Page 43 of Rockstar's Accidental Marriage

Sam tenses slightly, but his smile remains easy. “Bobbi. Been a long time.”

Bobbi’s gaze flicks to me, her perfectly shaped brows lifting in surprise. “And who’s this?”

“This is Emily,” Sam says, his hand tightening slightly on my back. “My wife.”

Her eyes widen briefly, but then she recovers, her lips curving into a slow, almost predatory smile. “Your wife? Well, isn’t this a surprise?”

“It is,” Sam replies, his tone cool. “We’ve mostly kept it under wraps.”

Right then, Clay waves Sam over. “Sam, I want you to meet someone.”

Sam glances at me, and I nod for him to go. “Go ahead, I’ll get something to drink.”

“Shots?” Bobbi looks down her nose at me. “I’ll show you where the hard stuff is. Follow me.”

I follow her toward what looks to be the beverage table, with all types of liquor bottles as well as a keg of beer.

Quietly, I murmur, “Thanks, but I shouldn’t drink anything alcoholic. Just a water for me.”

Her gaze drops to my stomach, and her smile turns sharper. “Oh, I see. So, that’s why Sam married you.”

The words land like a slap, and I can’t breathe for a moment.

“Actually,” I say, my voice steady despite the heat rising in my cheeks, “we’ve been married for over a year, and I’m only a couple of months along.”

Bobbi’s smile falters, just for a second, before she recovers. “Well. Congratulations,” she says, but her tone implies otherwise.

“Thanks,” I reply, forcing a tight smile.

She looks like she wants to say more, but another voice cuts in before she can.

“Emily, right?”

I turn to see a petite but curvy girl with sandy blonde hair. She’s wearing a bright smile and a friendly spark in her brown eyes.

“I’m Lila,” she says, holding out her hand. “You look like you could use a friend right about now.”

I blink, caught off guard, but then I shake her hand, grateful for the lifeline. “Nice to meet you, Lila.”

“Come on,” she says, looping her arm through mine. “I’ll show you the snack table.” Giving a goodbye nod to Bobbi, she leads me away. “Pregnant women get first dibs on the good stuff. Here, try a cupcake.”

Practically moaning after I take my first bite, I state. “These are wonderful.”

“Thanks. I made them. I’m a chef, but there’s not much call for one around here. So currently, I help run the local bakery.”

Rolling my eyes at how good the cupcake tastes, I say, “You should come to Jacksonville. I’d be glad to introduce you around. People are always looking for private chefs there. And if this is anything to go by, you won’t have any problems getting customers.”

“Thanks.” She gives me a thoughtful look. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Lila is a godsend. She chats easily, making me feel welcome as she introduces me to a few other people and points out the best places to snag a piece of pie or a cold drink.

“You’re doing fine,” she says as we watch a group of couples two-stepping on the dance floor. “Don’t let Bobbi Jo get to you. She’s just mad that Sam’s off the market.”

“Was she...” I trail off, unsure how to phrase the question.

“Once upon a time,” Lila says with a shrug. “But it wasn’t serious. Sam’s never been one to date the same girl more than once.” Lila’s voice trails away as she realizes what she said. “Sorry. I guess that’s not true anymore.”

I give a weak smile, not knowing what else to say.

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