“Red means love,” the woman said.
“What does pink mean?” James asked.
“Friendship.”
Yeah, that wasn’t the message he wanted to send. An odd-colored bloom caught his attention. “What does the blue one say?”
The woman looked at the bin of blue roses. “I don’t think it really says anything. It’s just a new hybrid.”
James smiled. “So, it’s unique?”
“Yeah,” the woman said. “Red still means love, though.”
“I want a blue one,” James said. “It matches her eyes.”
The woman shook her head doubtfully but retrieved the flower. “That will be seven dollars.”
James drew a twenty out of his wallet and tossed it on the counter. “Keep the change.”
The woman’s eyes sparkled. “You know, if she won’t take you back, I’d be more than happy to mend your broken heart.”
James smiled. “Yeah, I’m a one-woman man these days. I’m not looking to trade her in.”
“Well, she’s a lucky woman.”
“I don’t get the feeling she’s feeling particularly lucky tonight.”
OFFICE parties were boring on a normal night. Big fundraisers were practically excruciating. Given her mood, Mandy felt like she was trapped in a virtual hell dimension. Sure, this dimension had finger foods – but she wasn’t really interested in sampling.
She’d secluded herself near the bar, trying to avoid the bevy of flirting attorneys in attendance. She was used to their attention but, for tonight at least, she was in no mood to pretend their overzealous interest in her was anything short of annoying.
“You look like you’re having a great time.”
Mandy glanced up when she heard Sophie’s voice. The Daily Tribune reporter was dressed in a sensible pant suit and carrying a reporter’s notebook as she leaned against the bar next to Mandy.
The women had known each other for years, but their involvement with the Hardy brothers had helped that association bloom into a beautiful friendship.
“Am I that transparent?” Mandy asked.
“You look unhappy,” Sophie said, scanning the room. “Where is James?”
“He’s having fight night with his brothers.”
Sophie pursed her plump lips. “I wondered about that when Grady told me,” she admitted. “I knew you were really looking forward to him coming to this thing with you. I just figured something changed.”
“Something did change,” Mandy said. “He decided he didn’t want to come and he told me a half hour before we were supposed to be here.”
Sophie clucked sympathetically. “Well, if it’s any consolation, you look amazing. That dress is … seriously, what kind of underwear are you wearing under there?”
“None,” Mandy said. “The dress is designed to be worn without it. That’s why I bought it.”
“You bought it for James.”
“That makes me sound pathetic,” Mandy said. “I never thought I would be one of those girls.”
“Who are those girls?”
“You know, the ones who get their self-worth from being able to parade their hot boyfriend around so everyone can see you together for a night.”
Sophie smiled knowingly. “You just thought you two would have a night of playing dress up,” she said. “Maybe a little dancing, too?”
“Are you over there judging me?”
“I’m judging him,” Sophie said. “He should have realized that this was important to you.”
“Maybe I didn’t make it clear.”
“Something tells me you made yourself clear before you left the apartment tonight,” Sophie said, fixing her gaze on a spot across the dance floor.
“What makes you say that?”
Sophie smiled, pointing.
Mandy followed her finger with her eyes, her mouth dropping open when she saw the handsome figure with the blue rose walking across the dance floor in her direction. “What is he doing here?”
“My guess is that he’s here to make up,” Sophie said, grinning when James drew close.
“Sophie,” James greeted her, never taking his eyes off Mandy. “How are you this evening?”
“Getting an earful,” Sophie said.
“I bet.”
“Just for the record,” Sophie said, moving away from the bar so she could give the couple some privacy. “You’re a dumbass.”
“That’s already been pointed out to me,” James said.
Sophie paused when she got close to him, tilting her head in. “The flower is a nice touch,” she whispered. “You really hurt her feelings, though. I think some dancing might be in order.”
“Thanks for the tip,” James said.
Once Sophie was gone, James took a tentative step toward Mandy. They were usually so in sync he didn’t have to think about reaching for her because she was already halfway into his arms when he made the effort. The look on her face now was murderous.
“Did I mention how incredible you look tonight?”
Mandy remained silent, her blue eyes conflicted.
“Baby, I am so sorry,” James said. “I didn’t realize … .”
“You didn’t realize what?”
“I didn’t realize this was important to you,” James said. “I just thought it was a work party. I didn’t think it was a big deal.”
“Who said it was a big deal?”
“You did,” James said. “And Grady. Oh, and Finn. Somehow, in the middle of everyone else reading the signs, I managed to miss them. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“So, you’re just here because you don’t want me to be mad at you?” Mandy sniffed.
“No,” James countered. “I’m here because, more than anything else in this world, I want you to be happy. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.” James held out the rose, shooting her his most charming smile. “I got a unique rose for my unique girl. That’s got to count for something.”
Mandy was fighting to hold on to her anger. The flower, combined with his suit and chastised smile, was melting her resolve. “I’m really mad at you.”
“I know,” James said. “I have the whole night to chip away at your angry wall, though.”
Mandy sighed, reaching out to take the flower. “This is really cool. Where did you get it?”
