Page 13 of Something Blue

Tanner brightened, and Andy gave him a warning look. As long as she didn’t think the luggage was from him, she would accept the offer. “You told the guy who did your hair you had some new outfits and a couple of bathing suits, but they still loaded this thing up for the beach. They are extra outfits no one wanted. I’ll drop it by your place and leave it on the porch.”

She laughed and looked over at one guy, studying the scene. “Thanks, Rolando.”

His bright white teeth contrasted sharply against his dark skin and eyes. “Go get ‘em girl. Come back and get your hair straightened when you get back. You’ll need an update, and I’ll need to see your stunning face again.”

“All right,” Sadie said, her cheeks filling with color. “Thank your crew for me. I feel truly pampered.” She smiled and blew Rolando a kiss.

Really? Andy stepped in front of her to block Rolando from view. “You look great. Should we get going? My parents will be at the restaurant any minute.”

He had Tanner lead her toward the front door while he stayed behind to watch her walk out, whistling quietly as Rolando came up beside him.

“She was beautiful before she came, but now she’s gorgeous. If it doesn’t work out, I’m gonna snatch her up.”

Andy turned to see a gleam in Rolando’s eyes. A twinge of annoyance bubbled inside. She was his contracted girlfriend. “See you around,” he said, not looking back.

As he joined the two of them outside, Andy overheard Tanner admiring Sadie’s new look. “You looked great when I picked you up, but now, you’re a bombshell! Totally gorgeous.”

Andy patted Tanner’s back and led him toward his own car. “Tanner has to get going, right? Take the suitcase by her house and make sure no one takes it off the porch.”

“See you tomorrow, boss,” he said, taking the hint.

After Tanner left, Andy and Sadie were left standing alone in the lot. Even though she kept her eyes on the ground, he couldn’t look away.

Finally, she met his gaze and smiled. “We’d better go if we don’t want to be late.”

Thinking of his parents waiting for them at the restaurant snapped him out of his daze. Time to focus. “Right. Let’s go.”

They discussed their strategy on the drive. They met a while back, kept their relationship a secret, and could now go out in public together. She’d answer the questions about herself, and the rest they would wing. He wasn’t sure about the winging part, but he finally agreed.

As Andy parked the car, he reached over and patted her hand. “Wait here.”

Running around the car, he opened the door and held out a hand. “From here on out, you and I must act the part of a couple who has dated on and off for two years.”

Sadie nodded and a whiff of perfume wafted to his nose. Before he could regain his composure, she slipped her hand into his, making his knees buckle even more.

“Should we go?”

Without betraying his voice, he led the way toward the little strip mall.

Located in Little Chinatown, Little Thai was a smaller, private restaurant and one of the best-kept secrets of Las Vegas.

She stopped in front of the restaurant door, jerking him backward.

“What’s wrong? You don’t like Thai food?”

“No, I love it,” she said quietly. “My mom and I used to eat here frequently.”

“Used to?” He chuckled. “Well, you two have great taste. Most people don’t even know it’s here.”

Despite his compliment, she gripped his hand tightly as they made their way inside and up to the restaurant host.

“Mr. and Mrs. Reed. Have they arrived yet?” Andy asked.

The host was a beautiful woman with dark hair and dark skin, but she had nothing on Sadie. He regretted choosing the gray suit over his classic black. Black looked better with red, and he needed the night to happen without a hitch.

“Right this way.” The host motioned them to follow and led them to a quiet corner in the back.

Sadie let go of Andy’s hand and leaned in close. “Sorry about that. I know we’re only in a fake relationship, but I’m actually nervous to meet your parents.”

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