Page 120 of House of Deceit

Parker is standing in the living room with his back to me. His tuxedo is as well tailored to his large frame as Alec’s is. He turns toward me and his face lights up.

“So, did you say yes?” he asks.

My jaw drops and I swat his shoulder. “You knew?”

He throws his blond head back and laughs. “I went with him to pick out the ring. We flew Courtney out to help, too.”

“I can’t believe you lied to me, your fake girlfriend! And I will be having words with Court.”

“Don’t be too mad at her. It was for a good reason,” he says before leading me to a room to change.

Patting my hair into place, Alec follows me from the house, fixing his clothes. As I take in the backyard, I gasp at its beauty. Between the flowers and lights strung everywhere, it gives the illusion of a fairy garden. I simply hope the rain can hold off a little longer.

Cameras are everywhere for the event. Stars from the movie walk the red carpet through the gate in the backyard and into the house. The organizers wanted the event to feature some of the spaces Parker and I were in the most. Parker, Alec, and I stand right at the back door so I can greet guests.

Lore, Tank, and my parents stand off to the side, letting us greet people as necessary. Upon meeting Lorelei and Alec, Mom has become a bit of a surrogate, making sure they feel loved and cared for.

Molly walks in on sky high stilettos making her a head taller than attendees, Danielle on her arm. Just like I suspected, Danielle’s relationship didn’t last long once Molly was out of the house. Camera bulbs flash as people take pictures of my striking friend.

After a year, Molly was tired of long distance and now only lives an hour away from me and Alec. Danielle proposed a year later at a party celebrating Molly getting a new job. Now a talk show host, she features stories of people who are trying to better the world. From women’s issues to inequality, and everything in between, Molly shines her effervescent light on organizations that need more help in their battle to make our world a better place. She has also become the face of a size-inclusive, eco-friendly clothing label, ensuring women of any height and weight have beautiful clothing to drape themselves in.

As she makes it to the end of the photographers, she immediately heads toward my group. My face goes straight into her boobs as she crushes me in a hug.

“I’m so glad it was you. I’ve always said that. Find me later, okay? I want to see that ring.”

“I will. Thank you for coming. I’ve missed you,” I mumble against her tits.

“It’s only been a month since I saw you,” she teases. “But I miss you, too.”

I give Danielle a quick hug after she finishes her catch up with Alec. They both move through the crowd, Lorelei squealing and launching herself into Molly’s arms as she nears.

“Red, I never thought I’d be back in this house, but I’m glad it’s for this.”

Keith is decked out in a black suit, bolo tie, and a cowboy hat. His wife is on his arm and in a beautiful maroon dress. They have invited me, and, once they knew about him, Alec, to Texas on a few different occasions and we loved getting to know them both in the real world. I give Keith a hug and kiss his wife’s cheek.

“I wouldn’t have been able to be here without you. Thank you for coming.”

“I see you still have that strapping man. Is he taking care of my girl?” he asks in a whisper that I know Alec can hear based on Parker’s smothered laugh.

“He takes very good care of me,” I say in an exaggerated, sexy voice.

“Don’t be gross. We’ll catch up with you later.” They both move through the sliding glass doors into the house.

Courtney is dressed in a gold dress, her hair in soft waves. J.D. walks beside her in a navy suit. She hugs me tight before grabbing my arm and pulling me to the side as the guys all talk. They have all bonded well over several vacations we’ve taken together.

“How many times have you had sex in here today?” she asks.

“None, don’t be ridiculous,” I say.

“You think I believe that he finally put that planet of a rock on your finger and you didn’t bone him? Please. I’m not an idiot.”

“Speaking of, I can’t believe you kept this a secret from me! I would have dressed nicer if I had known,” I scold. She just looks at me until I roll my eyes. “Twice. Not that it’s your business.” I keep all joking from my tone, but she knows I am.

“You are my business.”

We join the guys once more, J.D. tucking Courtney into his side.

“Hey,” Courtney says, “you know what I just noticed? You’re the only one who hasn’t made out with Charlie in this group, babe.” She looks from guy to guy, an annoying smile on her face, but before I can throttle her or any of us can die of embarrassment, she gets distracted.

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