“Across the street,” James said. “The clerk said I should get you a red one because red means love. Since you hate the color red, I decided that the blue one fit you better.”
“And what does blue mean?” Mandy asked.
“Blue means … forever.”
Mandy made a small sound in the base of her throat. James risked closing the distance between them, running his hand down the back of her silky dress as he pressed in tighter next to her. “I will forever be sorry. I wouldn’t hurt you for anything.”
Mandy nodded, fighting the tears in her eyes. James rubbed his face against her soft cheek, blocking her from view while she collected herself. She wasn’t a crier. She would be mortified if anyone saw her breaking down.
“I do love you, baby,” he said. “Sometimes you need to be really clear with me. Like really clear. Drawings in crayon couldn’t possibly hurt.”
Mandy laughed, the sound warming James’ heart. He pulled her into his arms completely, resting his forehead on hers. After a few minutes, he reluctantly pulled away. “So, I’m guessing dancing is the next order of business?”
“You hate dancing,” Mandy said.
“I’m not going to be twerking anytime soon,” James said. “I don’t mind dancing.”
Mandy arched an eyebrow. “Really?”
James grabbed her hand, twirling her out onto the dance floor before pulling her back to him so they could sway to the music. After turning her around the dance floor twice, Mandy suggested taking a break so they could get a drink.
James was relieved that the tension seemed to have vacated her body, so he was willing to agree to anything. He left her at a small table, returning to find Jud
ge MacIntosh sitting next to his girlfriend.
“Mr. Hardy,” the judge said, extending his hand. “It’s good to see you.”
“You, too,” James said, sliding Mandy’s drink on the table in front of her. “You throw quite the shindig. I didn’t think the courthouse could clean up this well.”
“It was a joint effort amongst all of the judges,” MacIntosh said. “We’re trying to raise funds for the new drug court.”
“And what does that do?” James asked, sipping from his glass.
“It gives teenagers a chance to work off their debt to society without putting a permanent black mark on their record,” he replied.
“That sounds good to me,” James said. “I guess I’m glad I wrote that check when I was coming in.”
“You already donated?” Mandy asked, surprise evident on her face.
“Well, since my date had already entered and I didn’t have an invitation handy, I had to bribe my way in,” James admitted. “Luckily, the woman working at the table was easy to persuade.”
Mandy rolled her eyes. “That infamous Hardy charm is your best weapon, isn’t it?”
The hot look James shot Mandy told her that he thought one of his other weapons was more powerful. Mandy had trouble disagreeing with him, especially given the shot of warmth that was pulsing through her body and settling between her thighs.
The shared look wasn’t lost on the judge. “Ah, to be young and in love.”
Mandy stiffened, embarrassment washing over her. James merely shrugged as he shot MacIntosh an apologetic look.
The judge chuckled. “Don’t be sorry, son,” he said. “If my wife and I were forty years younger and looked like the two of you, we would never leave the house.”
Mandy’s mouth dropped open in surprise.
“Shut your mouth, dear,” Judge Macintosh chided her. “Everyone is young once. Speaking of that, if the two of you wanted to sneak out early – before all the boring speeches started – I wouldn’t be offended.”
Mandy worried her lower lip. “That doesn’t seem right.”
“What’s not right? We’ve already drained Mr. Hardy’s bank account. I think you two have earned an early exit.”
Mandy smiled. “Thank you.”
He winked. “I’ll see you Monday.” He got up from the table, pausing next to James before joining another group of people beckoning to him from across the dance floor. “She seems much happier now than she did when she first arrived. Try to keep her that way.”
James saluted. “That’s on the top of my to-do list.”
Judge MacIntosh smiled. “Make sure it stays there.”
After the judge left, James was nervous. He wanted to take MacIntosh up on his kind offer – but he was worried suggesting anything of the sort would erode all of the good will he’d managed to build up over the past hour.
“Are you ready?”
James squirmed. “I thought … .”
“You thought I wanted to stay here when I didn’t have to?”
“I don’t know,” James hedged.
Mandy slipped out of her chair and sidled up to him, pressing her lips to the ridge of his ear. “Did I tell you why I picked this dress?”
James ran his hand up and down her hip, fighting the urge to see if he could slip it beneath the slit without anyone seeing. “No.”
“Because it’s designed in such a way that it makes it impossible to wear underwear.”
James’ mouth went dry. “Are you telling me you’re going … commando under there?”
“That’s exactly what I’m telling you.”
James gripped her hand. “We’re leaving. Right now.”
Mandy giggled as he pulled her through the room and out the front door. Once they were safely outside, away from prying eyes, James yanked her to him. He captured her mouth with his, pulling her hips flush against his pelvis so he could grind himself against her. He risked a feel inside the slit, gasping when he realized she wasn’t lying about the underwear situation.
“Let’s go,” Mandy whispered, breaking the kiss.
“Tell me one thing,” James said.
“What?”
“What is your bra situation?”
Mandy cocked an eyebrow suggestively. “You’re going to have to find that out on your own.”
