“Don’t be upset. I’ll be back Sunday, in time to go to Houston for the holidays.” He waggled his eyebrows. “And I’ve got a special Christmas present that’ll make you forget all about this.”
Four months together, and he still didn’t know she wasn’t impressed with expensive gifts. Her heart went numb, like the December wind had pierced her chest. “I hope you can get your money back, because we’re done. You aren’t going with me to Houston, so you’re free to spend the entire week with your frat buddies.”
His mouth fell open. “You don’t really mean that, Mariah. You can’t throw everything away because one time you didn’t get your way.”
“I’m throwing it away, although there’s not much to throw. I’m through letting you treat me like dirt. I’m breaking up with you before I lose all self-respect.”
She waited for tears, but they never came. She must be in shock. Tonight, she would probably fall apart.
“Come on, gorgeous. Don’t you think you’re overreacting? Let’s talk about this when I get back on Sunday.”
“I never want to see you again.”
She disconnected the call, blinking at the screen. Two minutes. That’s how long it had taken for her world to turn upside down. And that’s what she got for trusting a guy.
Never again. From now on, I won’t count on anyone but myself.
Chapter 3
From his vantage point inside the rented sedan, Mack watched Mariah jog across the parking lot, quite a feat in her high heels. How women managed to balance on those things was beyond him. Growing up in a house with three younger brothers had given him little insight into those wonders.
She disappeared inside, and he settled back, preparing for a long wait. The likelihood of someone attacking tonight was minimal, since the rehearsal and dinner weren’t publicized. Still, Mariah had become a minor celebrity since Brooke’s attempted murder and the media sensationalism that followed, given the whole event was caught on camera. With limited access to Cole and Brooke, frustrated reporters had dug into his family history, their personal lives playing on every television channel. It didn’t help that the lunatic who’d crashed his car into Brooke’s had gone to high school with Cole and Mariah. Theories abounded for the attacker’s motivations, including one that Mariah had once spurned his advances. The true motivation had nothing to do with Mariah, but the undue attention had put her life at risk.
Though Mariah had completely withdrawn from Facebook, her friends were still active. Mack had no trouble discerning the time and place of the rehearsal and dinner from their public Facebook posts.
The church door opened and a woman emerged, in a black dress, the lone porch light reflecting off her bare arms. She moved down the steps and off into the shadows. What was going on? A flame flashed, and a cigarette glowed. She must’ve stepped outside to smoke. But wait! No woman would go outside in this weather without a coat. Something was fishy. As unlikely as it would be for a woman to be the one responsible for the recent threats, he refused to take any risks with Mariah’s life.
With slow deep breaths to lower his heart rate, Mack opened the car door and climbed out. His hand slid under his suit coat to pat his gun, secure in the holster under his arm. Its presence felt comforting, like a favorite pair of shoes. He knew his coat, custom tailored to fit his immense shoulders, wouldn’t hinder him if hand to hand combat was necessary.
Every muscle was coiled and ready for action as he approached, pretending not to notice the woman in the shadows. The glowing cigarette dropped to the ground, and its light extinguished.
He hesitated as he reached the steps, attempting to focus on her darkened form.
“Hi!” The woman stepped forward, the light revealing a flower tattoo on her shoulder, along with a studded eyebrow. “I’m Cora, Allie’s sister.”
The tension flowed out of his body. This woman was obviously no threat.
“You must be Mariah’s boyfriend.”
“I’m… uhm…”
“It’s freezing out here, isn’t it?” She moved beside him and clutched his elbow. He could feel her shivering as she propelled him up the stairs and through the door. “Allie’s going to be so jealous I got to meet you before she did. Mariah’s been keeping you a big secret. She’s not even posting on Facebook or Instagram anymore.”
“I’m not—”
“Come on. I’ll show you where everybody is.” She craned her head to look up at him as she urged him down the hallway. “Good grief, you’re tall. No wonder Mariah likes you.”
“Listen, you’ve got this all wrong.”
“You don’t like Mariah?”
“Of course, I do. But we’re not—”
“I know you guys aren’t engaged or anything. But I have to tell you, you’re perfect for her.”
He wished it were true. “The truth is, I’m not Mariah’s type.”
“I knew it! You’re probably too wild for her, aren’t you?” Giggling, she gave him an exaggerated wink. “If she doesn’t want you, I’ll take you. You’re certainly my type.”
Mack felt heat radiating from his face. He’d painted himself into a trap. If he told her he wasn’t Mariah’s boyfriend, she would make a move on him. They reached a set of double doors, and he could hear voices on the other side.
“Listen…” He put on the brakes, halting her as she reached for the handle. His dazed mind searched for her name. “Cora, I can’t go in there.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t want Mariah to see me.”
Her eyes narrowed, her hands rising to plant on her hips. “What are you talking about?”
Before he could come up with a plausible explanation, the doors burst open, the entrance blocked by a scowling woman who might’ve been in her late fifties or early sixties.
“Cora, we’ve been waiting! What are you…” Her voice trailed off as her gaze came to rest on Mack. “Who is this?”
Mack stepped sideways, before Mariah could spot him. He had to get away.
“Mom, this is Mariah’s boyfriend.” Cora gave a smug smile.
“Mariah told us you weren’t coming.” Cora’s mother blinked at him. “Did your plans change?”
Pewter wasn’t coming? The man had bragged about being able to protect her, but he’d obviously wimped out. Mack was even more glad he’d come.
Cora’s hand came up to cover her gasp. “Oh no! Was it supposed to be a surprise? I hope I didn’t spoil it.”
“What’s going on back there?”
Mack didn’t recognize the voice that called from the front of the tiny church, but the mother answered, “Mariah’s boyfriend is here.”
Mack edged backwards. If he could talk to Mariah alone, he could explain everything. But if he embarrassed her in front of her friends, she would be furious.
He tapped Cora’s arm until he finally got her attention. Leaning close to her ear, he murmured, “Tell Mariah I’m waiting outside.”
Cora lifted an eyebrow and nodded at something behind his left elbow. “Why don’t you tell her yourself?”