Page 182 of Bridesmaid for Hire
And this friendship, I want to continue it as well, not because of some professional partnership on the horizon, but because she’s a like-minded human. She started a business on her own just like me. She has put all of her time and energy into that business and has set goals for herself. I haven’t met many like her, and it’s freeing to finally encounter someone who has the same mindset.
“Why are you creeping up on us, Hardy?” Haisley asks, as her brother appears to my right.
“I’m not creeping up,” he says. “Just looking to see if Maggie wants to dance.”
“You realize her boyfriend might not be here, but that doesn’t mean he won’t kick your ass if he catches you hitting on her.”
“I would never,” Hardy says. “Give me more credit than that.” He nudges his sister, causing her to laugh as she takes off, leaving me alone with Hardy.
I know exactly why he wants to dance. He wants to continue questioning me. Frankly, I just want to leave, but I know turning his dance down and retreating would be rude on both accounts, so I put on another smile and take his hand as he leads me out onto the dance floor.
One hand goes to my back while his other clasps mine and he slowly starts turning me to the gentle music.
“I had the resort staff move your things back to your bungalow,” he says quietly. “You can return whenever you want. Now that the main part of the wedding is over, I know Haisley and Jude are probably just going to stare at each other for the rest of the night, so you don’t have to be here if you don’t want to.”
“Do I look that miserable?” I ask.
“No, you’re masking it well, but I know you must be in pain.”
“As if I’d let a man cause me pain.”
He lifts my chin, so I’m forced to look him in the eyes. “Maggie, you don’t have to be so strong. You can allow yourself to hurt.”
I feel my lip wobble as I say, “If I give in to the hurt, Hardy, then I won’t be able to recover. I have to put this mask on.”
He nods. “Okay, then wear your mask.” He continues to guide me around the dance floor. “But I want you to know, we’re here for you.”
“And I appreciate that, I do.”
“May I cut in,” Reginald asks, startling both of us.
Hardy looks at me and then back at his dad, but Reginald doesn’t give him a chance to decide because he moves his son out of the way and takes me in his arms.
An immediate sweat breaks out on the back of my neck as I feel Hardy’s eyes remain fixed on me while Reginald steers us in the other direction.
When we’re cleared away, he quietly says, “Beautiful wedding, don’t you think?”
Something doesn’t feel right about this…
“Very beautiful. Haisley and Jude are a perfect couple. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.”
“We were pleased you said yes to helping us out. I know Regina is quite happy with how everything turned out.”
“That’s great.”
His hand on my back tightens. “Now, what’s this I hear about you sneaking off into Hardy’s room last night?”
Oh God.
How would he know…
Unless…
The man has eyes all over this resort. I’m sure someone on his staff saw and reported it back to him.
“Just some complications with Brody,” I say. “Nothing to worry about.”
“Interesting.”
