Page 26 of Defending What's Mine

“I didn’t think it mattered,” she says with a shrug. “But now, seeing how he’s acting around you? I think you need to be careful.”

I nod, the knot in my stomach tightening further. “Thanks, Mel. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good,” she says, her tone lightening. “Now, let’s talk about something more fun. Like this.” She pulls a lacy black teddy off a rack and holds it up with a mischievous grin. “Youhaveto get this.”

I gape at her. “What? No. Absolutely not.”

“Oh, come on,” she says, waggling the hanger at me. “It’s perfect. Subtle, sexy, and just enough to make Asher forget how to breathe.”

“Melanie,” I groan, snatching the hanger from her hands. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re boring,” she counters, crossing her arms. “Look, if you’re going to be engaged to a guy like Asher, you might as well have some fun with it. Who knows? Maybe he’ll surprise you.”

I glance at the lingerie, my cheeks burning, but a small part of me wonders what Asher would think if he saw me in something like this. Would he keep that cool, collected demeanor? Or would he lose his composure, just for a moment?

“Fine,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “But if you say one word about this to anyone?—”

“Relax,” Melanie says, grinning triumphantly. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

As we head to the checkout, I try to push aside the swirling thoughts in my head. Between Wade’s threats, Melanie’s revelations, and the lingering heat from Asher’s touch, my emotions are all over the place.

One thing’s for sure, I think I may be falling for my bodyguard.

Melanieand I are almost back to the resort when I spot them—Nancy Sinclair and my mother, standing near the front entrance. They’re deep in conversation, their heads tilted together like they’re plotting something. My stomach does a little flip. This can’t be good.

“Uh-oh,” Melanie says under her breath. “Incoming.”

Nancy looks up first, her hawk-like gaze zeroing in on us. Her expression brightens, but there’s something calculating behind her smile. My mother follows her gaze and offers me a small wave, though there’s a tension in her shoulders that I don’t miss.

“Charlotte!” Nancy calls out, striding toward us in her designer heels. “Just the person I wanted to see.”

I force a smile, clutching my shopping bags a little tighter. “Nancy. What a surprise.”

“I was just telling your mother howexcitedwe all are about your engagement,” she says, her tone dripping with sweetness that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “And how curious I am to know all the details.”

Melanie gives me a pointed look but wisely stays quiet. My mother steps forward, her smile practiced and polished. “Nancy, I’m sure Charlotte and Asher would love to share their story—another time. Right now, the girls have just returned from shopping, and I’m sure they’re?—”

“Oh, nonsense,” Nancy interrupts, waving a hand dismissively. “It’ll only take a moment. I’m simply dying to know more about Asher. How did you two meet again?”

I glance at my mother, who gives me the faintest nod, a silent reminder to stay calm. “At a charity event,” I say smoothly, falling back on the story we’ve crafted. “A few months back. Like I told you before.” Is she waiting for me to slip up? I mean, I’ve told this story so much that I’m starting to believe it really happened.

I kind of wish it was real.

Nancy’s smile widens, but there’s a glint in her eye that sets me on edge. “How romantic. And when exactly did the sparks fly?”

“Right away,” I reply, keeping my tone light. “We stepped outside for some air and just... clicked.”

She hums thoughtfully, her gaze never leaving mine. “And how long have you been engaged?”

“Three months,” I say, sticking to the timeline we agreed on.

“Three months,” she repeats, her tone a touch too curious. “And you’ve kept it such a secret. Why is that?”

I open my mouth to respond, but my mother steps in, her voice smooth as silk. “Nancy, you know how Charlotte is. Always wanting to keep things private. Besides, with all the chaos of planning a wedding, it’s no wonder she’s been a little preoccupied.”

Nancy nods slowly, her expression unreadable. “Of course. Privacy is so important these days.”

My mother flashes me a quick look, one that saysstay quiet and let me handle this.“Speaking of weddings,” Nancy continues, her smile returning, “have you thought any more about my suggestion? It would be so lovely to have the ceremony this weekend while everyone’s here.”

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