Page 6 of Make No Mistake

I looked between Aubrey and Carter and quickly caught on. “This is a set up?”

Aubrey predicted my next move and tightened her arm around mine. “No, there is a mix of people coming. There are just a few guys I’ve met that I thought you would be interested in meeting. No set ups, blind dates, or expectations. I promise.”

I glared at each of them but gave up. I had little chance of escaping back to my room, so I decided to get over it and try to have fun tonight.

They hadn’t liedto me, or even bent the truth. There were ten people waiting for a table when we joined the group. I gave Liv and Brandon a hug before making the introductions. There were a few couples I recognized from other work functions for Brandon and Carter’s company, but two guys were complete strangers.

I took a step back to make my escape, but Brandon wrapped an arm around my shoulder and held me in place.

“Mckayla, I want you to meet Dillan. He’s our newest programmer. You two actually have a lot in common.”

Had he lost his mind? Dillan was standing across from us wearing jeans, a white T-shirt, and a fedora. I could almost get on board with that, but the fact that he was wearing a vest over the shirt. Like the missing piece of a suit. He also had long dark hair that was slicked back with an offensive amount of gel. Finally, the gold hoop hanging from his left ear. No. Not happening, Mr. Gigolo.

I smiled and glanced over at Liv looking for help. She smiled softly and quickly looked away. That traitor!

“Nice to meet you, Dillan.” I kept my hands firmly clasped in front of me. I wanted zero contact with this slime ball. What was Brandon thinking?

“Hi, Beautiful.” Please make it stop. “I’ve heard so much about you. I think this is actually destiny that we’re meeting here tonight.”

Stupid curiosity. I had to know where this was going. “Why’s that?”

“There’s something new on the menu.”

Huh? “What is it?”

“Me-n-u.” He winked at me, and I ground my heel into Brandon’s foot.

Brandon jumped back and released me. I took a step back and nodded at Dillan. “Nice.” Turning away, I shot a look at Liv, but she was holding her hand in front of her face as her shoulders jumped up and down. I was so glad she was enjoying this.

I spotted Aubrey standing next to Carter on the other side of the waiting area, speaking with another guy I didn’t recognize. After what just happened, I was not up for another awkward encounter but they caught me looking.

Aubrey waved me over with a look of pleading. She was smart enough to know I would be getting her back for this.

“Austin, this is my cousin Mckayla. Mckayla, this is the new marketing director, Austin. He graduated from CU a few years ago.”

I kept a smile on my face but narrowed my eyes at her for a second. This was another set up.

“I hear you’re getting ready to graduate. What are you majoring in?”

As if he didn’t know every detail of my life already. I was sure Carter had been ordered to talk me up for weeks.

I finally met his gaze and paused. As annoying as it was to be made a pawn in Aubrey’s love-matching games, at least this time she chose someone handsome. He had slightly disheveled brown hair and a shadow of a beard, more like a nine o’clock shadow, and tall enough that I actually had to look up to him. A rare occurrence when you’re five-ten. He had a genuine smile and adorable laugh lines around his eyes. He looked like someone that loved to laugh and enjoy life. How refreshing.

“I’m in the journalism program.”

Surprise crossed his face. “That’s a difficult one to get into; you must be very talented.”

So Carter hadn’t mentioned everything to him.

“No, I’m just dedicated.”

“Oh Mac, she’s just being modest. She’s an amazing writer. She had a few articles published in the LA Times last year.”

I shot her a look, hoping she would tone it down.

“What? You don’t brag about yourself so I have to!”

Carter and Austin laughed at our silent standoff, forcing us to give it up.