Page 7 of Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Biker

“Must be a woman," Mama Mae decided.

"It's not."

“You cleaned grease from under your nails before noon. You only do that when you're going somewhere important."

I gave up. "Hannah asked me to come to Lyra's wedding with her.”

Mama Mae's expression shifted to interest, but not surprise. "Hannah Sutton."

"Everett's sister, yeah."

"Hannah hasn't been just Everett's sister for a long time." She leaned against the workbench. "Not to you."

I shook my head. “Don't start that again.”

"I'm not. If she invited you, it would be rude not to go.”

"Her ex is the best man," I explained. "She needs backup."

Mama Mae bit back a smile. “Is she looking for a bodyguard or a date?"

“I just need to keep James away from her.”

“Hmm. Well, a bodyguard would stand between a woman and trouble. A date would stand next to her. Be sure you know which one she asked for."

“She didn’t ask for either. I’m doing a friend a favor, that’s all.”

Finally, she picked up the empty paper bag. "Be careful with her heart, hon. And with yours."

She left before I could argue that my heart wasn't involved. We both would've known I was lying.

I checked Hannah's messages one more time.

I could show up for the rehearsal dinner in jeans and a club shirt. That would make it clear I was only doing Everett a favor.

Instead, I'd follow Hannah's instructions exactly.

I'd wear the black suit. I'd dance with her. I'd keep James away. I'd also act like I wanted to be there, because that part wouldn't require pretending.

I left the garage early and stopped at home to dig the suit out from the back of my closet. The shirt needed ironing. I considered buying another one, decided that was excessive, and set up the ironing board instead.

I trimmed my beard. Cleaned my boots. Checked the weather. My phone buzzed with a new message.

Hannah: Please tell me I didn't sound completely pathetic last night.

Me: You didn't.

You're required to say that. It's in the sibling contract.

I paused at the word "sibling."

Hannah: This is why you're my favorite.

Hannah told Everett that often. But just this once, I allowed myself to believe she meant me.

I finished packing and loaded the bike. Everett had said once I was the one guy he could trust around her. He'd been right about that. Until I read her message.

CHAPTER 3