Page 40 of Fighting Mr. Knight

My chest tightens as I back away from the corner. So, Michelle Allard is more his type?

Him and his big dick and hisdarlins.

Stupid, stupid, stupid, Bonnie,says the annoying voice of reason in my head.Billionaires get more attention than babies and bunnies. I witnessed that myself last night.What did you expect?

Father Donaghy would say this is karma for disrespecting his God’s house yesterday.

I can’t believe I even entertained for a tiny slither of a moment the notion of maybe, just maybe, sharing some food with Jack Knight for an hour. All for networking purposes, of course.

I’ve been a fool, but I’ve learned my lesson.

***

After a ten-minute pep talk in the bathroom to pull myself together, I make my way back to the breakfast area.

Kate waves me over.

I’m irrationally annoyed. It’s probably the champagne after-effects and the low you get after hitting it too hard, that’s all.

“Hi,Mrs. Knight.” I beam at Kate as she pulls me in for a massive hug.

“Mrs. Knight,” she repeats, squealing. “Mrs. Knight! Jesus, I’ll look around for Sean’s mum every time someone calls me that.Thank you for yesterday, honey. You were on your feet all day. I think you must have taken me to the bathroom five times last night.”

“Don’t worry. I hope you enjoyed your day?”

She thinks about it. “You know, I really did in the end. I mean, I wouldn’t rush out to do it again and I’mreallyglad it’s over, but waking up beside my husband this morning . . .” Her grin fades and she squeezes my arm. “I’m sorry, Bonnie. Areyouokay? I know you put on a brave face but it’s such a hard thing to go through given the circumstances.”

Huh. This is the first time I’m upset about something other than my split in months.

All thanks to Mr. Big Dick. Maybe he did me and my not-as-good-as-Michelle-Allard-pipes a favour.

“I had a brilliant time.” I smile. “Kate, do you mind if we head off? Nisha’s in a bad way. Also, Bradshaw is doing an important piece of work for Lexington, so I should get at it today, or the week will be a nightmare.”And I need to get the hell out of here before the Lexington CEO appears.

“Speak of the devil.” She grins over my shoulder. “Jack, you bad man. Is your company working Bonnie too hard?”

I turn, horror rising slowly, to see Jack and Michelle Allard behind me.

Jack is back in casual clothes but still looks as deadly as in the tux, if a little more tired in a grey tee and jeans.

Michelle grips his forearm possessively, looking bored. He stiffens but doesn’t remove her arm.

Unlike the rest of us, her skin glows as if an invisible team of lighting technicians is following her around, illuminating her with soft white light.

“Morning.” Jack turns his attention to me. His dark eyes burn a trail up my body. “What’s this about?”

“Bonnie’s gruelling deadline for Lexington,” Kate pipes up, poking Jack’s abs.

If only I had duct tape handy.

His brows rise.

“Kate’s only joking,” I hiss, telepathically telling her to shut the fuck up. Max will bloody well flip if he hears about this.

Michelle looks at me suspiciously as her arm tightens around Jack’s. “I know you. The other bridesmaid. From the lawn.”

I look between Jack and Michelle. He shifts his hand into his back pocket, forcing her arm to drop.

Not a date, my arse. Michelle is clinging to his side like a bodyguard.

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