Moments later, the bartender was back, shoving a pint glass full of ice water and lemon into her hand. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” She dropped a five in the tip jar and took a long drink, craving something other than the champagne she’d consumed during the toasts to the bride and groom. Turning to escape the chaos, she bumped into Abby. “Oh, my gosh. I’m so sorry.”
Abby grinned, dressed like some sort of sexy fertility goddess in her stylish spaghetti-strap frock. “No problem.” She gave Bella a hug, her sweet baby belly getting in the way. “It’s crazy around here.”
“Just a little.” They stepped off to the side, out of the main flow of guests wandering about. “Are you having a good time?”
“Of course. The new Mr. and Mrs. Rider know how to throw a party. And Julie looks amazing.”
She glanced toward the beautiful bride in her lace gown with a sweetheart neckline, grinning up at her husband while they slow-danced despite the tempo of the DJ’s current song choice. “She does.”
“And you’re looking pretty fine yourself.” Abby took a step back, nodding her approval. “Whoever designed that little number has mad skills.”
Bella laughed as she looked down at the curve-hugging mid-thigh-length black dress. “That Abigail Quinn is pure genius.”
Abby grinned.
“How does Baby Quinn like weddings?” She touched Abby’s belly.
“She seems to dig it.” Another smile lit up her face. “I think she has rhythm already.”
“It’s never too early for rhythm.”
Abby laughed. “So where’s your date?”
“Reed’s not my date.” She spotted him across the room, looking all tough and handsome in his black slacks and tie. Long ago, he’d lost the suit jacket and rolled his sleeves halfway up his muscled forearms, giving her plenty of opportunities to pretend that she didn’t notice how broad his shoulders were in a simple white button-down. “We just rode over together.”
“Well, that’s a bummer.”
She looked at Abby with surprise. “You think?”
“Sure. Reed’s a hottie—kinda tortured and intense, but Jerrod says he’s a really good guy. They worked together in New York.”
She frowned. “Jerrod was a police officer?”
“No, a US Marshal, but Reed, Jerrod, and Shane crossed paths a few times—interagency stuff, I guess. That’s all Jerrod will say about it.”
She remembered Reed talking about special investigations and his cover being blown. “Maybe it’s better that way.”
“Probably. You never know with this bunch.” Abby rolled her eyes and gasped. “I forgot to tell you those tops you wanted came in.”
“Oh, really?” She wiggled her eyebrows, thinking of the latest Abigail Quinn designs she would be adding to her wardrobe.
“They arrived Wednesday, I think. I meant to call you… Pregnancy brain is a real thing.”
Bella grinned. “It’s no big deal. What do I owe you?”
“I was thinking of another one of those moisturizing facial treatments like we did last time, and that insane shoulder rub thing you do.” Abby moaned.
“You’ve got it. Whenever you want. We can do a morning session before work or an evening. Or I can always come to you if that’s better.”
“Let me look at my calendar and I’ll email or text you.”
“Perfect.”
Abby settled her hands on her belly. “The little lady and I are going to head to the bathroom before we embarrass ourselves.”
Bella laughed. “Have fun tonight.”
“You too.” She watched Abby walk off with a slight waddle and glanced Reed’s way, realizing he was staring at her as he nursed a beer and talked to Jerrod and Shane. The dim lighting was hitting him just right, accentuating the hints of dark stubble along his jaw. God, he was pretty.
Smiling, she tossed him a wave, set down her drink, and headed in the opposite direction. It wouldn’t hurt for them to take five—or even a thirty-minute break from one another. Everyone was getting the wrong idea. Maybe she’d caught herself getting the wrong idea when he buttered a roll for her during dinner. He’d slipped it on her plate mid-conversation, and she’d picked it up, muttering her thanks as she’d bitten in—as if they did stuff like that all the time, as if that was normal.
It was such a simple thing, yet it somehow screamed intimacy; it shouted click as it had the other night after their walk on the beach. And she wasn’t so sure she wanted that with anyone anytime soon. Single was working well for her. She was in no rush to get into another relationship… And why was Reed suddenly synonymous with boyfriend? They were simply neighbors who’d agreed to drive over to the wedding together—nothing more than carpooling buddies, saving the environment and enjoying each other’s company. Why did it have to be anything more than that?
“Hey.”
She stopped, closing her eyes and wincing before she turned to Reed with a smile. “Hi.”
“Where are you off to?”
“Uh, I was thinking about a walk,” she decided on the spot. “Along one of the paths.” She gestured to the windows and the massive gardens that were part of the resort property.
His brow furrowed as he held her gaze. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Yes. Fine.”
“Want some company?”
She definitely did not want another stroll in the moonlight with Reed McKinley—at least not right now, but how could she say no? “Sure.”
“Great.” He offered her his arm.
“Great.” She slipped hers through his and they started down the hall, slowing when they spotted the photo booth tucked in the corner.
Reed frowned. “Is that a photographer and photo booth station?”
She smiled as she studied several different props set out on a small table. “They’re pretty popular at weddings these days.” Her eyes stopped on a bright fuchsia feather boa and foolish top hat. “Pictures or a walk?”
