Page 5 of Pretending with the Mountain Man
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm actually waiting for someone," Melody replies, her voice firm but with an undercurrent of nervousness.
"I don't see anyone," he presses, leaning closer. "Come on, beautiful. Don't be like that."
I'm about to intervene when Melody's eyes find mine over the man's shoulder. Relief flashes across her face, followed by something else.
"There he is now," she says, voice suddenly stronger. She slips from the barstool and ducks under the man's arm, moving toward me with purpose. "My fiancé."
The word hits me like a physical blow, but I don't miss a beat. I wrap an arm around her waist as she reaches me, pulling her close to my side. Her body fits perfectly against mine, soft and warm.
"Everything okay here, sweetheart?" I ask, my eyes never leaving her face.
Melody presses closer, her hand coming to rest on my chest. "Everything's fine now that you're here, babe. This gentleman was just keeping me company."
I shift my gaze to the man, letting my expression harden. "Appreciate the thought, but I've got it from here."
The man looks between us, disbelief evident. "Fiancé? Seriously?"
"Is there a problem?" I ask, my tone dropping to a register I usually reserve for security threats.
He backs up a step, hands raising slightly. "No problem. Didn't realize she was taken."
"Well, now you do." I keep my arm firmly around Melody's waist, feeling the slight tremor running through her body.
The man mutters something under his breath and disappears into the crowd. Only then do I look down at Melody, whose eyes are wide with a mixture of relief and anxiety.
"I'm so sorry," she whispers, low enough that only I can hear. "I panicked. He wouldn't leave me alone, and then I saw you and just... I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize," I tell her, leading her toward a quieter corner. "Are you okay?"
She nods, but I can feel her still shaking. "I thought... I wanted to see what this place was about. Then that guy started... and he reminded me of..." She trails off, eyes darting toward the exit.
"Jason?" I ask quietly.
Surprise flashes across her face. "Sage told you?"
"Only that you needed a safe place." I keep my voice gentle despite the rage building inside me. "Let's get you out of here."
As we move toward the exit, I spot a man watching us from near the door. Black jacket, cap pulled low, but I catch the Ontario plates keychain hanging from his belt. My instincts flare.
"Change of plans," I murmur, changing our direction toward the VIP area. I nod to the security guard, who recognizes me and lets us through.
"What's wrong?" Melody asks, picking up on the tension in my body.
"Possibly nothing," I reply, guiding her to a private booth. "But I'd rather be safe. There's someone from Ontario who's been asking about the new teacher in town."
Her face drains of color. "Jason? Here? How would he know?—"
"We don't know it's him," I say firmly, though I'm already texting Jake to send additional security. "But we're not taking chances."
Melody's hands clench into fists on the table. "I can't believe this. I just wanted one night out. To feel normal."
"Look at me," I say, waiting until her eyes meet mine. "You're safe. I won't let anyone hurt you."
She holds my gaze, vulnerability and strength battling in her expression. "You barely know me."
"You're Sage's best friend," I respond simply. "That's all I need to know."
A server approaches our table. "What can I get for you and your fiancée, sir?"
