Deadly Proposal(5)

She’d secluded herself near the bar, trying to avoid the bevy of flirting attorneys in attendance. She was used to their attention but, for tonight at least, she was in no mood to pretend their overzealous interest in her was anything short of annoying.

“You look like you’re having a great time.”

Mandy glanced up when she heard Sophie’s voice. The Daily Tribune reporter was dressed in a sensible pant suit and carrying a reporter’s notebook as she leaned against the bar next to Mandy.

The women had known each other for years, but their involvement with the Hardy brothers had helped that association bloom into a beautiful friendship.

“Am I that transparent?” Mandy asked.

“You look unhappy,” Sophie said, scanning the room. “Where is James?”

“He’s having fight night with his brothers.”

Sophie pursed her plump lips. “I wondered about that when Grady told me,” she admitted. “I knew you were really looking forward to him coming to this thing with you. I just figured something changed.”

“Something did change,” Mandy said. “He decided he didn’t want to come and he told me a half hour before we were supposed to be here.”

Sophie clucked sympathetically. “Well, if it’s any consolation, you look amazing. That dress is … seriously, what kind of underwear are you wearing under there?”

“None,” Mandy said. “The dress is designed to be worn without it. That’s why I bought it.”

“You bought it for James.”

“That makes me sound pathetic,” Mandy said. “I never thought I would be one of those girls.”

“Who are those girls?”

“You know, the ones who get their self-worth from being able to parade their hot boyfriend around so everyone can see you together for a night.”

Sophie smiled knowingly. “You just thought you two would have a night of playing dress up,” she said. “Maybe a little dancing, too?”

“Are you over there judging me?”

“I’m judging him,” Sophie said. “He should have realized that this was important to you.”

“Maybe I didn’t make it clear.”

“Something tells me you made yourself clear before you left the apartment tonight,” Sophie said, fixing her gaze on a spot across the dance floor.

“What makes you say that?”

Sophie smiled, pointing.

Mandy followed her finger with her eyes, her mouth dropping open when she saw the handsome figure with the blue rose walking across the dance floor in her direction. “What is he doing here?”

“My guess is that he’s here to make up,” Sophie said, grinning when James drew close.

“Sophie,” James greeted her, never taking his eyes off Mandy. “How are you this evening?”

“Getting an earful,” Sophie said.

“I bet.”

“Just for the record,” Sophie said, moving away from the bar so she could give the couple some privacy. “You’re a dumbass.”

“That’s already been pointed out to me,” James said.

Sophie paused when she got close to him, tilting her head in. “The flower is a nice touch,” she whispered. “You really hurt her feelings, though. I think some dancing might be in order.”

“Thanks for the tip,” James said.

Once Sophie was gone, James took a tentative step toward Mandy. They were usually so in sync he didn’t have to think about reaching for her because she was already halfway into his arms when he made the effort. The look on her face now was murderous.

“Did I mention how incredible you look tonight?”

Mandy remained silent, her blue eyes conflicted.

“Baby, I am so sorry,” James said. “I didn’t realize … .”

“You didn’t realize what?”

“I didn’t realize this was important to you,” James said. “I just thought it was a work party. I didn’t think it was a big deal.”

“Who said it was a big deal?”

“You did,” James said. “And Grady. Oh, and Finn. Somehow, in the middle of everyone else reading the signs, I managed to miss them. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“So, you’re just here because you don’t want me to be mad at you?” Mandy sniffed.

“No,” James countered. “I’m here because, more than anything else in this world, I want you to be happy. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.” James held out the rose, shooting her his most charming smile. “I got a unique rose for my unique girl. That’s got to count for something.”

Mandy was fighting to hold on to her anger. The flower, combined with his suit and chastised smile, was melting her resolve. “I’m really mad at you.”