Page 6 of Hold Still

Exchanging places with Jayson, I rush into his embrace and kiss his cheek. Raising on my tippy toes, I whisper in his ear, “You better make her happy for the rest of her life, or you’ll have to answer to me.”

He winks.

After everyone says their congratulations to the newlyweds, and the photographer has her way with all of us, I end up in the cocktail reception. My dress has adjusted to my somewhat fuller frame, so I pilfer a pig in a blanket from the server. I wonder what Cole promised Rose so she’d allow this delicacy to be served? Biting into the phyllo dough, I don’t care. Whatever it was, it was worth it.

“There you are, McKenna. I love your dress.”

Swallowing, I turn around and greet Rose’s friend-slash-PR client-slash-television star Jessie Anderson and her girlfriend. “Jessie! Amanda!” We exchange hugs.

Jessie asks, “Didn’t Rose look beautiful?”

“I know. She’s so gorgeous.” After gushing over the wedding, I can’t stop myself from prying. “So, how are things going with your show, Jessie? Care to share any secrets? I promise not to tell anyone.” I make an “X” over my heart.

“We wrapped last week until the new year. It’s a blockbuster finale, that’s for sure. Lots of pyrotechnics going on. But I can’t say anything more—I’ve been sworn to secrecy.”

A server walks by with a tray of champagne, which I snag for the three of us. After handing a flute to Amanda, I ask her, “Did you get any more out of her than this?”

She shakes her head. “Nope. Guess we have to wait like the rest of the world.”

“Geez. So much for insider info.” I raise my glass. “To the happy couple!”

The champagne goes down smoothly, washing away worries about whereheis, even for a moment. Before I know it, I’ve guzzled the whole glass. Holding up the empty, I say, “I’m going to the bar. Anyone want anything?”

When they say no, I head off to one of the three bars set up around the perimeter of the room. Coming to a halt next to Grandma Gertie—Rose’s old neighbor, now her live-in cook cum confidante—I order a mojito.

“McKenna! Give me some love!”

I hug this woman with all I have. She’s my savior and doesn’t even know it. “Hi! How did you like the ceremony?”

“It was beautiful, don’t you think? The way Hot Stuff radiated his love for my little Rose nearly made my heart explode.”

I giggle at her very expressive, yet apt, description of Cole, and accept my drink from the bartender. Clinking my glass to hers, I agree. “Yes, they’re a fantabulous couple.”

Scanning the room, I find Ozzy over by one of the carving stations. “Come on, let’s catch up over here.” I indicate a sushi bar on the other side of the room from him.

We walk over and watch as the chef prepares a tuna roll. “Now this is something I’d never try to make. Give me a vegetable tray or some high-faluttin’ finger sandwiches, and I’m good to go. But this? No way.” She shakes her grey head.

Putting a California roll on my plate—how many calories can this have anyway?—I nod in agreement. “Or a dessert bar. You’d rock that.”

Grandma Gertie preens and leans in. Even though we’re both five-foot-nothing without shoes, I have to bend down due to my heels. “I may have had something to do with the desserts.”

“Oh my God! I can’t believe Rose let you lift a finger for her wedding.”

She tosses her nose in the air. “Pfft. She tried. But I have my ways.”

I giggle and pop the sushi into my mouth. As I chew, her eyes widen a fraction, then her smile grows. Over her head, I search the room, but the buzzing of all the hairs on my body tells me all I need to know.It’s him.

A deep baritone wafts from behind me. “Two of my favorite ladies.”

Crap.

I stand stock-still while Grandma Gertie taps Ozzy on the chest before he pulls her up into a bear hug, lifting her feet right off the floor. I make sure mine are firmly planted and suck in a breath before turning around. Be strong, McKenna.

He puts her down and opens his arms to me, his tats covered by his tux. It can’t hide the muscles underneath, though. “Babes.”

At his use of the endearment, my heartrate picks up speed.Down!My traitorous body remembers the times he called me that as he was thrusting into me. No, no, no. Inhaling, I say, “Ozzy.”

My eyes travel up his torso and land somewhere around his chin. Danger ahead! Don’t look any higher.

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