He sent her a pained look. “Tell me you’re kidding.”
Grinning, she shook her head. This was something he needed. “Oh, I’m perfectly serious. We would consider this little adventure part of the Reed McKinley Project.”
“You get a row of six—one for you to keep and one for the bride and groom,” the booth attendant said. “Go ahead and get creative with it.”
Reed sighed as he stared at her.
Her worries of clicks and moonlit walks vanished as the potential for some serious fun overshadowed the rest. “Don’t let the dark side win, Reed,” she whispered, taking his hands and walking backward as she pulled him closer to the booth. “Come play with me.”
He sighed again, smiling this time. “All right. Let’s make it count.” He grabbed a fedora and Bella a pair of huge glasses along with the feather boa.
They stepped in front of the camera, where the man waited for them.
Bella closed the space between her and Reed, fixing his tie.
Chuckling, he shook his head. “You know you look absolutely ridiculous.”
“Of course, Mr. PI.” She tossed him an exaggerated wink as she touched the rim of his hat.
“Go ahead and smile,” the photographer said.
They held each other’s gazes, grinning.
“Let’s close our eyes and pick the next thing,” Bella suggested as they headed back to the table full of goodies. “It’ll be more exciting that way.”
Reed ended up with boing-y, glittery pink hearts that stuck up a good six inches on a headband and Bella a sign that said “Kiss Me.”
She held up the heart, feigning shock with her hand covering her open mouth as Reed leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
They both laughed.
This was great. This was fun. This was two friends being silly with photography.
They held an empty picture frame next and smiled, crossing their eyes.
For another, Bella wore cat ears and Reed floppy dog ears. He acted as if he growled, holding up his hands
like claws while she stared at him sweetly and laced her fingers, begging him not to attack.
For another they went prop-free, sticking out their tongues.
“What about a real one for the last shot?” Reed suggested.
“Sure.” They wrapped their arms around each other’s waists and grinned.
“Nice,” the photographer said with a nod of approval. “Some of the best we’ve had tonight.” He printed off two strips, put one in the stack for Julie and Chase, and handed the other to Bella.
“Let’s see what we’ve got,” Reed said, leaning in closer as they both looked at them.
Bella laughed. “They should have something like this at every wedding.” She glanced up, her gaze landing on Sarah and Wren looking their way.
Wren sent her a saucy smile.
Bella gave her friends a tiny shake of her head, barely suppressing a groan. Everyone definitely had the wrong idea. Next girls’ night, she was going to set the record straight. She studied the pictures of herself and Reed again and saw friends—and potential lovers. She frowned. “I’m, uh, I’m going to use the restroom.”
“Sure. I’ll meet you back in the ballroom—unless you’re still thinking about a walk.”
“No,” she said quickly. “No. I’ll be in shortly.” She handed him the strip of pictures. “Can you hang on to these for a minute?”
“Yeah.” He took them and walked off.
Hurrying into the bathroom, she shut herself in a stall, trying to convince herself that everything was status quo. Buddies and energy savers. That was all.
~~~~
Reed leaned against the bar, sipping at a bottled water instead of a beer as he scrutinized the pictures he and Bella had just taken. Dog ears and fedoras. Had he lost his damn mind? Yet he smiled at the photo of himself and Bella crossing their eyes and grinning while they held the ugly gold picture frame together. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d behaved so foolishly or let himself have a little fun. And every one of these shots was exactly that. Except for the last one, in which he wrapped his arm around Bella.
Sighing, he stared at the two of them holding each other close like any couple might. They’d been here for nearly three hours and he had yet to do his job. What was it about Bella, the magic she possessed, that made him forget his purpose? One look into those pretty brown eyes of hers and he completely lost his edge. Luckily, the night was still young. He and Bella had shared a few laughs. Now it was time to get to work—
“What have you got there?” Jerrod asked, stopping off for a water of his own.
Reed stood up straight. “Pictures from the photo booth.”
“That was a pretty good idea.” Jerrod glanced at the strip in Reed’s hand. “You two seem to be hitting it off.”
“She lives next door.”
“Just neighbors?”
“Just neighbors,” he confirmed with a nod, debating once again whether or not he should mention what was going on with the Caparelli investigation, but he decided to keep it to himself for now—until he and Joey had more to work with.
“Well, here’s trouble standing in the corner.” Abby walked over, smiling.
Reed smiled back. “Hey, Abby.”
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to grab my husband.” She tugged on Jerrod’s tie. “Come on, big guy, you owe me a dance.”
“That’s my cue.” He took Abby’s hand, and they wandered off.
“Have fun.” Chuckling, he looked up. His smile vanished as he zeroed in on Bella across the room. Nobody had a right to be that damn gorgeous. Tonight, she’d done some fancy thing with her hair, pulling her soft, glossy locks up in a loose twist. And the black strapless dress she wore clung in all the right places, teasing his libido.
She grinned, throwing her head back and laughing at something Morgan said.
Rubbing at his neck, he took a deep drink of water. Joey was right; a woman that beautiful was dangerous. But he could be pretty lethal himself. And now was as good a time as any to get down to business and prove to himself that Bella Colby didn’t hold any power over him.
