Page 139 of Spurred On

Porsche must have spotted him eyeing the door because she sidled up to him and whispered, “You’re staying.”

He frowned at her, then nodded at Ben, who was still dominating Sidney’s attention. “What’s the point?”

She sighed. “Brandon invited them. I didn’t know.”

“It’s your wedding.”

“Brandon upended everything when he decided we should elope to Vegas.”

Cody tipped his head to the side and surveyed the soiree. “This is hardly an elopement.”

“You know what I mean. But don’t worry. I have a plan.”

“Yeah.” He sighed. “That’s what I’m worried about.”

There was no call for her to gouge him with her elbow. “Just be alert.”

“Because the world needs more lerts?”

An old joke. She made a face. “Seriously Cody. You have to trust me.”

Trust her.

God help him.

He really didn’t have a choice.

***

Sidney hadn’t expected Ben to be at the wedding, but it had been a relief to see him. Not only because they were good friends and she enjoyed his company, but because he served as a shield, after a fashion. With him at her side, it was much easier for her to cope with the fact that Cody was here.

Seeing him again had been a shock to the system and she’d realized, with a lurch to her solar plexus, that she hadn’t been ready. Not by a long shot. He was so handsome in his suit, with his dress Stetson and fancy boots. She’d never seen him all gussied up like that before and it made her mouth water. But it was absolute torture watching him mingle with the others, laughing and joking and looking so lighthearted, as though he hadn’t a care in the world.

“Hey,” Ben asked, nudging her with his elbow. “Are you okay?”

She plastered a smile on her face. “Of course. Couldn’t be happier.”

He shot her a dubious glance. “We could leave. Go out on the town.”

“I can’t. This is Porsche’s party. I have to be here for her.”

“Okay. Just let me know if you need anything.”

She smiled at him. Couldn’t help it. He was such a wonderful friend. “Thanks, Ben,” she said, and she kissed him on the cheek.

Just then, her gaze locked with Cody’s. His glower stunned her. There was no doubt, he was furious, or jealous, or something.

And just that quickly, her mood rose.

Maybe this weekend wouldn’t be complete torture after all.

***

After the reception, the ladies went up to Porsche and Brandon’s suite for the bachelorette party. Lisa, Claire and Penny had been in charge of planning it, so Sidney had no idea what to expect.

The absolute last thing she expected was to find the graceful accommodations—featuring exquisite antique furniture, wood paneling, and gold fixtures—festooned with balloons made from condoms and toilet paper streamers. There were all kinds of raunchy decorations and party favors. Oh, and a cake shaped like a penis.

It was pretty clear, upon first sight, what the tenor of the party would be.