Page 44 of Saving Jared

Now if she could just get out of there so she didn’t have to see the couple together it would be great. She stared out at the dance floor, but who she was looking for wasn’t there.

Where’s Kinsley?

Jude had insisted it would look good if Kinsley and Hart danced at least once together. No way had he been in the loop, or he wouldn’t have even thought about it. But Hart had jumped right on the suggestion as the guests at their table offered their encouragement.

So, a scowling Kinsley had acquiesced and been led out on the floor by a grinning Hart. And the last time she’d seen them through the other dancers they’d been—

A loud slap had several heads, including her own, snapping toward a set of open French doors leading to an outdoor garden space where Kinsley stood in the opening breathing hard while one side of Hart’s face had a decidedly angry, red hue to it. Within seconds, the two were surrounded by the press.

"Shit," Willa whispered as she jumped up and headed toward her friend who had already started to stalk off, leaving Hartman Fremont glaring after her. Willa rushed past several of the reporters trying to follow her and turned toward them with an evil a stare as she could muster with her hands out. "Don’t even think about it."

"Doesn’t matter," one of the reporters said with a smirk—a woman Willa recognized as AJ Lacey from a local station. "I got all of it on video. And I mean all of it."

Willa didn’t want to think what all of it meant as she turned and hurried after Kinsley, finally catching up with her as she stomped past cooks and staff in the Big M’s large industrial kitchen that serviced their guests.

"Hold up," Willa said, catching Kinsley’s shoulder and pulling her around. "What in the world… I’m going to kill him."

Tears tracked down Kinsley’s cheek that she quickly dashed away. "No," she said on a watery chuckle. "Remember, the asshat has to be protected. Even from you." She cleared her throat while anger boiled inside Willa for her friend. "I just have to get through tomorrow."

"Do you think he’ll still give it to you after…" She motioned her head back the way they’d come.

"If he knows what’s good for him, he will." Kinsley let out a long, low breath and looked toward the closed door leading to the ballroom. "Can you do me a favor and make sure my brothers aren’t killing him."

"You sure you don’t want to just let them do it?"

Kinsley grinned and wiped away any lingering tears. "No. But I can’t go back out there. I just… Can’t."

"I’ve got you sweetie," Willa said, taking Kinsley up in a hug.

And with that, she and Kinsley went in opposite directions, then cautiously walked through the ballroom where people continued dancing. Most everyone had finished their meals, but the bar area had a crowd of people drinking and talking.

"No one must have died," she muttered just as someone lightly touched her shoulder. She turned to come face to face with Laurel Fremont.

"Is Kinsley all right?"

Willa did her best to smile at the woman, but it wasn’t the easiest thing she’d ever done.

"She will be."

Ms. Fremont nodded. "Good. She’s a nice young woman and has such a big heart. She’ll be a good steward of the grant money. And you’re Willa, right?"

"Yes, ma’am." She couldn’t help her broad smile. Kinsley was getting the grant.

"Oh, please," she said on a light laugh. "Don’t call me ma’am. It makes me feel like someone’s moth…" She swallowed hard. "Mother." Sadness marred her features for a heartbeat before she smiled again. "I’m Laurel."

"Nice to meet you, Laurel." Willa had been keeping an ear out for any sounds of a fight, but only music and the normal sounds she would expect from the guests filled her ears. But she took a quick look around anyhow.

"They’re not in here."

"Who exactly is they?"

"My brother, Jared, and Jude."

"Oh, god," Willa groaned, then tilted her head at Laurel. "I don’t guess they did anything to your brother, or you wouldn’t be so composed."

"No." Laurel sighed. "Jared and Jude managed to remain calm, although I’m not sure Jude knows exactly everything yet."

"So, where did they go?" She scanned the room again. Maybe she’d catch a glimpse of Jared—and Jude and Hart of course too—so she could be sure herself.

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