Bella made her way back toward their table.
He set down his water and slipped the strip of pictures into his pocket as he started in her direction. “How about a dance?”
“Sure.”
Taking her hand, he weaved through the other couples to the center of the floor and settled his arms around her waist, wanting to keep things casual and friendly—exactly what she would be expecting and just what he needed to get their evening back on track. “Are you having a good time?”
She steepled her fingers behind his neck. “I am.”
“I don’t think I told you how beautiful you look tonight.” When she’d knocked on his door several hours ago to catch a ride, he’d been speechless.
She sent him a small smile. “Thank you.”
He opened his mouth to move their conversation along in another direction, but he heard her quiet sigh as her gaze left his to look over his shoulder. There was something in her eyes—hints of sadness that hadn’t been there before. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Bull.”
She shrugged. “I guess I keep thinking about tomorrow.”
“The funeral.”
She nodded. “Yeah.”
He touched his forehead to hers, almost offering to go with her, but he couldn’t bring himself to take advantage of such a terrible situation. There were some lines he wasn’t willing to cross for information. “The girls you had over today, they’re sisters?”
She shook her head. “Friends. They play together fairly often.”
“I heard a lot of laughter coming through your French doors.”
She smiled, her eyes brightening as she did. “They’re great.”
“The girl with the burns—”
“Emilia.”
“You met her at the hospital?”
“No. Abby introduced us through one of the Stowers House programs for abused children.”
“I’ve never seen anyone burnt like that—in person, I mean.”
“Two years ago, her father doused her and her mother with gasoline and set them on fire.”
He winced. “Jesus, that’s awful.”
“Emilia’s mother died. She lives with her aunt now.”
“And the bastard?”
“He’s in prison.”
He felt his nostrils flare. Prison wasn’t enough of a punishment for some assholes. “She has a tough road ahead.”
Bella nodded. “Emilia will need several more surgeries. Now that her scars are mature, they’ll start releasing the contracture around her neck.”
“You’re not speaking my language.”
“The doctors will reconstruct her neck and chin where her skin has tightened up. The goal will be to give her a more normal appearance and better range of motion.”
“Christ, that’s tough.”
“It is. Her aunt told me today when she picked the girls up that they’ve been having a lot of trouble with Emilia’s left foot again. She might lose it—probably most of her leg. She’s had several issues with ulceration.”
He shook his head, thinking of how small the child had been in Bella’s arms. Someone so young shouldn’t have to go through that. “What’s her long-term prognosis?”
“She’ll never look like a typical little girl. Her father robbed her of that. Prosthetics are a good possibility for her hand and leg, but unfortunately, she’ll always have some degree of disfigurement.”
“That really sucks.”
“Yes, but that’s why I love working with her on her makeup skills—little tricks that help as much as they can. I want people to be able to look past her burns and see that she’s beautiful. I want them to see what I see—who she is in here.” She touched her hand to her heart.
He swallowed as he stared into her eyes, finding himself captivated by her compassion.
“Emilia’s more than a victim of domestic violence. Despit
e everything she’s been through, she’s smart and has so much love to give—so much to offer. I want to have Kylee and Olivia over the next time she visits. Emilia will be starting back to school soon. She’ll be a year behind her peers. She’s embarrassed by her appearance and how she’s ended up in the situation she’s in, but I want a couple of the kids to know her story and welcome her. If Kyle and Olivia accept her, the other children will too—be her allies and support system in a world that’s not always so nice.”
“You’re amazing,” he said before he thought to stop himself.
“I’m just trying to help.”
“You’re amazing,” he repeated as he pulled her closer and pressed his cheek to her hair, breathing in her shampoo as he slid his hands up and down her sides. What was she doing to him—with her words, with her kindness? He closed his eyes as she wrapped herself more tightly around him and nestled her forehead in the crook of his neck, just as she had the other night.
He looked around at all of the other couples, spotting Chase and Julie dancing as he slowly turned with Bella. She was so soft and her breath warm on his skin as they clung to one another. His pulse pounded a fast beat, and he suddenly, desperately wished Joey had never overheard Salada and Upshaw talking about Nicoli Caparelli, that Bella could just be Bella and he could just be Reed. But that wasn’t the way things were. The woman in his arms was tied to the mafia—the men who’d killed his family.
The song ended and he stepped back, holding her gaze.
“I’m ready to go home,” she said, turning away and heading toward the exit, not waiting for his response.
He stood where he was, taking a moment to get himself together. This wasn’t the way the evening was supposed to have gone. Why the hell hadn’t he just pulled up a seat next to hers at their table and asked for two cups of coffee? Glancing up, he watched her disappear down the hall and hurried after her, not entirely sure she would wait for him for a ride home. “Bella.”
She kept her pace fast and steady as she reached the main entryway.
“Bella.” He sidled up next to her. “Are you sure you want to go?”
“Yeah. Lucy probably needs a potty break.”
He hit the unlock button on the key fob as they walked through the parking lot. They got in the truck, neither of them speaking on the quick drive home. Tense, silent minutes passed before he finally pulled into his driveway.
Deceiving Bella: Book Eleven In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series Page 12
