsche roar away. She’d heard the next day he’d crashed it on the way to Dallas.
Tinsley smiled and sipped her cocktail. “I’m sure I don’t know, nor do I really care what summer it was. If you’ll excuse me, I have guests to greet.”
Kiley took her by the hand. “Come on, Tins.”
They moved into the other room and Kiley and her exchanged a glance. “That guy gives me the creeps. He always has. How are you ever going to stand having him as a brother-in-law?” Kiley gave a body shiver.
“I thought he’d moved to California,” Tinsley whispered.
“Well, he’s back.” Kiley leaned over and whispered behind her hand. “I heard his business venture was a bust. Blew through all the money his daddy gave him.”
“Tinsley, dear.” Her mother approached. “You remember my dear friend Fiona.”
Tinsley let her mother lead her around the party for the next hour, insisting she tell each guest all about her trip to Paris. Many of them, especially the women, seemed more interested in whether there would be a wedding to plan.
The entire time, Tinsley couldn’t help noticing her bodyguard standing against the wall in a dark suit, keeping an eye on her.
“Mother, must he be here?” she asked behind her martini glass. She was now on her third, and she was definitely beginning to feel them. “It’s so creepy. He just stands there, staring at me.”
“Your father insisted, honey. I tried talking to him, but you know how he gets when he’s decided something.”
Yes, Tinsley knew all too well. Like when he’ddecidedshe and Palmer would be a perfect match.He’ll be good to you, he’d said.He’ll take care of you. You’ll have a good life.
She wasn’t so sure that was true. How did one have a good life married to a man they didn’t love?
“Hey, Kiley.” Tinsley nudged her bestie, who was chatting up one of her brothers.
“What is it?” she whispered.
“Go distract my sheepdog. I want to slip out for a few minutes. I need some air, and I don’t need him over my shoulder.”
Kiley eyed the bodyguard against the wall. “Hello. How did I misshim?He’s gorgeous, Tins. If he were my bodyguard, I sure wouldn’t be trying to ditch him. I’d be trying to lead him into the gardens.”
Tinsley rolled her eyes. “Go flirt with him. He’s all yours.”
Kiley downed the rest of her drink and headed Grady’s way. Tinsley watched his eyes sweep down Kiley’s knockout body. This was her chance. She faded behind a potted palm and slipped from the room.
CHAPTER FIVE
The pretty redhead stepped closer, her fingers walking up Grady’s lapel. “Aren’t you a muscular one. Do you lift weights?”
Grady glanced over her shoulder to where Tinsley had been standing, only she wasn’t there. He scanned the room, looking for her telltale gold gown. He couldn’t find her anywhere.
“I’m Kiley Bernard. Tinsley’s friend.”
“Kiley, where is she?”
“What do you mean?”
He took her wrist and pulled her around the corner into the entry hall. “Where is she, Kiley?”
“I’m sure I don’t know.”
“I’m here for a reason. Her father thinks she could be a target.”
“A target for what? Are you saying she’s in danger?”
“Yes. Now tell me where the hell she went.”
