Page 79 of Savannah Sweethearts

The make-up bag was right outside the door, so I grabbed it and touched her up to finish pictures. When those were done, we made our way over to the reception.

An uncle of the bride was acting as DJ and he introduced the bridal party. Muscles and I spun onto the floor and he dipped me low, catching me off guard. Once he had righted me, however, he pulled me close.

“If you’re interested, I’m at the hotel across the street. Room 302. Meet me there at ten.” Then he goosed me and sauntered off to where his buddies already had a table full of empty beer bottles.

No, thanks. Not even thanks. Just no. Hard pass.

I checked my phone to see if Orlando had arrived yet. Nothing. The newlyweds came in and immediately set up for their first dance. The bride’s children were also supposed to dance next to them. I found the flower girl and brought her over to her brother, who was at least fifteen years older than her. He hoisted her up and carried her to the dance floor and began to twirl her around next to their mother and new stepfather.

My phone vibrated against my skin and I checked it.

Orlando: I’m right outside. Just in case you need me.

A sigh escaped my lips and I felt my shoulders relax. Even if I didn’t need him, even if he didn’t show his face, he was here for me. Any doubt about him in my mind slipped away in that moment. He showed up when called. If Kyle approached me, I would be ready.

And approach me he did. While everyone talked, laughed, and filled their plates from the buffet, Kyle sought me out.

“Amaya, look at you. That shade of green looks awful on you.” He put his hands in his pockets and looked me up and down.

I stood to my full height, which wasn’t much, but I would no longer back down from him. “This shade of green looks awful on everybody, Kyle. What do you want?”

“I thought I’d ask you for a dance.” He held out his hand.

“No, thank you. I’m working.” I turned my shoulder to him and took a sip of the tea in my hand.

He moved to be in my line of sight. “I heard. Zach said you’re going up to his room for some extra work later. But I told him you’re mine.”

Now I did put my glass down. “You have absolutely zero ownership of me, Kyle. And for Zach, well, he’s a pompous buffoon. I would never do that. Besides, my boyfriend is outside waiting for me.”

With a scoff, he replied, “Sure he is. Let me guess, he’s a hot model millionaire.”

A sly smile came across my lips. “Hm. He is hot. And he is a millionaire. I think he could be a model.” Orlando really could be a model.

Kyle grabbed my hand. “Come on, Amaya. Quit playing games with me. Show me this millionaire.”

I pulled out my phone and texted Orlando a single word. “Come.”

Kyle was pulling me harder toward the dance floor. “You’re such a twit, Amaya. Nobody in their right mind would want you.” He flung a racial slur towards me.

My feet dug into the floor and I yanked my arm, not caring if it dislocated. I was about to do something I had never done at a wedding—call attention to myself.

“Let go of me! STOP!”

Everything stopped. The laughter and chatter stopped. The sound of forks and cups stopped. Every eye turned toward us.

As if I was a medieval damsel in distress, Orlando appeared from the background. He charged ahead, took Kyle’s hand off me, and turned with his eyes blazing. In one motion he clocked Kyle square across the jaw.

Sprawled on the floor, blood poured from Kyle’s nose. He opened his mouth to speak, but the blood caused him to close it quickly.

Orlando stood over him, his chest heaving, his fist still balled. “When a woman tells you no, it means no. Go to—”

I put my hands on Orlando’s arms before he could finish. He stopped and turned back to me. Strong arms enveloped me as he held me tight, his breath still ragged.

A panicked voice came from behind me. “Are you okay, Amaya?” Riviera and her groom stood there, wide-eyed.

I released Orlando and turned to her. “I’m so sorry. He wouldn’t listen or let go.”

The groom whispered to his bride and stepped away, pulling Kyle with him. Riviera came a little closer to me. “Kyle is George’s nephew, but he is being escorted out. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I don’t know what came over him, but I hope you’re okay.”

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