Page 11 of Beards and Broken Hearts

“Well, her bachelorette party,” he mutters softly, knowing it’s a sore subject. “But listen, there’s a too many of her friends here who drank too much, and we need more sober drivers to take everyone home…any chance I could sweet talk you into helping me?”

Looking down at my open beer, I tip it into the sink and reply, “Yeah, I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Thanks, man. Oh, and you might want to grab a shirt ‘cos these ladies are still very frisky,” he says with a laugh before he hangs up the phone.

I shake my head with a smile, imagining the chaos my grandmother and her friends are causing. I love that about her, though, and do want her to have a great night, so if I can help, I will. Grabbing my keys, I head out and drive back to the bar, hoping Daphne got home okay and shamelessly hoping it was alone.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Daphne

Walking out of the bathroom, I look around and can’t find Elenore or anyone I came here with. Pushing out the bar doors, I watch the limo drive out of the parking lot with the bachelorette herself hanging out the top, screaming, “I’m getting married!”

Despite being ditched, I laugh and hiccup. All the drinks from the night make my head swim.

“What’s so funny?” A deep voice behind me says, making me turn in surprise.

It’s a big, bearded man from the competition, but I don’t remember his name and a feeling of unease shivers up my spine.

“Oh, nothing, have a good night,” I say with a wave and start walking. Magnolia Point is a small town, and I don’t think it’ll take long to get home. My only regret is these shoes.

“Come on, honey, I’ll give you a ride,” the man says, but I don’t bother looking back. My smile and good mood are long gone as I hear the click of his boots following behind me. The sidewalk is lit by lamps on both sides of the roads, but no one is out and about.

“Don’t be like this, baby. I’m just trying to help you.”

“No, thank you.”

Maybe I should have gone back into the bar and called an Uber. Do they have those here? Probably not this late. My dizzy brain spirals as dread sours my stomach. If I toss chunks of cosmopolitan, maybe this guy will turn and leave. I could only hope.

I take my phone out to call Holly, my traitor sister, when I see a text message.

Holly:

Hey, Elenore ditched you, not me. Blame the bride. She called you a ride though, so just wait there. See you in a few.

“Damn it,” I say, looking back over my shoulder just in time for Mr. Loser Beard catches up with me. Behind him are two shadows, too far for me to make out who.

“Hey, beautiful,” the man slurs, putting his big, unwelcome arm around me.

Panic sets in, and I reach into my purse for the pepper spray.

“Hey back, but I’m not interested,” I say, stepping out of his embrace, plastering on a fake smile, but he grabs my arm, halting my attempt to flee, and snarls down at me.

“Where you goin'? I said I’d help you.”

My heart pounds in my chest as I continue to fumble for my spray when I hear a stampede of steps coming closer. Suddenly, the angry man pulls me against his broad chest, and I drop my purse altogether, a scream breaking free from my throat.

“The fuck!” I hear a deep voice growl, but before I can spare a glance at who it is, a fist connects with the red-faced man. He loses his footing and grip on me, then hits the ground with a thud. It’s a thing of beauty as I watch his sweat-soaked body struggle to get back up. Fear is still stuck in my gut, and I look over my shoulder, out of breath, to see another bearded man I recognize from lunch with Elenore. Jack, Jake, maybe, I can’t remember his name, but he’s paying me no attention. I think it’s the perfect time to make a run for it when I chance a glance at the broad-shouldered boulder of a man who inserted himself in front of me and almost swallow my tongue in shock.

Layton snarls and practically foams at the mouth as he watches the man stand unsteadily.

“What the hell, man,” my assailant whines, holding his face, staggering back.

Layton flexes his jaw wordlessly, and it’s enough for the guy to take off back toward the parking lot, leaving me alone with two big, bearded bodyguards.

To my complete disdain, I choose this moment to hiccup. It gains the attention of both men, who turn to look at me, but the friend speaks.

“Hey, are you okay?”

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