Page 10 of Love Under Protection

Raylynn and I both step forward and take our place at the center of the aisle. My fake smile stays in place until we’ve passed the very last row; by then, I’m gritting my teeth and cannot get away from her fast enough.

The wedding planner directs us into a small room away from the actual reception area to wait while the guests make their way inside. The minute we’re out of eyesight, I free myself from Raylynn’s grip and head for the mini bar that’s set up over in the corner.

Olivia has already grabbed two glasses of wine and is heading in Raylynn’s direction while Jameson is leaning on the bar, sipping on a glass of whiskey.

“I’ll have what he’s having.”

The bartender nods and quickly makes my drink.

Jameson looks at me and grins like a loon. “Finally, did it, man. You’re next.”

I snort. “Bullshit. You know I prefer to live life wild and free.”

“For now. Until the right one comes along and knocks you on your ass,” Jameson nods in Raylynn’s direction. She looks up at us and has the nerve to blush.

“That’s not happening. I don’t do scraps.”

He shoots me a warning glare at the same time that Olivia rejoins him. “We’ll come back to that.”

“Back to what?” Olivia chimes in while rubbing Jameson’s arm affectionately.

“Nothing,” Jameson quickly answers, no doubt I’ve offended my friend with my comment about scraps.

“Show-time!” The wedding planner pokes her head back in the room, thankfully ending that conversation.

I reluctantly take my spot just outside the entrance to the reception area with Raylynn to my left. My entire body tenses as she slips her arm through mine, like she didn’t use me the other night to cheat on her fiancé.

Music starts playing inside and I hold my breath, waiting for the moment I can separate myself from her again.

“Seriously, are you giving me attitude because I said no repeats?” she leans in and whispers through sealed lips.

My mouth opens and I’m about to give her a piece of my mind when the DJ announces us, and the doors open. Playing the part, we both smile and walk in. Taking our spot on the dance floor to wait for Jameson and Olivia.

“And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for, Mister and Missus Jameson Phoenix.”

The doors open once more. Jameson and Olivia walk in, beaming. The upbeat notes ofGet This Party Startedtransitions toMarry Meand they begin their first dance together.

“Jesus, if you grit your teeth any harder, you’re going to break the enamel. What the hell is your problem?” she says softly.

My head snaps to Raylynn. “Not the time or place to have this conversation.”

“Oh, so it’s something I did?”

“You’re damn right it is,” I ground out. “But this isn’t about us and I’m not ruining things for my best friend. So, let it go. Doesn’t matter anyway. No repeats, remember?”

The music shifts again, and the DJ invites the guests to join the bride and groom on the dance floor. There’s no stopping the frustrated grumble that escapes, I know that this means I’ve got to suck it up and dance with her.

It’s Your Loveby Tim McGraw and Faith Hill filters through the speakers as I reluctantly take Raylynn’s hand and pull her closer.

A short while ago, I would have enjoyed every second of having her body pressed this close to mine. Now, it’s all for show and it’s killing me, solely because I feel used and like I’ve broken some sort of Bro Code.

“At least pretend you’re enjoying this. Since you’re all about not ruining things for our friends. As it stands, they’ll look back on their photos and see you scowling.”

I can’t take it anymore. I swore I’d hold it together and keep my mouth shut, but she’s pushing me too far. As someone who has been cheated on before, I vowed to never do the same. Regardless of whether it was only one night, my morals have been compromised.

“Tell me something,” I say with an over the top fake smile on my face. “Where’s your engagement ring?”

Raylynn’s breath hitches ever so slightly and she looks up at me with confusion written all over her face.That’s right,I think to myself,I caught your little lie.

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