Page 22 of Surprisingly Us

Rhys is not hitting on me. That would be ridiculous.

“I’m the maid of honor, I can’t ditch out on the reception. There’s still an hour left.”

We exit the elevator at the lobby, and start making our way back to the ballroom when we find Hannah’s Aunt Maggie draped over a chair.

I stop to address her.

“Maggie. Hi. What are you doing out here?” I ask.

“Oh, Connie.” Her head lulls to the side to look at me, a lazy smile on her face. “How are you?”

“It’s Collette. And I’m good. How areyou?”

“That’s right, dear. Colleen.” She pats my hand, her eyes attempting to close, but then they widen when she sees Rhys. “And who do we have here?”

“Maggie, this is Rhys. Rhys, do you remember Hannah and Hunter’s Aunt Maggie?”

“It’s been a while. Good to see you again.”

He extends his hand to her, but she uses his arm to pull him down to her for an awkward half-standing, half-sitting hug instead.

“You smell divine.” Maggie sniffs Rhys’s neck. “Doesn’t he smell divine, Colleen?”

I ignore her question and look around for her driver.

“Maggie, is Arturo with you?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “I lost my purse.”

Rhys and I share a look. Aunt Maggie is drunk as a skunk.

“Your driver, Arturo?” I repeat.

“Oh, I gave him the night off.” She waves at Rhys. “I like a man who knows how to dress.”

“She likes my suit.” He brows lift, a satisfied smile on his lips, like he’s getting validation against my teasing from earlier.

“Now’s not the time.” While still staying close to Maggie, I pull Rhys aside. “She needs to go—”

“I’ve got a car outside,” Rhys offers before I even finish. “I’ll help her get to it.”

I smile up at him, relieved. “Thanks, that would be great.”

“You can thank me later,” he whispers in my ear before pulling back to reveal a flirty wink.

That lower-belly flutter is back and I’m suddenly understanding the phrase ‘panty-dropping smile.’ Rhys has one and the purpose is clear.

“And here I thought you were being nice.”

“I’m always nice, Princess, especially to you.”

I shake my head, tempted to refuse his help just to not have to deal with his smugness, but he’s already helping Maggie out of the chair.

“Maggie, I’m going to go look for your purse,” I say. “Rhys is going to take you to the car.”

“Oh,” Maggie lights up when Rhys puts his arm around her, “you have very nice arms.”

I roll my eyes because that’s the last thing Rhys needs to hear.

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