Page 21 of My Grumpy SEAL

I wave both hands at him. “I don’t judge. Just didn’t peg you as the heartbreak type.”

A small smile plays on his face. “You don’t know me,Miss Ortiz. I’m full of surprises.” I scoff.

“You disagree?”

I shrug. “It shouldn’t be that hard to figure you out. Just saying.”

“You probably think I’m some uptight asshole, working you to the bone,”and arrogant, bullheaded, insufferable.

“But?” I urge him on.

He glances at me. “You are not wrong.”

I blink. “That is the most arrogant thing I have ever heard.”

He shrugs. “I do not aim to please.”

We spend the rest of the car ride in awkward silence. I am beyond thrilled when we arrive at the studio.

I walk into the studio with Jake following closely. Harry is in a suit and having an animated conversation with the photographer andpeople are arrangingthebackgroundset.

“Oh, thank God. Cecilia is in the dressing room over there, getting her makeupdone.” Harry points me in the directionof the dressing roomand I walk towards there. I walkintoa rather heated argument between Cecilia and the makeup artist.

“I look likeafreakingBarbie! Don’t justify yourself!”

The makeup artist rollshereyes. “You are a very hard person to please, ma’am.”

“Okay, let’s all calm down.” I quickly step in before Cecilia becomes guilty of manslaughter.“I’ll take it from here,” I tell her and she huffs before walking out.

“Look at me.” Cecilia gestures at her face. “So much pink. I’m supposed to bepleased withthis?”

Truthfully, she looks nice. Maybe just a little less.

“I tell her I want to look like a fairy and she gives me Barbie Mariposa.”

“It’s fixable. Don’t worry.” I get to work immediately. My experience dealing with irate brides also extends to sometimes helping them fix their makeup because no bride wants to look bad on her big day. An hour later, and with the help of some gold dust, I have a smiling bride again.

“You get me,Bella,” she says, smiling at herreflection. “Thank you.”

“Just get out there and take beautiful pictures with your groom.” I return the smile. I lead the way out of the dressing room. Fortunately, she has no problem with her dress,so Idon’t have to fill the role of stylist too.

Harry whistles when he sees her. “My angel.” He takes herhand and kisses it. Cecilia turns red and smiles at him. They are such a beautiful couple,thecraziest Ihaveever worked with, but beautiful nonetheless.

I spot Jake sulking in a corner and ignore him, focusing my full attention on the shoot and making sure Cecilia keeps her smile.

The shoot is going well so I start to relax. I glance over at Jake’s corner again and frown. There is a woman with him. She places her hand on his bicep as she talks to him.

I don’t like it. That’s the first thing that crosses my mind. The lady laughs at something he says and I scowl. Jake is many things but funny is not one of them. I try to turn my attention back to Harry and Cecilia, but I keep throwing them furtive glances.What could they possibly be talking about?

Jake glances over at me and our eyes lock. Heraisesa brow in question and I quickly look away.

“Bella,” Cecilia calls me. “How about one picture together.”

I smile and oblige her. Placing myself beside her, I smile at the camera when I suddenly feel Cecilia’s arms wrap themselves around me just as the shutters go off.

“Let me get in on this.” Harry places himself on my other side and imitates his bride. NowI look small, squashed between the two.

“Jake! Get in here,” Harry beckons Jake over and I feel relief as he leaves the unknown woman and joins us in front of the camera. He stands beside Harry and I’m not sure if I imagined it but Harry gives him a look before changing positions so Jake is beside me and Harry on his other side. I shift uncomfortably and try to keep my smile in front of the camera.

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