Chapter Seventeen #3
“So needy.” Maddy laughed and kissed Cash’s cheek. “His secret’s out. We’re getting married tomorrow, and since you are newlyweds, we understand if you want to take a turn or two around the dance floor before heading back to your room. Your brotherly duty is done tonight.”
“We’ll keep that in mind,” Telford said seriously.
“You better not,” Cash said handing him two fingers of whiskey. “I believe it’s time for the toasts to my married bliss to begin. You’re up first.”
In the end, they stayed longer than Ayana had expected. The group commandeered a few tables and they squished together. Over all the years she’d worked in restaurants, bars, and cruise ships, Ayana had seen a lot of groups celebrating. She’d never once been a part of anything like this.
Everyone took pictures, toasted and videoed the evening as the stories and whiskey was passed around. And while she didn’t pose, exactly, she stopped skulking like a recluse out of each shot.
Her favorite part of the evening—although she’d enjoyed all of it—was dancing with Telford.
Boone, Rohan, and Cash knew how to make some moves.
Telford wasn’t comfortable, and yet he held her close and his sense of music, the beat, and his athleticism kept them upright and moving in the tight circle the small floor and bigger group of dancers necessitated.
“They found us again,” Cash said as he and Maddy danced by during a Kelsea Ballerini song.
Ayana, enjoying that Telford was singing the chorus softly as he held her, looked around but didn’t see anyone who looked like they were interested in the celebrating couples.
“Although tonight was an easier assignment for them. I was impressed by the press’s ingenuity finding us on the obstacle course with their long lenses, but Rohan’s partners soon cleared them out.
Tonight wasn’t as hard of a hunt. Not too much night life in town, but I’ll find most of my entertainment at home,” he murmured against Maddy’s lips and then swung her in a circle.
“Press?” Ayana muttered and missed a step though Telford kept her stable. “Why would the press be here?”
“I’m a big deal,” Cash informed her and then laughed and spun Maddy in another circle when she scoffed and elbowed him.
“Dial it down,” Maddy advised. “Ayana might think you’re serious.”
“I’m a serious man.” Cash’s smile changed subtly, and his moves got a little flashier.
Maddy rolled her eyes. “Watch it, cowboy. I don’t want to get caught mid-tumble. I’m still new to this dance stuff.”
“You’re a natural.” He kissed her forehead and then spun her out and reeled her back in while Ayana speculated who was here from the press—and why.
Cash’s upcoming marriage? Bull riding was that big of a deal?
She spotted a couple of women and a man angling for various shots of Cash while trying to be subtle.
“Should we get out of here?” Ayana asked, hoping her voice was calm.
She was probably overreacting. No one had any interest in her. The Family was off grid. Except the leaders. Besides she didn’t look the same as she had when she was sixteen.
“Just ignore them,” Maddy said pragmatically. “The press is part of the process. Besides I have footage for the AEbr for this weekend.”
“Which you should have handed off as you shouldn’t be working during your wedding,” Cash reminded her.
“It’s fun. I’m taking pictures anyway so it doesn’t feel like work, and about tonight, no one’s drunk or out of hand so your image should remain squeaky.”
“Hold your tongue, gorgeous. My curated image was irreparably tarnished by an irresistible challenge of a Madonna in the flesh.”
“Cash,” Maddy said softly, everyone else forgotten.
“Want to go?” Telford’s voice was warm in Ayana’s ear.
She nodded. “We’re going to head out,” Ayana said, keeping her back to the door and wondering if there was another exit that wouldn’t set off the alarm. Hard to believe she hadn’t checked that out before. Her tummy sloshed nervously.
“See you tomorrow morning at the spa and salon.” She added pushing warmth not fear into her voice. She was just overreacting, being too cautious.
Bad habit. One she was determined to break free of.
That would be another part of fully reclaiming her life and not living like she was being hunted.
She’d survived on her own for years, and she was no longer a kid.
Besides, she wasn’t alone. She had Telford.
He might be quiet, but he was no pushover. And he had his family behind him.
As if he sensed her disquiet, he put his arm around her and walked up to the bartender to pay the tab before walking toward the door, keeping his body between her and the three photographers.
Outside was cool and quiet and the night air felt like a soothing cocoon.
“I should explain,” she said before she could chicken out.
“When you’re ready.”
His eyes were pools of obsidian in the dark.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready, but I want to be honest with you.”
“Let’s walk along the river first. Clear our heads and then head back to the room. I want you to know that whatever you tell me will remain safe with me, and I’ll share my life plans and concerns with you.”
And that sounded like a promise.