“Then they need to add when-bartender-on-duty to the phrase open bar. You can see my honest confusion.” They each picked one up. “To Harper and Ryker.”
Becca picked up the shot glass and toasted to the newlyweds before they drank the rest.
“I don’t want to get married.” Becca plucked one of the petals from the bouquet, which was wilted, much like her resolve. Maybe if she left it, some other woman would be stuck with it. “You keep it.”
Grace chuckled. “It doesn’t work like that. Besides I’ve already been to Vegas and tied the knot in front of the Elvis impersonator. My life is complete.”
“It doesn’t work at all. It’s a myth.”
“Aw, Becca.” Grace rubbed Becca’s back before grabbing two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. Grace handed her one. “If it can happen for us, it can happen to you. Someday, some guy isgoing to sweep you off your feet. You won’t even know it until it’s too late and you’ve verbally beaten him into submission. That’s how it happens, honey.”
“You’re as crazy as Aunt Betty,” Becca said, clinking her glass against her sister’s.
“I can only hope so. That woman has mastered the art of a good time.” Grace winked.
Chapter Three
Becca squealedas she stumbled out of Ian’s SUV, dropping her shoes and the bouquet in the process.
“Whoa there, lass. Let me help you,” Ian said, slamming his car door and hurrying around to find Becca sprawled out on the grass.
“It’s cloudy,” she mumbled, unmoving. “The darkness is coming, and there’s nothing I can do to stop him.”
“Flip on a light,” Ian said, grabbing her shoes and lifting her into his arms. The little lass weighed next to nothing in his arms, even as she wiggled to escape. He tightened his hold. This was the most compliant he’d seen her all night. Maybehe should ask her again. The alcohol was like a truth serum of sorts. The lass hadn’t quit talking since she’d gotten into the SUV.
“I can’t marry you no matter how many times you ask,” she said, answering his unasked question. Her hand flew to her mouth, and her eyes widened. “Did I say that out loud?”
“Aye,” he answered, sliding her body down his. He took her purse and found her key while doing his best to keep her upright. “Your sisters didnae tell me that you can read minds.”
“They don’t know.” Becca hiccupped as the door opened.
Becca’s body started to fall. Ian caught her before she tumbled inside. The lass couldn’t hold her liquor.
“I can too,” she said as her head swayed.
“What fun is it if you can read my mind? I couldnae hide any secrets from you,” he said, kicking the door shut with his boot. He lifted her into his arms again and walked into her house, guessing which way her bedroom was.
“You’d never be able to sneak away with a maid.” She giggled and hiccupped again. “Oh…but do you know what’s not fun?”
“What’s that?” Ian asked, almost afraid of the answer.
“Men thinking about sports statistics in the heat of the moment. Kills my mood every time,” she answered when he started walking toward her room.
“They do that because you’re beautiful and they want to last longer than five seconds. Trust me,” he mumbled as he entered her room. Four bright flood lights surrounded her bed. She really did have a thing against the dark.
“He comes in the dark,” she said as Ian eased her onto the bed. He slipped off her shoes and placed them on the floor.
“Who, lass?”
She rolled onto her side, giving him her back. “The killer. He comes in the dark.”
Ian stood unmoving as he stared down at Becca. Her words vibrated through his soul, like a knife slicing through the tendrils of life. Was there really someone after her? He couldn’t leave her alone until he knew the truth. He watched the slow rise and fall of her chest and walked out of her room, leaving every light on that she’d prepared.
He walked out to his truck, grabbed his phone, and locked the door before heading back inside. His gaze traveled up and down the street before he shut and locked the door. He dialed the one person who might be able to explain what the hell she was talking about.
Quinn answered on the first ring. “This better be good, McDougall.”
“Aye. I wouldnae be calling if it wasnae.”
