Page 29 of Bears Behaving Badly
“Do we have a cover? Or should we just march in and flash IDs?”
“Who says we can’t do both? Besides, I’m a fan of the classics, so…newlyweds. I’d like to measure how helpful management is when they don’t know the real reason we’re here.” She tentatively reached out, and David’s large hand more or less swallowed hers.
“After you, Mrs. Auberon.”
“I kept my own name.”
“Naw, I changed the marriage license when you weren’t looking.”
“Patriarchal bastard,” she muttered. She looked up and he was rightthere, just holding her hand and smiling down at her with bright eyes, and she took a tiny step closer. She could still smell his spicy aftershave, though it was faint by now.He’s still got yesterday’s stubble. I wonder what he’d do if I ran my finger from his ear to his jaw? Would he be stoic? Shiver? Would he touch me back? Lean in for a kiss? I am all for a lean-in. Yes indeed. Whatever’s necessary to do the job. IPA is fortunate to have an employee willing to go to such extremes. Well, an employee and an independent contractor. I’ll bet he’s a terrific kisser. Except I don’t bet.
The blat of a bakery truck misfiring woke her up in time for David to open one of the double doors and escort her in, still holding hands. He was standing so close his hip nearly touched hers, which was all kinds of distracting. She caught his blue-eyed gaze. “Gotta make it look good,” he whispered, then tipped her chin up with a finger and gave her a brief, sweet peck on the lips.
“Um,” she replied, which was all she could manage, becausedamn. “Thank you.”What?Idiotic. No newlywed politely thanks her new husband like he’d just handed her a napkin instead of a kiss. She’d already blitzed their cover story. Also, to hell with new batteries for the vibrator. Time to get a plug-in Hitachi ASAP.
To distract herself from what had happened one second earlier, she focused on their surroundings. The lobby was spacious, with several floor-to-ceiling windows, enough plants for a Bachman’s store, and enough light for a Menard’s showroom.Note: also pick up light bulbs and basil seed packets for Pat.
“Oh, hello!” A fair-skinned redhead had risen from behind the lobby desk and was hurrying toward them. She wore a somber dark suit, white ankle socks, saddle shoes, and a name tag which, on closer inspection, read MICHELLE: RESIDENCE ASSOCIATE. Annette assumed that was code for manager or super. “I’m sososorry, we aren’t giving any tours today, but I’ll be glad to take your number and get back to you with an appointment time.”
Annette started to reach for her ID, but David wouldn’t let go of her hand. Apparently he wasn’t willing to drop newlywed mode just yet, despite her blunder. Sweet? Or doggedly dedicated? “Thank you, but—”
“Have you been together long?”
Annette managed not to laugh. “A shockingly short time, actually.”
“Oh! Newlyweds!”
“It’s been a whirlwind romance,” David deadpanned.
“I can imagine, but weddings are sosostressful,” Michelle said, giving him a business card and a big smile. “I imagine you must be anxious to put the wedding behind you and start your married lives, and you may be in luck. One of our Franklin units has just opened up.”
“Yeah, we heard.”
“And I’d be delighted to give you a tour, as I said, just not today. And if your lovely bride is too busy,youcould come. I’m happy to show you around.”
Annette cleared her throat. “We just got married. Surely you noticed the hand-holding? And the brief, ordinary kiss?”
David snorted. “Thanks.”
She held up their joined hands inches from the hussy’s face. “You’re flirting with my husband while I’m standing two feet away. What kind of bullshit bordello are you running?”
“This is what I have to put up with,” David whispered to Michelle. “She redefined the term ‘Bridezilla.’ And don’t get me started on what she did to the caterers. She was micromanaging like a motherfucker. Also, we’re not married and we’re here to see the dead guy’s apartment.”
“What?”
“It’s true,” Annette said, nodding. “I put the ’zilla in Bridezilla.”
Michelle looked shocked. “No, I mean… This is about Mr. Lund?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“So you’re single?” Michelle asked, turning back to David.
“GoodGod, woman.”Don’t kick her in the ankle. Don’t.
“Are these two reprobates bothering you, darling?”
Saved by Nadia. Michelle spun to face the new arrival. “I’m sorry?”
