Page 20 of Weddings, Revenge & Fake Dating

Nathan’s jaw tightens when my eyes turn glassy. Something I’ve said appears to hit home for him. At least, he seems more convinced than a few seconds ago.

He presents his arm. “Well then, let’s go steal ourselves a groom.”

11/

jeanie

I Love My Beef Wet

“Everyone’s looking at us,” Nathan whispers as we make our way through the party crowd.

“Roman won all the relationship friends. I’m sure they’re surprised to see me.”

I fake a smile to the people who abandoned me when I needed them most, the couples from our neighborhood, our country club, and even vendors for the shop, many of whom I thought were friends. Through it all, Mom and Dex have been my only support.

“There they are.” I inhale sharply, already on the verge of a panic attack, and swivel to face Nathan’s chest. It’s large enough to hide behind.

He places his hands on my shoulders and squares himself with me. “Remember, no matter what happens, play it cool. Act like you don’t care about Roman or any of this. You only have eyes for me. Capiche?”

I roll my lips inward and nod. I only have eyes for Nathan, I repeat in my head. The mantra is strangely calming.

“Jeanie!” Sophia’s scream rivals the band’s music. She weaves around the crowd. With open arms, she hugs me like she hasn’t seen me in a decade, and then she bear-hugs Nathan.

“You’re both here! I can’t believe I’m getting married!” She spins in her white cocktail dress. A miniature bridal veil sprouts from the top of her head.

At the sight, I can’t form a coherent response. Until now, this wedding only lived in my mind. Seeing her like this makes everything real. My chest tightens.

“Congratulations, and thanks for inviting us,” Nathan says, filling the silence. He squeezes my hand, sending me a message.

Be chill.

I discreetly crack my neck and force a smile.

Drink in hand, Roman joins her side. Appearing cautious, he studies me, taking in my dress, my hips, my chest, and then my face.

“You actually look good when you’re not in yoga pants,” he says, a backhanded compliment at best.

“She looks amazing, with or without clothes.” Nathan grins.

Roman’s eyes widen.

Mine do too, but now I’m focused on Nathan’s hand. It seductively slides around my back, easing us closer until his nose presses near my neck. It takes all my willpower not to squirm from the explosion of tingles racing across my skin.

“Giggle like I just licked every drop of your mango milkshake,” Nathan whispers so only I can hear.

I bark out a laugh so loud that people nearby turn and look. I cover my mouth with my hand but I’m too late. Even with my nervous overaction, the response hits its target. Roman stiffens like lightning pierced his spine.

“Don’t I know you from somewhere?” Roman studies Nathan’s face like he’s in a police lineup.

“I do some modeling,” Nathans says like it’s no big deal.

I don’t even know if he’s telling the truth. I don’t know anything about him. This fact should alarm me more than it does.

“I’ll bet you do.” Sophia playfully pushes Nathan’s bicep.

It will only be a matter of time before Roman remembers Nathan.

Sophia pulls out her phone. “Aren’t these two perfect together?”