I made sure there was no drool on my face and cleared my throat. “Absoulutely.”
Fallon and Mackenzie had already grabbed a table by the time we made it down and they waved us over when they spotted us. I instinctively stepped closer to Cara, placing my hand on her back.
“Is this okay?” I asked, my eyes not leaving Mackenzie’s. I knew she was married and had a baby on the way, but I still didn’t trust her.
“Perfect.” Cara’s voice was quiet, almost a whisper.
“You two look absolutely gorgeous together,” Fallon said, coming over to give us a hug.
“My baby’s right. You are one hot pair.” Mackenzie tried to hug Cara, but I stepped in front of her. She gave me a skeptical look, but didn’t say anything about the interruption. Good.
“We should get some breakfast. Babe, is there anything in particular you want? I’ll get our plates.”
Cara smiled wearily, like she knew I was acting weird. “I’ll go with you and see what they have.” She took my hand and led me away from the table and toward the food.
It all smelled amazing and I didn’t know what to start with first. Cara knew instantly, and filled her plate with eggs, pancakes, muffins, and a banana.
I was about to put an apple on my plate when Cara stopped me. “Okay, what’s your deal? You’ve looked back towards the table at least five times since we left.”
“What? Nothing. I’m fine. I’m just surveying the room, that’s all.”
She gave me a look. “Vera.” Her tone was stern and I had to look away from her. That dress with that tone was sending me over the edge.
“I’m fine, Cara. promise. Is there anything else you want to get before we head back?”
She furrowed her brows. “No. I think I’ve got enough. I’ll come back and get some orange juice.”
I smiled. “Can I kiss your cheek?”
“Why are you asking?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know where we stand and I don’t want to overstep.”
She rolled her eyes, reaching up to kiss me on the lips. “That’s where we stand.” She winked and headed back to the table, giving me the best view in the entire hotel. ¡Ay dios mío!
Cara had kept the conversation going with Fallon and Mackenzie, and I just sat there listening and presenting a politeness I didn’t necessarily feel.
Fallon was sweet and funny, but I don’t know, there was just something about Mackenzie that didn’t sit right with me. I couldn’t let go of what had gone down between the three of them, and even though it wasn’t my place, I felt a duty to protect Cara, and so I’d kept a watchful eye on Mackenzie ever since I’d met her.
Unfortunately, the breakfast wasn’t going to end as quickly as I’d liked when Mackenzie turned her attention to me. For the life of me, I couldn’t produce even a hint of a smile toward her.
“So, Vera. What are your intentions with our Cara? She deserves only the best!”
“Babe! Don’t interrogate the poor woman! I’m sorry, Vera. My wife gets a little protective sometimes, but she means no harm.”
Cara groaned, her face turning a few shades of red. “Vera, you don’t have to answer that.”
Yes, I did. I couldn’t hold it in any longer. Ignoring her, I sat in my chair a little straighter. “You want to know my intentions, Mackenzie? And what rights do you have to know that, exactly? What makes you think you know what she deserves?”
Cara nudged me slightly, probably trying to get my attention, but I couldn’t look at her. I knew if I did, I’d be met with a scowl and dark, angry eyes.
Mackenzie frowned. “I’m sorry, did I do something wrong? Have I upset you in some way? I’ve gotten the feeling that you don’t like me.”
Cara shook her head. “No, of course not, Kenz?—”
“Actually, you have. I don’t appreciate the way you’ve talked to Cara in the past, and I don’t trust you. Did you even apologize for throwing a drink on her and humiliating both her and Fallon? Was that the ‘best’ you say she deserves?”
I saw Cara out of the corner of my eye, which was a mistake. The fire in her eyes would’ve been hot if it wasn’t directed toward me.
