Page 51 of Always a Bridesmaid

“I’m sure. But thank you.”

Before Henry knew what was happening, he was wrapped in a tight bro-hug. Wayne even gave a few sniffles. “Thanks for everything, Hank. You’re a stand-up guy. And I’m going to work hard so that one day you can say that back to me and mean it.”

Wayne pulled back and with a clap to Henry’s shoulder, he walked off to dance with his bride and Henry found himself reconsidering his position on Wayne. On the track, every second was unpredictable, so when it came to his personal life he tried to avoid change. But if this week had taught him anything, it was that change didn’t always have to be a bad thing.

No matterhow hard she tried, Jane couldn’t stop herself from stealing glances across the aisle at Henry throughout the evening. And he’d noticed. She’d told herself to play it cool, but she’d failed miserably. Thankfully Sarah had been so wrapped up in being madly in love that she hadn’t caught on.

That didn’t exonerate Jane from the guilt she felt for going against her client’s wishes about not getting involved with her brother. Not to mention, Sarah may have hired her, but she was pretty sure Henry had been the financier—even if he didn’t realize it.

What was it about Henry that had a self-designated hall monitor breaking all the rules? Especially when it could put her company at risk? Technically Jane was in breach of contract, so not only could Sarah refuse to pay her for her time, Janewould be out the expense that came with attending a seven-figure wedding and being a part of that. Not to mention, if Sarah wanted to, she could sue Bride Buddies. Not that she would be likely to do that, because that would mean going public that she’d hired a bridesmaid to replace her traitor of an ex-bestie. But still, it went against Jane’s ethical code.

Plus, that kind of expense would be a lot for a fledgling company to absorb, and it would mean their expansion would have to wait—if they even managed to scrape by.

What a mess.

And yet, there she was, at the rehearsal dinner, surrounded by fifty people she was supposed to be chatting up and all she could do was scan the room for Henry. Like a homing beacon she immediately found him at a table in the corner, talking with his mom. He happened to look up at that precise moment. He winked. His mom followed his line of sight and Jane immediately turned her back so as not to be caught staring.

So much for keeping their, well, whatever this was, on the down-low.

“This is why you don’t get involved with the family of the bride,” she mumbled to herself. But deep in the back of her mind she could hear Roxy from earlier, telling her to go for it.

“Since when do you ever do something for you? Never, that’s when. Does he make you happy?”

“Yes.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“He thinks I am a completely different person.”

“So he thinks your name is Elle, but he knows the real Jane. Plus, you were honest about the expiration date. Have some fun for once. Let go and chase happy for a little while. Have an orgasm or five while you’re at it.”

She was already two for two; she couldn’t imagine what the man could do in an actual bed with an entire night, let alonefour days of vacation time. God, even the thought of it made her squeeze her thighs together.

“Maybe we could grab a pint this week,” she heard a familiar voice say. A voice that belonged to a man who was not supposed to be there.

William Norris.

Jane knew this because earlier that day she and Sarah had gone over the guest list so there wouldn’t be any surprises. Jane knew who she was supposed to say hi to, who she was supposed to be familiar with, and she’d specifically asked if Will was coming. Sarah had said that tonight was too small and intimate, and her mother had requested that her dad not be invited. Yet there he was like a stain on fabric.

Not wanting this to ruin Sarah’s night, and telling herself it had nothing to do with Henry, Jane decided to handle the situation herself. Making sure that bad things didn’t touch Sarah on such an important evening fell under her job description, after all. Only as she turned around, she watched in horror as Will handed his card over to the head mechanic of Apex, whom she’d met the other day.

If Sarah—or, even worse, Henry—overheard this exchange they’d be shattered. Henry had been right all along. Will wasn’t here for the wedding; he was here for a handout. She’d bet it was in the form of money from Henry or a job, whichever came easiest.

Jane jumped into action. Moving with intent, she closed in on Will. When she reached the bar, she plastered a bright smile on her face and a hand on his back. “Mr. Norris! It’s great to see you again.”

Will turned his head to see who was greeting him and the mechanic took the moment to duck out. Will turned back to the now empty spot, disappointed that the man had slipped out ofhis grasp before he was able to close the deal, then reluctantly faced Jane.

“Elle, isn’t it? You’re one of Sarah’s friends.” He didn’t sound thrilled, but he was faking it well.

Jane was too angry to fake pleasantries. “I am. I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”

“Pardon?” He blinked at that as if she’d slapped him. But Sarah’s happiness came before politeness, so she went on.

“This dinner is for the wedding party and out-of-town guests.”

He puffed out his chest to intimidate. “I’m family.”

Jane had faced down enough overzealous parents in her day to not be intimidated, still she was surprised at her bluntness when she said, “I don’t remember seeing your name on the guest list.”

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