Page 21 of The Backup Bride Proposal

“Hmm” was all he said.

Mae could tell right away that Benjamin would be the tough sell. She’d thoroughly read through their bios and their likes and dislikes, so she knew what would hit his hot buttons.

“You know, Benjamin, we also have a wine tasting room. In fact, we would be happy to incorporate that into your bachelor party if you’d like.”

His brow rose. Just enough to know she’d captured his interest. “Really.”

“Yes. Would you like to take a tour of the tasting room? I could arrange for Brenna Bellini, who manages the winery, to give you a personal tour of the vineyards as well.”

Now both brows rose. “That would be great. Thanks.”

“Follow me.” She sent a quick text to Brenna, who told her she was already set up.

Perfect. She walked them across the property to the tasting room. She loved it here. It was always cool, slightly dark and atmospheric. Perfect for sipping Red Moss Vineyards’s excellent wines.

“Now this is what I’m talking about,” Benjamin said as they stepped up to the bar.

Brenna wasn’t the only one in there. Kane was there as well. She hoped against hope that Rashida and Benjamin had no idea who he was.

“Oh my God,” Rashida said, grabbing Benjamin’s shirt. “That’s Kane August. You’re Kane August. I’m sorry. I’m fangirling. I can’t help it.Lone Strangerwas one of my favorite movies. Oh, andWhere He Roamed. You gave a fantastic performance.”

Mae tried not to grimace, but Kane just turned and smiled, shaking Rashida’s hand. “Thanks so much. What’s your name?”

Rashida and Ben introduced themselves, and then Brenna interjected with some wine offerings, so they got down to tasting. Kane joined them and talked about his favorites, but once Benjamin and Rashida’s attention had turned fully to the wine, he stepped away.

“Sorry. Brenna didn’t tell me you were expected in here with your guests.”

“I didn’t know, either. I had to think on the fly.”

“Does that happen a lot during your tours?”

“Not all that often, but sometimes if I have a semi-reluctant bride or groom, I have to do something to entice them. With Benjamin, it was wine.”

“I see.” He leaned against one of the tables. “How about dinner tonight?”

“What? Why?”

“Because you had a date last time and couldn’t go with me. I thought you could find a fun spot for us to eat.”

“Oh.” She supposed it wasn’t a date, that he just wanted to get out and around the city. “Sure. How about seven?”

“Sounds good. Give me your phone.”

She handed her phone over and he put in his number, then handed it back to her. After that he took his phone out. “Now give me your number.”

She did, realizing a movie star now had her phone number.

No. Kane had her phone number. She still didn’t think of him as some big-time movie star. He was just a guy. Some guy who wanted to go to Oklahoma City for dinner. That seemed normal to her. If she kept him in the “just a guy” category, everything would be fine.

He straightened. “I’ll get out of your way. Text me when you’re ready to go.”

“Will do. See you later.”

He walked out and Rashida turned around. “Oh no. He left before I could get a pic with him.”

“Yeah, he had things to do. Sorry.”

“Oh well. At least I got to meet him.”

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