Page 36 of Unpredictable
“Excellent.” She beamed, and I wondered if she suspected anything between Harrison and me. “It’s settled, then.”
“What’s settled?” Connor approached, wrapping his arms around Olivia’s waist.
His dark hair was buzzed close to his scalp, and he exuded strength and masculinity. Despite his size, he seemed to soften when it came to Olivia. I got the impression he was a big teddy bear—at least with her.
He pressed a kiss to her neck, and she giggled. I glanced away as I was hit with a potent wave of longing. I wanted that—connection, love, someone to wrap me up in their arms. Not just someone, though—Harrison.
“Juliana,” Olivia said before I could digest that thought. “This is Connor, my fiancé.”
He stepped out from behind her and held out a hand to shake. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“Same,” I said. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“All good things, I hope.” He grinned.
“Of course,” I said. “Though your work ethic seems to rival my own.”
Olivia beamed up at him when she spoke, her hand resting on his chest, her engagement ring sparkling in the light. “I’m so proud of you.”
He smiled down at her, dropping a kiss on her nose. They were too freaking adorable. “I’m proud of you too, Goody.”
“Yeah, but I’m not pursuing justice or saving lives,” she said.
“Your job is equally important—sharing stories with the world, bringing people hope.”
Connor surprised me. He fit the build of a navy SEAL, but he was so sweet, so gentle with Olivia. They were cute together.
“You’re a navy SEAL?” I asked, knowing he’d be wearing his dress uniform for the wedding.
“Was. I work for a security company now,” Connor said. “I considered going back to law school and applying for the JAG Corps, but a desk job wasn’t very appealing.”
“I can imagine.”
“Considering his interest in the law,” Harrison said, coming to join our group. “Connor, of all people, should know how important a prenup is.”
“Dad,” Olivia hissed, glancing around to make sure no one had overheard his comment.
I wondered if I should excuse myself or try to defuse the conversation. Luckily, none of the other guests seemed to notice what was going on. Everyone else was drinking and laughing, enjoying the food as music played on in the background.
Despite Olivia’s tense posture, Connor kept his arm draped loosely on her shoulder. “With all due respect, sir, a prenup is a personal decision. Olivia and I have discussed it at length, and we both agreed it wasn’t something we wished to pursue.”
“With all due respect,” Harrison ground out, leaning forward. “My daughter is in a position to inherit a considerable amount of wealth.”
“Oh, Harrison,” sang out a woman with a melodic voice. She traipsed over, but her light air seemed even more at odds with the tension that had settled over the small group. “Don’t spoil what should be a happy occasion.”
She kissed him on both cheeks, her dark brown hair glossy and curled. Her dress was one I’d seen in the latest Diane Von Furstenberg spring collection, and it wrapped around her perfect figure. She looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place her.
“Hello, darling,” she said to Olivia as she gave her a gentle hug.
“Mom.” Olivia forced a smile, and I stiffened.Mom? This was Olivia’s mom? Harrison’s ex?“I’m surprised you came. I thought you were in New York.”
She lifted her nose in the air and sniffed. “And miss my only daughter’s engagement party? Absolutely not.”
“Says the woman who missed her only daughter’s wedding dress fitting,” Harrison muttered. “Which reminds me—” He turned to me. “I don’t believe you’ve met Juliana. Juliana, this is Olivia’s mom, Camille.”
“Juliana is planning the wedding,” Olivia added, drawing my attention to the fact that Harrison hadn’t indicated my title.
Camille turned to me with a smile that looked more like a sneer. “Lovely to meet you. Now, would you be a dear and find me a seltzer?”
