Page 72 of The Plus One Professional
“I’m here with Bailey. We’re together.”
“Right.” He winked dramatically.
“What is he talking about?” Lindsay asked, this time directing her inquiry to me.
“Nothing,” I stated firmly.
“Right. Nothing.” Danny smiled at me and tried to wink again but ended up closing both lids instead of one, so it was just a blink.
“CJ?” Lindsay questioned.
“I need to get back.” I lifted the glasses in my hands. “It was nice seeing you. Both of you.”
Hoping that both Lindsay and Danny would drop it, I turned and walked toward the trio of inquiring minds. All three sisters were staring at me as I weaved my way to them.
When I arrived, I distributed the drinks as Bailey asked, “Who is that?”
“Lindsay.”
Her mouth dropped open as her eyes widened. “Lindsay, Lindsay?”
I nodded.
“Did you know she was going to be here?”
“No,” I quickly assured her. “She’s friends with Devin. She works in fashion, and they met on a shoot in New York.”
Her eyes filled with concern, and she reached out and touched my forearm. “Are you okay?”
Seeing that she was worried about me made my heart constrict in my chest with an unfamiliar feeling. I wasn’t used to someone other than Sara caring about my well-being. “I’m fine.”
It was a shock at first to see Lindsay, but now all I was worried about was Danny and his big, drunk mouth. I didn’t want everyone at the wedding to think I was here because Bailey had hired me. She hadn’t.
Her brows knitted together. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers.
I could tell myself the kiss was to assure her that I was okay or that it was for the benefit of Danny or Simon, in case either was watching. But the truth was, I’d kissed her because I wanted to. Because just being away from her for ten minutes was too long. I kissed her because I wanted everyone, not just Danny and Simon, to see that we were together. Even if it was just for this weekend.
She kissed me back. Her lips met mine eagerly in the brief but passion-filled kiss.
When I straightened back up, I saw that her eyes were glazed over and her lips were slightly swollen. I loved that I was the man that could make her buzz with arousal.
“Bailey, can I borrow you for a second?” Mrs. Prescott called out from a few feet away. “Aunt Mildred wants to say hi.”
“Of course,” Bailey responded as she handed me her drink to hold.
“Is she the one with the really bad breath?” Billie asked without moving her lips. It was impressive. I’d never seen anyone speak so clearly without any hint that they were talking.
“Yep.” Bailey sighed as her eyes met mine. “Be right back.”
Bailey and Mrs. Prescott walked arm-in-arm through the crowd, and Birdie excused herself when she got a call. From the look on her face, I would guess it was her fiancé.
When they were out of earshot, Billie stepped beside me, so we were standing shoulder to shoulder, looking out over the crowd.
“So, who’s Lindsay, Lindsay?” she asked as she sipped her drink.
“Ex,” I replied.
