Page 22 of Without a Hitch
“No, no. Nothing like that,” I say smoothly. “One of them looks familiar. I believe she was fourth in line. Long, dark hair?”
Jenna and Tyler share an uncomfortable expression before Jenna turns back. “Yes, that’s my friend Abby. Abby Chambers. She’s amazing.”
Abby? My gaze darts around the room as I frown. Abby is much too plain for her. Who the fuck named her Abby? I immediately hate it.
“I can see that,” I say neutrally. And truly, I can. I wouldn’t be standing here if she were anything less than mesmerizing. “She seemed to have her hands full with another bridesmaid.” I take a slow sip of my cocktail and watch Jenna’s reaction. She doesn’t have a great game face.
“Ah, yeah. She’s been…”
“That’s Jenna’s stepsister, Olivia. She’s been a real pain in the ass. Abby has been a lifesaver at keeping her in check,” Tyler explains.
Huh. That’s interesting. I surreptitiously glance around, searching again for the infamousAbby, but can’t find her. Even thinking the name causes a scowl, and I mentally replace it with Pepper.
Jenna giggles beside me. “Are you smitten, Lochlan?”
She catches me off guard this time, and I choke on my drink. “No,” I almost hiss. “Smitten”—the word sounds dirty coming from my mouth—“is not in my genetic makeup.”
“Well, if you were, I’d probably tell you that she’s in the restroom making sure Olivia doesn’t try to throw a bucket of paint on me or something equally as evil.”
“So, she’s a babysitter?”
Tyler shifts and doesn’t quite meet my gaze.
“She’s my friend, doing what good friends do. She’s making sure my day goes off without a hitch. That’s whatfriendsare for, Lochlan.”
“Of course. Congratulations to you both. I wish you a lifetime of happiness.”Chumps.
Love doesn’t last a lifetime. A night, a month, possibly a year, but never a lifetime.
“Thanks, Loch. We need to make our rounds. I’ll catch up with you in a bit?”
“Absolutely. I’ll be here.”
Jenna leans in for a hug. “You know,” she whispers, “we’re not doing a head table. I scattered the bridesmaids throughout the reception. For instance, if someone happened to switch your place setting with Theodore Ackers at table two, I wouldn’t be the wiser.” She pulls away and winks.
When they move to the next guest, I take off to the table settings to search for Theodore Ackers. Once I’ve traded the name tags, I take my seat and wait for Pepper to find me.
Another new one for me. I don’t believe I’ve ever stalked a woman at a wedding before. In fact, I’ve never chased a woman before. I don’t know what it is about Miss Abby Pepper, but I’ll have a bloody good time finding out.
CHAPTER7
TILLY
Olivia exits the bathroom stall with a huff when she sees me washing my hands. “What do you think I’m going to do, Abby? Sneak Jacob in under my skirt?”
“It must be exhausting,” I say.
“What is?” she snips.
“Carrying around so much hate. You know, two of my sisters married into a family who values their chosen members just as much as their blood ones, but not one of them balks when a new person enters the fold. They literally open their arms and make them one of their own. Wouldn’t it be better to be part of a family rather than trying to tear it apart?”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” she hisses. “I’ll never be part of their family. Jenna and Melinda have always made sure of that.” There’s an edge and a sadness to her words, and I almost feel sorry for her. Then she opens her mouth again. “My wedding will make this one look like trailer trash.”
I see red. I didn’t grow up in a trailer, but close enough. Camden Crossing is the armpit of North Carolina, and only by the grace of God and my sister Emory did we have a roof over our heads. Being raised in a town that also held our name did nothing for our lot in life.
She storms off before I can lay into her. I take a few calming breaths, then follow her into the ballroom. She’s standing across from a man with his back to me, and she has an odd expression as she speaks to him. By every indication, he’s relaxed, exuding a confidence I can feel from here.
I move quickly toward the table, knowing I’m seated next to her, and I nearly stumble in my stilettos when she coos, “Maybe we could get out of here,” in a sickeningly sweet voice.
