Page 121 of Puck and Prejudice

I narrow my eyes ever so slightly before replying, “Right.”

“Did you two just become best friends?” Frederico jokes.

I can’t help the smile that tugs the corners of my lips. “You betcha.”

ChapterForty-Nine

IZZIE

Today was the first time I saw Caroline since I caught her at Jackson’s house, and I knew it’d be hard. But my hatred toward her grew by leaps and bounds when she showed up with Gavin. There’s no love lost between her brother and that man, and she knows Jackson hates him too. She’s a petty, spoiled brat, and I have half a mind to toss her in the pool in her cocktail dress and all.

The rehearsal part of the rehearsal dinner went smoothly, despite the unwanted guest, but mainly because Gavin made himself scarce. He’s either afraid Jackson will punch him in the throat, or he’s waiting for the right moment to ruin everything. I bet it’s the latter.

Unfortunately, Caroline and her boyfriend aren’t the only problems occupying my mind. Mom decided to be extra difficult today and make it all about herself. I don’t want Jane to stress, so I’m playing buffer and referee between her and Chad’s mother. Thank goodness Louisa isn’t like Caroline, and she’s helping.

Mom is currently complaining that the dinner is buffet style, but I’m tired of her negativity, so when she turns her attention to Lydia, I make my escape. I haven’t eaten anything, but I’m not hungry—I’m in dire need of a drink. But first, I make sure Jane is okay. I find her with Chad and Louisa, so that makes me feel less guilty to be heading to the bar.

“Hello. What can I get you?” the bartender asks.

“Gin and tonic, please.”

“Coming right up.”

As I watch the bartender prepare my drink, I get distracted and don’t notice that someone joined me at the bar until they speak. “Lovely party.”

I tense, then study Gavin for a moment before replying, “Yes, it is.”

“For a last-minute affair that is.” He chuckles.

Fucking asshole. He’s saved from my retort because the bartender sets my drink in front of me, and instead of falling for Gavin’s goading, I thank the man supplying me with much-needed alcohol.

“So… you and Darcy crashed and burned, huh?” the odious man continues.

I level him with a glower. “How’s that any of your business?”

“It isn’t. I’m just pleased he didn’t hold on to you.”

My jaw drops. “Wow. You’re something else.”

He gives me a dazzling smile, the kind he flashed when he used to flirt with me. “I’m just being honest. I’d like to think we could have been more if he hadn’t come between us.”

Wait. Is he for real?

“Sorry to burst your bubble, but nothing would ever have happened between us.”

He touches my arm with his fingertips, making my skin crawl. “That’s too bad.”

I step back and grit out, “What are you doing? Aren’t you here with Caroline?”

He shrugs. “It’s not that serious. She wanted to stick it to her brother and Darcy, and I was more than happy to help her out.”

“You disgust me.” I walk away before I toss my drink on his smug face.

Fuming and not in the mood to be social, I leave the party. For the rehearsal dinner, we booked the Beach Club restaurant, which has access to the pool area. It’s hotter than Hades outside though, and no one is out and about. Perfect.

I sit on a lounge chair and take a large sip of my drink.

“Want some company?” Jackson asks.

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