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Ari hurried over to the commotion. She couldn’t see past the throng to determine what was going on. Finally, the group cleared. Two lifeguards broke the surface of the water, holding someone between them.
Ariana drew a shocked breath as her stomach knotted.
The lifeguards clambered out of the pool carrying Mateo.
Not surprising.
Ariana raced over. She had plenty of experience, having been a lifeguard herself years earlier.
Mateo didn’t move on the ground. Not a single flinch.
Someone cried out. Others called out for him to wake up.
The lifeguard checked for breathing, for a pulse. Didn’t appear to find anything. She pulled something from her fanny pack then tilted his head back. After fitting a device over his mouth, she breathed into it.
Mateo sat up. “I was expecting an actual kiss. What was that?”
It took Ariana a moment to realize he was fine. He’d pulled a prank.
A woman who was old enough to be his mom slapped him, speaking in angry rapid-fire Spanish.
He laughed. “It was just a joke.”
“Ajoke?” Grayson yelled. “That wasn’t funny at all, you idiot! I’d call you a lot worse, but there are kids present. Quit with the antics, or you’re out of here. Got it?”
Mateo got up and glared at the groom. “You’ve been no fun at all since you met Rita. Where’s the Grayson who knows how to have a good time?”
“Right here! And I grew up — a long time ago! Something you need to do, and quickly. I’m serious about finding a new groomsman. This wasn’t funnyat all.” He stormed off.
Mateo yelled a string of profanities at him, obviously not concerned about the children present.
As Ariana drew a deep breath, her thoughts turned to Rita. She hurried over to check on the expecting bride. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I told him it was a mistake asking Mateo to be in the wedding party. We’ve only been here a few hours, and look at all the drama he’s already caused.”
“Hopefully he’ll take Grayson’s warning.”
Rita frowned. “Don’t hold your breath. I think I’m ready to go to my room and rest for a little while.”
“I’ll go with you.” Ariana grabbed her bag and went with her friend.
As soon as the music had faded, the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Was someone watching them?
She looked around carefully so Rita wouldn’t notice, but she didn’t see anything.
The feeling didn’t leave until she and Rita were locked in the presidential suite, but a niggling sense remained that someone had been spying on them.
ChapterSix
To my one and only,
Watching you this evening has been torture. You belong with me. We’re meant to be together.
But you can’t see that. You haven’t been able to see that in all this time.
How can you not see what’s so obvious? You’re still planning on getting married in two days. Don’t care at all about how that hurts me.
You’re killing our future.
