“Stop it,” I mutter.
“Stop what?”
“That,” I say. “Looking at me like you’re mentally replaying last night.”
He doesn’t deny it. “I am.”
“West.”
He smirks into his coffee.
Across the table, Sloane is watching us with open interest. Merritt keeps glancing between us like she’s charting data points.
Katelyn just grins. “You two are being obvious.”
“We’re not doing anything,” I say, and before I can argue further, Barbie sets down her mimosa with the decisive clink of someone about to conduct an interrogation.
“So,” she says, eyes narrowing. “Are you two actuallydating, or is this some kind of elaborate smoke screen?”
My heart skips. West’s hand finds mine under the table. Steady. Grounding.
Barbie is sharp—and whatever answer we give here is going to travel. Preferably back to West’s family.
“We’re dating,” he says simply.
The table goes silent.
Sloane’s fork pauses midair. Merritt blinks. Katelyn’s grin widens into something that borders on maniacal.
“Since when?” Barbie demands.
“Since…” I glance at West. “Recently. Very recently.”
“How recently?” Sloane presses.
“Does it matter?” West’s voice is calm, unbothered. “We’re together. We’re keeping it low-key because of all the wedding chaos, but—yeah. We’re together.”
He doesn’t look at me. “And I know what you’re doing here.”
All four ladies shoot me a look.
"So," Barbie, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Does this mean you're staying in his casita now?"
"I—we—" I flounder.
"She is," West says calmly.
The bridesmaids exchange knowing looks.
"Good," Barbie says. "Because Blake's been circling like a shark, and I was starting to worry we'd have to run interference."
“He’s been well-behaved,” I say. “It’s Scarlett who’s been acting weird. West and I think we can use that to our advantage.”
West’s thumb strokes the back of my hand—assuring. We’re on this together.
But before I can let the bridesmaids in on the plan, Barbie’s phone buzzes.
She glances at it, then stands. “Alright, ladies. Natalie’s mom is freaking out about the dress. Natalie’s calling in the brigade for rescue.” She looks at me. “Jane, don’t forget why you’re here. Our priority is Natalie’s happiness. We have four days. Make them count.”
