“Contrary to your own popular belief, Brittany,” said Amelia sarcastically, “I don’t owe you an explanation as to why I’m here. And while I’m here, I will do whatever I want with whomever I want. Do I make myself clear?”
“Exactly,” Brittany said with a smirk. “Because you just told me you don’t plan on being here long.”
“What?”
“Don’t worry about it, Amelia.” Brittany pronounced every syllable in Amelia’s name. “I’m on to you. And if you break Nate’s heart before you leave, we’re going to have another conversation.”
If the woman hadn’t been so pathetic, Amelia would have laughed in her face. Who would have guessed the pastor’s granddaughter to have such a possessive streak? “You’re cute, Brittany. And I will let you in on a little secret. I don’t plan on being here long but in the meantime, you need to make sure you stay out of my path.”
Brittany waved her hand toward the door. “Well, please go first. I already know what it’s like to be in the path of your destruction. Clearly everyone else around town has forgotten.”
Amelia shook her head and rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “Despite what you may think, Brittany, I’m not the threat here.”
“I’ll believe that when you...uh, what was it you said a few moments ago?” Brittany smirked. “Have the city behind you in your rearview mirror.”
Amelia took a deep breath in exasperation. “I give up. Ladies,” she said to Lexi and Cay, “I’ll see you upstairs.”
Music deafened Amelia’s ears the moment she opened the door. Lights from the spinning disco ball blinded her for a moment. She blinked but each time she tried to adjust her sight, the lights flashed dark. A large, warm hand wrapped around her wrist and dragged her onto the dance floor. For a split second she thought Nate had come to rescue her but once the arms pulled her close against his frame, she knew it wasn’t. The man was built but not as well built as the biceps she’d felt up not less than twenty minutes ago. The height was not quite Nate’s but tall and slender just the same.
“Parker.” Amelia prayed her smile did not display her disappointment. “You’re here.”
“I’m Sam’s best man,” said Parker. “And you are stunning.”
The DJ slowed the tempo. Parker laced his fingers behind her lower back. Uncomfortable, Amelia rested her hands against his chest for space. “Thank you. You’re looking pretty dapper yourself. Why didn’t you attend the bachelor auction last week?”
“Would you have bought me?”
A crooked grin paused on her face. “Nate and I had some unfinished business.”
Parker’s smile matched hers. “Had? So now you’re free for me?”
“Oh, Parker.” Amelia sighed. “I don’t want to go down this road with you.”
“C’mon, what road?” Parker asked.
“I didn’t come back in town to pick up where we left off.”
“Which was with me watching you drive off into the sunset?”
If Amelia rolled her eyes one more time tonight, she was sure to lose an eyelash. “Parker.”
“Amelia,” he mocked, then grinned. He tugged her closer. “I’m playing with you. Anyone with eyes can see what’s going on between you and Nate Reyes.”
“What?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Amelia. You forget we shared our first kiss together.”
“And preferably your last,” said Nate’s booming voice from behind Amelia.
Parker gave Amelia a quick wink and another squeeze. “Nate Reyes,” he said with a tight smile. “Here you are—again. Keeping away from the fires?”
“Oh, you know me,” said Nate, reaching for Amelia’s shoulders, “always trying to put them out when they need to be.”
“Nate.” Amelia cocked her head to the side.
“It’s okay, Amelia,” said Parker, letting her go. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll have the DJ request our prom song if you’ll save me a dance.”
Not sure how to respond, Amelia shook her head and chuckled. As Parker disappeared into the crowd, Nate spun her around and pulled her into his arms. “You weren’t nice.”