Outmatched

“That’s illegal,” Mom snapped, her eyes glittering with outrage.

“I know. But it was Franklin Fairchild. He’s a little difficult to dissuade.”

My father’s features grew taut, but I continued before he could express his own anger.

“I hired Rhys to pretend to be my boyfriend. Well, technically, I hired his younger brother, Dean, but Rhys found out and came to confront me at a dinner with my boss and Fairchild. However, when he realized there might be an opportunity with Fairchild to sponsor his gym, Rhys and I agreed he’d take Dean’s place and pretend to be my boyfriend instead.”

“What?” Easton slid forward in her seat, surprising me. I hadn’t realized she was listening. “You did what?”

I winced. “I know it was shameful—”

“It was genius,” Easton said, waving off my comment. “And obviously you and Rhys are really together now, right?”

My parents’ eyes bored into me with expectation. “Yes, it turned into something very real between us.” I waited as my parents exchanged a look I didn’t understand. “Well … do you forgive me for lying?”

“Did Rhys take any money from you?” Dad asked.

I shook my head. “No. I was supposed to pay him at the end of the first month, but we already knew by then that this wasn’t fake anymore.”

When they gave me nothing but silence in return, I squirmed in my seat. “Well?”

“Well, what?” Mom gave a delicate shrug. “I’m not happy you did this, but I’m also somewhat impressed by your ambition and tenacity. Moreover, if you two care about each other, that’s all that matters.”

“Is it?” Dad cut her a look before his eyes returned to mine. “If I find out this man is only after your money, Peanut, I will not stand idly by.”

My heart squeezed in my chest. I didn’t want Dad being suspicious of Rhys. Feeling defensive, I frowned. “As soon as you get to know him, you’ll realize Rhys isn’t like that. He’s the most honorable man I’ve ever met.” My gaze flew to the ring. “And he’s about to let some stranger smash their fists into his face.”

Mom suddenly squeezed my hand. “He’ll be fine. Just you see.”

I didn’t know if that meant Mom was on board with our relationship or not. I knew Easton was by the huge grin she kept shooting my way. Dad stared broodingly at the ring so I knew he wasn’t going to come around easily to my revelation. I’d suspected as much.

Yet, I had to hope it wouldn’t take him long to realize what Rhys and I had was real. That he’d see Rhys for the good man he was. That he made me happy.

He’ll be fine. Just you see.

God, I hoped so.

And I hoped I could watch the entire fight without looking away. My nervous energy increased by the second, my foot tapping against the floor as we waited for the fight to commence. So much for the confession acting as a distraction.

I was grateful when Dean, Zoe, Ren, Elijah, and Navin arrived to take the seats next to me, their joking and excitement somewhat diverting.

“I’d like another champagne,” Mom said, drawing my attention from my friends. She gazed over her shoulder, obviously in search of a passing waiter.

Needing something to do, I offered to get her one, and strode down the aisle toward the back of the room where I saw catering staff working the guests who hadn’t taken their seats yet.

I’d almost cleared the chairs when a familiar blond suddenly popped up from a seat near the aisle. “Parker?”

Almost stumbling to a halt, I gazed up at the gorgeous woman in front of me. Even in my heels, I had to look up. She must have stood six feet in her high-heeled sandals. She wore a red dress that clung to every amazing curve on her body.

Marcy.

The widow of Rhys’s best friend.

She beamed at me. “I made Rhys show me a photo of you, I hope you don’t mind. Wow, you’re even more gorgeous in real life.”

Me?

This glamazon thought I was gorgeous? I blushed. “Uh, thank you. You are too. Marcy, right?”

Her grin widened. “Yeah, that’s me.” She gestured behind me to the ring. “I had to be here. I wanted Rhys to know I absolutely support him.”

God, she was so nice. I stepped toward her. “He appreciates that more than you know. But …” I was afraid to ask in case it wasn’t my place.

“But?”

“Are … are you okay? Being here?”

Her eyes grew a little bright as her expression softened. “I guess we both need to do this. Face our fears. You know.” She shrugged a little helplessly.

Without thinking, I reached out to squeeze her elbow. “Why don’t you come sit with me and my family and friends?”

Marcy smiled again, her eyes moving over my face as if she was searching for something. “You’re exactly how he described.”