Page 7 of Risk Assessment
It didn’t matter. It was none of his business anymore. Jenn wasn’t his business any longer. He’d made sure of that.
He tried to inflate his lungs, but it was like he’d been on the receiving end of a tear gas canister. He cursed long and loud in his head. He was in deep trouble, and he’d only been here a total of five minutes.
This weekend was going to be hell.
“What are you doing here?” Jenn stopped abruptly in front of him. She glared at him and then Raleigh, giving them the once over, making it very clear she found both parties wanting.
“Uh—” he started, having no clear idea of what he was supposed to say, but Raleigh cut him off.
She offered her hand. “I’m Raleigh Ross. I’m managing your PR and your wedding book. Your mother hired my firm.”
Wait! What?It was Jenn’s wedding that Raleigh was here to cover? That news hit him like a rubber bullet to his vest. Jen was already getting married?
He’d heard Jenn was engaged, but that was only a few months ago. He sucked in air like he’d run a marathon. Jenn was getting married. His fiancée—ex-fiancée—was marrying someone else and he had to be here for the whole weekend. This was a brand-new level of hell. He’d rather go through the police academy all over again than spend one more minute here.
Jenn’s eyes narrowed, but the way she’d been raised left no room for ignoring social niceties. She shook Raleigh’s hand.
“Congratulations on your wedding,” Raleigh said with a huge smile.
“Thank you,” Jenn ground out, but she did not look pleased. “Dylan, what areyoudoing here?”
“He’s my date,” Raleigh replied quickly.
Dylan was instantly grateful. He was still incapable of speech. He sucked in more oxygen.Get it together. You’re a mess.He could hear his training officer’s voice loud and clear, as if the man was standing beside him. He stood up straight and regulated his breathing.
“I didn’t realize that PR hacks were allowed to bring dates tomywedding,” Jenn said, with a pointed look at him, frost dripping off every word.
“It was a courtesy offered by your mother. I’ve worked with her on all her fundraising events for her various charities.” Raleigh’s voice was smooth and firm.
Dylan was immediately impressed. Raleigh definitely had skills. She was comfortable facing off with Jenn. Most people were intimidated, especially when she was pissed off—and she sure was pissed off right now.
Waves of cold rage were emanating off her.
If looks could kill, he would have been six feet under no question, and Raleigh would’ve been beside him.
“I see.” Jenn’s lip curled, and she set her jaw. “I guess it’s too late to do anything about it now, but you can be certain I will bespeaking to my mother.” With that, she turned and flounced off in the direction of the dining room.
Dylan tried to keep his face neutral, but he had the insane urge to laugh. Jenn was getting married only months after they had broken up, andshewas mad athim. Where did she get off being so angry?She’dmoved on, with no problem apparently, whereas he’d only gone on a few dates.
He turned toward Raleigh, but one look at her high chin and flattened lips had his gut tied in knots. He shook his head. Women: so much more hassle than they were worth.
“You might have mentioned that you know the bride and obviously have history with her.”
“Well—”
“Save it until we’re alone, and then I want a full explanation.” She maintained a pleasant smile while hissing out the words.
She didn’t wait for his response. She marched across the lobby past the fountain and out the side doors, presumably toward their cabin. The bellman had to scurry to keep up with her.
Dylan trailed Raleigh and the bellman down the path. A large group was headed toward them. The two men in front were wearing dark suits, but the cut of the suits didn’t quite disguise the slightly thick look created by wearing Kevlar. The suits also didn’t hide a gun's bulk under the shoulder and at the ankle. Security. High end by the look of the suits.
Two more men brought up the rear, sporting a similar look but it was hard to see their faces. The person they were protecting was walking in front of them, blocking Dylan’s view.
Raleigh and the bellman stepped back from the path, making way for the large group to pass.
"Dylan?" a voice from the back of the group cut through the early evening air.
Dylan frowned as he looked at the group. The two guys in front looked right through him. The protectee in the middle also wore a suit and had close-cropped hair and dark sunglasses on his tanned face. Dylan didn't recognize him at all, and he didn't show any signs of even looking in Dylan's direction. Maybe he was hearing things.
