AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’d be fine.” A hint of disappointment leaked through his voice. “The wedding is in the afternoon, and the reception will probably run late. I’ll get you a hotel room so you don’t have to drive home afterward and can enjoy yourself.”
His offer made her feel better about this whole thing. “If it’s afternoon, I’m guessing this isn’t formal? I want to make a good impression, even if I am just your fake date.”
“Wedding’s at four, if that tells you what you need to know for dress. I’m not worried about you making a great impression. I’ll be the envy of every man. Except maybe Nate.”
“You’re laying it on kind of thick. I already agreed to go.” Still, her face heated and a pleasant tingling from his compliment reminded her she wasn’t totally frigid.
“Not at all. There’s no one I’d rather go with. We’re going to show off our dance moves, right?”
She couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, we’ll dance.” This could be a lot of fun. Going with a friend. No pressure—well, maybe a little. “Text me the information on the wedding.”
“I will. And I’ll get Wren or Ariana to take care of Boss.”
She was committed now, and for John’s sake, she was going to have to be convincing.
ChapterThirty-Seven
OWNER OF A LONELY HEART – Yes
Nearly all thesofas and chairs in the hotel lobby were filled when John walked up to the registration desk.
“I’m with the Crenshaw-Ryan wedding. Registration is under Bryson,” he told the man. “I called the other day to add—”
“John!” The voice calling his name had a strong southern accent.
He’d done enough covert surveillance to know Shelby appearing at this moment was no coincidence.
“It’s so great to see you.” She came at him with open arms.
While he couldn’t completely avert Shelby’s hug, he managed to limit her to hugging him from the side. She kept one hand low on his back.
“You wanted to add another night?” the clerk started.
“I won’t need to after all.”
“Everything’s covered, but we’ll need a credit card for any incidentals,” the clerk said.
John reached for his credit card, forcing Shelby to remove her hand.
“Some of us have been catching up in the bar, but we’re about to head out to the pool. Why don’t you join us?” Shelby batted her long lashes at John in invitation.
“You’re in room fourteen twenty-six.” The clerk slid him a card holding his room key.
“I’m down the hall. Room fourteen fifty-three. I’ll ride up with you. The elevators are this way.”
Dayam,she was hardly subtle. Old John would have taken her up on that offer without thinking twice. New John was trying to make better choices. He’d rather have a lonely heart than a broken one. And with Elizabeth coming tomorrow—as a friend—he couldn’t let her down.
With no tactful way to extract himself, John took hold of his suitcase and draped the suit bag over his other arm to follow her.
“I heard your song on the radio.” He tried to make small talk after Shelby punched the button for the fourteenth floor.
“I’ve got another song coming out next month.”
“I’m glad your career is taking off. Have you got plans to go on tour?”
“Not yet. I need another release or two to take off to create a bigger following, but I’m hopeful that will happen soon.”
“I bet being on the show was great exposure.”
