Page 9 of Marry Me Forever

I did my best to get the other, more cooperative couple to the doorway. “No, no, but he does get that all the time. He’s my neighbor.”

“No, I’m sure I’m right—that looks like Nolan Drake.”

Nolan didn’t even blink as he got the unruly guy through the door and dragged him toward the reception area. I didn’t hear what they said, only muffled shouting.

Thankfully, the other couple went on their own, wanting a better look at Nolan. That left me with the passed out woman in the chair, the one with drool currently dribbling down her chin.

Some days I wondered why the hell I still did this job.

Sighing, I went over and gently shook her. She jumped and blinked up at me. I said, “Time to leave, Jean. Your ride will be here soon.”

She nodded groggily, and I half-pulled her to her feet. Walking, on the other hand, proved more difficult, even with her arm around my shoulders. Just as I tried to think of how the hell I’d get her to the reception area, Nolan appeared again.

He murmured, “The reception guy is watching that bastard.”

I nodded, wanting to ask more but knew it’d have to wait. Nolan helped me get the woman to the reception area. Her husband was nowhere to be found, thank goodness. And before long, Nolan had all of them packed into the cab and on their way.

He walked over to me and took me in. “Let’s clean you up.”

The thought of Nolan caressing my face, my neck, and my chest with a warm washcloth sent a rush of heat through me.

I quickly jumped back. “No, just give me five minutes. I’ll meet you outside.”

And then I ran, my cheeks burning. Both from thinking of Nolan washing me and from embarrassment. Because of course, the one time someone threw wine in my face, Nolan was there to see it.

It doesn’t matter. He’s not your real boyfriend. Just think of the trip you get at the end of this agreement.

Right, that’s what I’d do, think of my grand tour.

Besides, a little embarrassment was nothing compared to the full-on hatred I’d soon face from his ex’s fans. Life was bound to get worse, much worse, before my sweet reward at the end.

Today was just a little training in the making. With that thought, I hurried into my room and cleaned up.

Chapter Four

Nolan

Aunt Lori: What time will you get here?

Me: Tonight, like the other ten times I’ve told you.

Aunt Lori: I want exact times, Mister. I rarely get to see you, and I need to make a schedule.

Me: Not a schedule…

Aunt Lori: Hey, I even have “sibling bonding time” penciled in.

Me: You promised not to meddle in our lives.

Aunt Lori: What? I’m not meddling. I’m just ensuring you get quality family time. Emmy and Sabrina will be your sisters soon enough, and you need to get to know them better.

Me: You don’t know that for certain.

Aunt Lori: Oh, when it comes to love and marriages, I’m excellent at spotting what’ll work or not. I was right about West’s first wife, wasn’t I?

Me: I have a plane to catch. I’ll let you know when I get there.

Aunt Lori: You better. Something was off at the twins’ birthday party and I’m determined to figure out what.