Page 32 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

Two security guards manned the entrance. One verified we were on the guest list. He nodded to the other, who opened the door. It was a relief to know they were adhering to protocol.

A perfectly dressed woman without a hair out of place approached us. “Jessamine, thank you so much for arriving early.”

Jess gave her a warm hug. “Lauren, hi. It’s been a while.”

“And this is your date, James, I believe.” She held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Lauren, the Fashion Stylist with Tesoro Mio Couture. I work primarily with the individuals we partner with, like, Jessamine. I’m so happy to have you join us tonight.”

“Alden is fine.” I shook her hand. I already knew who she was from the research Gage and I had done on the company. We’d also vetted the guests expected to arrive tonight.

She smiled. “Alden it is. We’ll need a few minutes of Jess’s time for the photos. You can mingle down here in the ballroom, and we’ll bring her right back when we’re done.”

My eyes cut to Jess in a silent communication ofhell no.

Jess reached out and tucked her arm through Lauren’s. “Now, I know this is a big ask, but do you mind if Alden comes with us?”

I cleared my throat. The low rumbly sound signaled Gage through our communication earpieces to alert him of our change in location. I’d left the line of communication open between us, knowing that with a tap I could turn it off.

“I’ve got you. We have eyes all over the place. I’ll keep an eye on the party you go with Jess. We’re good.”

Lauren’s eyebrows drew together. “Jess, you know why I can’t allow that. He may interfere.”

Jess laughed. “Trust me, Alden’s not the type. I promise he’ll be still as a statue.”

Lauren gave me a slow appraising look.

Jess winked at me and then leaned in to whisper into Lauren’s ear. “To be honest, he’s a little shy. I know you probably can’t tell by looking at him, but he’s a gentle giant, and gets nervous being around all these people he doesn’t know.” She tsked her tongue. “He’s really here for me. I can’t just leave him to the wolves, if you know what I mean.”

Lauren sighed. “I do.” She turned to me. “All right, but you must stay off to the side. No speaking to Jess or interrupting the photoshoot process. The photographer will need to move her physically, talk to her to get the right look. There may be some poses you may not like, and even so you must not interfere. Jess trusts us, and she will tell us what she is and is not comfortable with.”

I frowned, not understanding the problem unless the photographer was handsy. I’d break his wrist if that was the case.

We exited the staircase to the second floor. “He might ask me to think of something sexy or tell me to act flirty or remember a particularly funny memory, but he’s not going to start talking dirty to me. Well he probably won’t,” she teased, a sultry smile playing on her lips.

I narrowed my eyes, not liking the flash of jealousy that tore through my gut at the thought of any guy talking dirty to Jess. Any guy other than me.

Lauren pointed to me. “See, that look right there is what I’m talking about.”

I held up my hands, palms out. “I won’t say anything.”

Lauren harumphed. “If you do, you’re out. I have enough to deal with tonight.”

We turned down a corridor. Most of the doors we passed were closed until we reached the last one. I eased myself in front of Jess, not caring how the action looked to Lauren.

I took a quick assessment of the room while Jess distracted Lauren at the doorway. I didn’t notice any threats, and discreetly motioned to Jess it was safe to come in. We didn’t have eyes in the individual rooms, just the large common spaces.

Lauren looked at her phone and tapped off a quick message. “I’ll be back within thirty minutes. We only need a few shots of you in the dress. You’ve worked with Eli before.” She gestured to the guy in the middle of the room taking test shots with his camera.

“I have.” Jess smiled and waved at Eli.

Lauren pointed at me. “You. Stand over there.” She gestured to the corner the furthest away from the photographer.

I nodded. I’d be standing wherever I needed to protect Jess, but I complied. For now.

Being an observer was something I was good at. I didn’t anticipate any issues, but I was always ready for them.

Jess practically skipped over to Eli who held his arms open for a hug.

“Eli, it’s so good to see you.”

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