“Give me your hand,” Jesse orders, reaching down as we head for The Manor. I let him take it and recuff me. “Don’t ask me to remove them again.”
“I won’t,” I grumble. I wish he’d never released me in the first place. Then I might not be seething with Dan’s obvious issue with Kate and his inquisitiveness with regards to Jesse’s issue. “Throw away the key.”
His eyebrows raise. “Wishing you’d stayed nailed to me?”
“Yes,” I admit. “Don’t free me again.”
“Okay,” he agrees. “Would you like a drink?”
We continue toward the house, recuffed and reunited. “I’d love a drink.” I’ve hardly touched a drop all day, and I’m a little surprised that he’s offered.
“Come on.” He pulls me in and kisses my forehead. “I won’t stand for it, Ava. Even if he is your brother.”
“I know,” I agree quietly. I’m surprised by his self-control. It doesn’t matter to Jesse who he eliminates, and Dan has not helped his cause. He’s just tried to restrain me, the worst thing he could do. I don’t want my husband and brother to battle, but I know Jesse would never back down when it comes to me, and Dan would never lose face.
This is an issue.
The evening guests have arrived, and as we make our way through the bar, we’re accosted, kissed, and wished well with every step we take. I’m finally placed on my stool and handed a glass of water. Water? I look at the clear glass and back to Jesse, who is doing a damn fine job of ignoring my obvious disbelief.
Tessa comes steaming over, looking as wound up as poor Mum. “Where have you been?” she asks incredulously, flicking her eyes from me to Jesse. “You were supposed to cut the cake!”
Jesse opens a bottle of water and takes a long swig, not in the least bit perturbed by Tessa’s concern. “It’s fine.”
Tessa shakes her head in disbelief and stomps off toward the entrance hall. “Don’t you want to cut the cake?” I ask, my wrist being lifted as Jesse secures the lid on his water bottle. “Kate went out of her way to make it at such short notice.”
He reaches forward and straightens my diamond. “Then let’s not ruin it.”
“You’re impossible.” I sigh, glancing across the bar, spotting Sam and Drew entertaining my dad, who’s looking a little rosy cheeked. My mum is reveling in the attention, undoubtedly offering tours of the grounds, and Kate is looking drunk. Tom flaps a limp wrist at me, Victoria gives a girly wave, and poor Sal just looks like she’s trying to fit in. She’s still sparkling, but her new fellow isn’t here. I smile and turn my attention back to Jesse, just as Tessa storms back into the bar.
“Okay, I’ve spoken to Elizabeth,” Tessa huffs. “We’re cutting the cake and having the first dance shortly, so don’t disappear again.” She storms off. She’s definitely regretting taking this job.
“You okay, baby?” His warm palm slides across my cheek.
“Yes, fine,” I answer, but I’m not. I’ve fallen out with my brother, and that has absolutely never happened.
“You don’t look fine. I said I wanted you to enjoy today.”
I inwardly laugh. Then he should let me have a drink and he shouldn’t have broached the subject that has my brain the most twisted at the moment. “I’m fine.” I sigh, taking a long sip of my water. Fucking water.
Patrick and Irene approach, my cuddly bear of a boss brandishing a huge ivory gift bag, his wife adorned in a mass of animal-print material. I think it might be a dress. I quickly direct my eyes to Jesse. “Here’s Patrick. You said Monday, remember?” I need to get that in quickly.
Jesse looks over his shoulder. “Yes, Ava. Just until Monday, though.”
“Flower!” Patrick thrusts the gift bag at me, kisses my cheek, and then holds his hand out to Jesse. “Mr. Ward,” he greets, a frown popping up onto his wrinkled forehead when he clocks the cuffs.
“Please, it’s Jesse. Thank you for coming.” Jesse takes Patrick’s hand.
My boss drags his eyes away from our wrists. “This is Irene.” He signals to his wife as she wobbles over with the biggest grin on her face. I smile to myself. She’s affected.
“Nice to meet you,” she says and giggles.
“And you.” Jesse hits her with his smile, and she disintegrates on the spot. “Please, the bar staff will see to you.”
“Thank you!” she gushes. “This hotel is just wonderful!”
“Hello, Irene,” I say on a smile. She drags her greedy eyes away from my husband and brings them onto me. She’s a frightening woman, but not at the moment. She’s too busy straightening her back and pulling in her stomach. “How are you?”