Page 7 of Hold Still

Not noticing—or ignoring—my body language, he steps forward and his arms crush me to him. Due to our height difference, the top of my head reaches his pec, and I’m treated to the mouthwatering scent of the man. All musky with a slight hint of citrus. As I fight my pheromonal attraction to him, he whispers, “Let’s make this a real good time.” And then he nips my earlobe.

Every muscle in my body clenches, screaming out for him.

Once his arms become slightly lax, I step back and look directly into his eyes. His pupils are pinpricks. And his cheeks carry a light flush.

What the?

I know these signs—he’s high.

No. Freaking. Way.

My chin raises. “What are you on right now?”

He breaks into a wide grin. “Some Molly. Got some here for you, too.” He flicks his long, very talented fingers down toward his trouser pocket.

I recoil. Why does he think I’d touch the stuff? Before something awful spews out of my mouth, the wedding coordinator approaches me. “McKenna, we’re getting ready for the grand entrance. Please come with me.” Excusing myself from Grandma Gertie and ignoring the high rocker next to me, I turn on my heel and follow the coordinator out of the room. Fuming with every step.

I don’t care that he sets my blood ablaze from the inside out with his touch.

He’s not who I want. He can’t be. Especially now that he’s strung out. I don’t remember him using drugs in the past, but I wasn’t around him too often. What brought on his using now? Or is it a new lifestyle choice for him?

No matter what, I can’t have that back in my life again. Drugs took away Daddy and landed me back home with more responsibilities than ever. Mom is my priority now. No way will I ever go down that road again.

Oblivious to my inner thoughts, the coordinator leads me into a room where Cole, Rose, Jayson, Suzanne and her husband Dan plus Emma are standing around. Cole’s dad and Rose’s mom—oh, joy—round out the rest of the group. The coordinator asks us all to wait here while she lets the band know we’re ready for introductions.

I head toward Suzanne but don’t take more than a couple of steps before Rose’s mom intercepts me. I force a smile. “Ms. Bloomer.”

She waves her hand. “McKenna. How long have you known me? Please, call me Lynn.”

Wishing I had my mojito so I could swallow the whole thing in one gulp, I repeat after her while gritting my teeth. “Lynn.”

I haven’t been on good terms withLynnever since Rose and I were college roommates. She thought I was flighty. A bad influence. All because I changed majors a few times and dated a few guys—at the same time. Well, I guess I was a bit of a head case back then. Life has a way of smacking that right out of you. At least she doesn’t know about what happened after graduation. I’ve worked hard to make sure few people know. Besides, so many years have passed, it’s old news.

“I wanted to tell you that I love your dress. Rosie told me you picked it yourself. You have such great style.”

Opening my clenched fists buried in my pockets, I reply, “Thanks.”

“And all of the wedding papers, especially the programs, were gorgeous. Rosie told me you designed everything.”

My limbs relax. Her words aren’t what I expected. They almost soothe the pain left throughout my body from Ozzy’s hug. Almost.

“Why, thank you so much. Coming from you, it means a lot.” I offer her a genuine smile. This was some of my best work in recent memory, but I still can’t label them gorgeous.

Rose’s diamond-studded hand lands on my arm. She, above everyone else, knows my history with her mom. As she looks between us, she licks her lips. “Everything alright here?”

“Of course, Rosie. I was just complimenting McKenna on the job she did for all of your wedding stationery. She’s really grown up.”

Rose looks at me for confirmation. Ignoring her final snarky remark, I nod. “I’m so happy she likes them. And you, too, Rookie.”

“The design was so different. Even my wedding coordinator asked me who did them.”

I force a laugh. “Well, if my work with the Artist Avenue Adventure Project goes south, I’ll look her up.” It better not. I’m counting on winning their regional contest next month, and going on to the Consortium’s national competition. I have to—Mom needs the purse. Just hope true inspiration hits my graphics. Somehow.

Our conversation ends when the coordinator returns to the room and says everything’s ready. I take my place next to Jayson, right behind Cole’s dad, Ken, and Lynn. The MC introduces them first.

Jayson bends down. “Ready to set the room on fire, McKenna?”

Oh boy. What does he have in mind? I shrug. “Do your worst!”

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