Page 97 of Life of the Party

“Yeah, looks maybe. Those don’t last. I’m talking money.”

“I don’t care about money.”

“You say that now, but you’ll change your mind someday. By then, it’ll be too late. You’ll be kicking yourself for missing out on this opportunity.”

I shook my head, determined to ignore him. We waltzed closer to my parents’ table, where my mother took the opportunity to smile and snap pictures of us.

“Just look at them. Don’t they look great together?” She was exclaiming, loud enough to be sure Grey overheard. I shot her a look. Mom could keep right on dreaming. Jake and I were never going to happen.

“See? Even your mother approves of us.” Jake smiled. “I saw them at dinner. They don’t like your boyfriend much, do they?”

“Like that matters.” I rolled my eyes.

Jake chuckled in amusement. His hands moved down the bodice of my dress, resting against the small of my back, pulling me closer.

“I know what you’re doing.” He murmured.

“You do, do you? And what is that?”

“Playing hard to get.” He lifted a hand to brush a tendril off my shoulder, his eyes falling to my lips. “It worked, okay?” He whispered breathily. “It worked.”

Then he kissed me.

He caught me totally off guard. One moment we were the proper distance apart, and the next, my face was in his hands, his lips mashed against mine.

I let out a cry, but before I could even think to push Jake away, he was already off of me. I staggered back in surprise, watching in stunned amazement as Grey’s fist slammed into Jake’s face and sent him sprawling backwards across the dance floor.

There was a collective gasp from the reception guests as Jake landed on the ground in an undignified heap of Armani; I think a few people even shrieked at the sight. I couldn’t believe my eyes; I couldn’t stop the giggle that bubbled from my throat as he struggled to collect himself, his cheek swollen and puffy with the beginnings of a handsome shiner.

Blake stepped forward to avenge his brother, his face taut with anger, but Marcy grasped his arm and held him back with a quick shake of her head. My mother was absolutely livid; her face flushed deep red as she glanced around in apologetic embarrassment at the appalled wedding guests. Dad merely stood, his mouth hanging open with shock and dismay that quickly turned to full-on outrage. The veins stood out on his forehead as he turned his eyes to my boyfriend.

“Are you okay?” Grey was indifferent to the hushed murmurs of the horrified guests and the heated stares from my humiliated parents. His blue eyes were concerned, edged with residual anger as he turned them to me, his handsome face tense.

“Yeah, I’m okay.” All eyes were on us; everyone had stopped in their tracks—even the musicians stopped playing to see what would happen next.

I smiled at Grey; I couldn’t help myself. I didn’t care that everyone saw.

“Mitch, do something.” I heard my mother hiss. She glared up at my father expectantly. “Get him out of here!”

Dad’s eyes narrowed at Grey. He cleared his throat and pointed his finger menacingly towards the door. “Son, I think it’s time you leave.” He threatened.

“What? Why?” I stepped between them, indignant. “For stopping that creep—”

“No, Mackenzie.” Grey placed his hand on my arm, and his touch was gentle, even though his face was furious. “Don’t… It’s okay. I’ll go.” He shook his head. “I’ll see you later.”

His warm hand slid down my arm, and then, under the watchful eyes of my parents, he turned to go. The guests made a path for him like a pariah. Mom crossed her arms, her eyes flashing triumphantly, and Dad shook his head at me in disgust.

I glared right back at them.

I didn’t stop to think; I only knew I was going with Grey. No way I’d stay there—not with them, not after this. I rushed back to my chair to gather my things, and once my mother saw what I was doing, she pounced on me.

“Stop this right now. Mackenzie, you are not going with him.” She whispered harshly.

“The hell I’m not.” I stepped around her, suddenly face-to-face with my beautiful sister, her arms crossed in fury, her dark eyes glittering with angry tears.

I looked up at her, shocked to realize…maybe I’d ruined her wedding after all.

I was sorry for it. I really hadn’t meant to.

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