Fat Cat Liar

“Yes.” He reaches over and takes Jade from me, snuggling her close and blowing a raspberry on her neck. She squeals again, wiggling in his arms. “It’s incredible.”

I don’t get to respond as two arms wrap around my waist from behind and yank me into a hard wall of muscle. “Why do you keep disappearing on me?” Lawson asks, resting his chin on my shoulder.

“I’m in the same room. That’s not disappearing.”

“You’re not leaving my side again tonight.”

“You’re smothering,” I point out.

Dad chuckles loudly, and I brace, waiting for his reaction.

“Give me my daughter.” Lawson’s arms shoot out for Jade.

“No.” Dad twists out of reach.

“Kevin—” Lawson’s growl gets Jade’s attention, and she lurches forward.

Dad keeps a tight hold and says something in her ear that makes her giggle again. “It’s time.” He spears Lawson with a look that instantly sets me on edge.

“Time for what?” I question.

“Let’s do this.” Lawson ignores me.

“I’ve got Jade. You get my daughter.” Dad turns to walk away, leaving me totally confused.

“What’s happening?” I twist to face Lawson. His eyes are bright with excitement, making me more curious.

He leans in, kissing me briefly and spinning me so fast I yelp in surprise. One hand goes over my eyes, and the other sits on my waist, guiding me forward.

“What are you doing? This is ridiculous.” I try to squirm away.

“Keep close.”

“We look outrageous. Remove your hand.”

“Not yet.”

There are murmurings around us as we pass through the throngs of people, mostly female voices.

“There he goes again… always fawning over his wife.”

“Lawson Hall is so romantic.”

“Such a lovely couple…”

“The last event we attended, he whisked her away like a fairytale princess.”

“Greer is a very lucky woman.”

I should be mortified by the fact that people are talking about us, but somehow, I’ve be

come accustomed to his antics. The voices get quieter as he continues to lead me blindly. I sense the instant we enter another room from the silence.

“I’m going to remove my hand now, but I’ve got you.”

The first things my eyes find are Dad and Jade, who are both smiling wide. My friends stand close, as does Lawson’s entire family and most of his associates. None of this seems out of place until I see Hayley. It’s then I know why Lawson’s grip on my hips are so tight. My knees buckle at the same time a hand flies to my mouth.

Hayley is surrounded by my clients, men and women, and their families. Shock settles in, and tears sting my eyes.