Page 175 of Saving Serena

There it was. My frogman would sacrifice himself for me. This was a small thing, but he’d already proved he’d go anywhere and do anything for me.

I really had hit the jackpot.

Duke

The delicious aromashit us as soon as we walked into Cardinelli’s in Westwood. Even Serena agreed this was the best Italian food in town.

“Why do we have to do this?” I complained again as we made our way to the private dining room.

“Because it’s important to me,” my fiancée said. “And I bet your team’s looking forward to it.”

“I doubt it.” I checked my watch. It was too early for the surprise Bill Covington had helped me arrange.

Serena punched my shoulder.

I rubbed my arm. She was getting stronger, or I was getting more sensitive. “What was that for?”

“I can hear the grumpy in that statement, and no, you can’t leave early and go to the range.”

“But—”

“Are you scared of a little applause?”

I grunted

“Put up with it for me?” She patted my arm. “Please.”

“Sure.” As we walked up to Lucas, Terry, and Constance, I pinched her ass.

She jumped. She had no idea what was coming her way in a little while.

Constance raised a brow, most likely having noticed Serena flinch. “Looking forward to this?”

“Sure,” I answered. “Like going to the dentist.”

When a few of Serena’s coworkers joined us, the conversation devolved into small talk until Serena’s friend Grace walked into the room.

Serena had been afraid she might not come.

I’d made it clear to the feisty redhead that it wasn’t optional. I waved her over. She had to be here for Serena’s special day.

Grace balked, probably due to Terry’s presence in our group, until my glare and hand motions wore her down.

“What is Catwoman doing here?” Terry mumbled when he saw her coming our way.

“I get to invite who I want,” Serena said.

I watched Terry. His eyes skated up and down Grace—twice.

“Oh, look, you invited even the B team,” Grace said, giving Terry a sneer.

“At least I’m on the team, Wildcat. Maybe I’ll call you when I need my sock drawer organized.”

“Can’t find fresh ones?” She sniffed the air. “Is that why you don’t ever change them?” She turned her hand inward and admired her nails. Which resulted in her missing Terry checking out her cleavage.

“Kitty, you must be smelling the rat fur caught in your teeth.”

Serena’s coworker, Nick, hid a snicker.

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