James practically raced her to the parking lot, pulling up short when he realized they had two vehicles to consider instead of one. Mandy pulled her keys from her clutch and moved toward her Ford Focus. “I’ll meet you at home?”
She was only twenty feet from him, but the distance was already too much for James to bear. “Why don’t we ride together?”
“Because then we’ll have to come and pick up the car tomorrow,” Mandy said. “That seems like a real waste when we could have a naked Saturday.”
She had a point. Still … .
“What if I just bring you to work on Monday,” James offered. “Then we wouldn’t be wasting anything.”
Mandy was at the driver’s side door of the car, her key in the lock. She stilled. “Are you sure?”
“Honestly? I want to figure out the bra situation before we get home,” James said. “We can’t do that in separate cars.”
Mandy smiled, taking a step away from the car. “Okay. I don’t want to hear any complaints Monday morning.”
“You won’t hear a peep from me,” James promised.
Mandy started moving in James’ direction, the smile on her face small and warm. James decided he was going to solve the bra conundrum before he loaded her into his Explorer. A bright flash of light and a thunderous explosion interrupted his reverie.
As he was flying backwards, James only had a brief moment to register what was happening: Her car had exploded!
Three
James hit the ground. Hard. His ears were ringing, the ambient sounds of the night muffled from the noise of the explosion. He shook his head, trying to force the dark edges threatening to creep into his mind away. He could not lose consciousness. Not now.
James tried to stand, but his legs were wobbly. After trying – and failing – a second time, he resigned himself to crawling. The wreckage of Mandy’s car was scattered, leaving the two vehicles parked on either side mangled.
James scanned the ground, looking for any sign of his beloved blonde. His gaze finally fell on a shiny piece of a fabric. He recognized it as her purse, and nudged himself in that direction. The purse was charred on one end; meaning fire had actually touched it.
James fought the urge to panic. She had to be here somewhere.
That’s when he saw her. Well, he saw a mass of blonde hair, to be exact. James ignored the broken glass and hot metal in his path as he crawled the five feet that separated them.
She was lying prone on the ground, blood soaking into the blonde locks he loved so much. Her eyes were closed, and there was a dark gash on her cheek. James moved around her, pausing before he tried to touch her. If she was dead, he would never get over it. If he lost her … .
James pulled himself together and pressed his fingers to the pulse point on her neck. He cried out in relief when he detected the faint beat of her heart. He reached underneath her, pulling her to him so he could cradle her in his lap.
It didn’t take long for emergency personnel to arrive. James was still in a weird limbo, so he slapped away the first set of hands that reached for her. That’s when another figure knelt down next to him. It was Sophie.
“James.”
He didn’t answer.
“James!”
James shifted his cloudy gaze to Sophie’s worried brown eyes.
“You have to let them help her,” Sophie said, tears running down her face. “Please.”
James loosened his grip, remaining on the ground and watching helplessly as she was loaded onto a gurney and rushed toward a waiting ambulance. “Where are they taking her?”
His voice was dull, flat. His eyes weren’t much different. Sophie was worried he was nursing a few injur
ies of his own.
“Will you let them look you over?”
James finally focused on Sophie. “I need to go with her. She needs me.”
“You’ll go with her,” Sophie said. “You’ll be in the ambulance right behind her.”
“She can’t be alone,” James argued, trying to get to his feet and toppling over again. “She can’t be alone.”
“They’ve already taken her, James,” Sophie said. “She’s on her way to the hospital. They’ll take care of her there.”
“I need to be with her.”
“You’re going to be with her,” Sophie said. “I promise.” She glanced over at the paramedic who was inching closer to James. “Be careful. He’s in shock or something. His eyes are unclear and he seems confused.”
“If he was close to that explosion, it’s a miracle he’s even alive,” the paramedic replied. “I’m sure his bell is rung.”
A glance at the still burning shell of the car told Sophie the paramedic was right. “Just be careful with him.”
“You know him?”
“We’re family.”
GRADY and Finn pushed their way into Mercy East hospital at a run. Sophie’s call had been hard to understand at first, sirens drowning out her first attempt to relate the evening’s events.
When he finally grasped what she was saying, Grady snapped into action. It had only taken the brothers eight minutes to make a twenty-minute drive across town. Now they were on a hunt to find their brother. It didn’t take long.
“I want to see her now!”
Grady bypassed the scared-looking receptionist at the front desk and moved toward the voice. He found his brother standing in the middle of the lobby, hands on hips, arguing with two men in scrubs as they tried to restrain him.
“Sir, Ms. Avery’s injuries are severe,” one of the men said. “She’s being treated in the ER right now. We can’t have you in there.”
“I don’t care what you want,” James seethed. “She needs me, and I need to be with her.”
“Sir … .”
Grady put a tentative hand on James’ shoulder, causing his brother to swivel to see who would dare touch him. He let out a sigh when he saw Grady. “Tell these assholes that I need to be with her.”
Grady glanced at the two men. He wasn’t sure if they were nurses or doctors, but he understood the worried glances they were exchanging. James was coming across as deranged.
Deadly Proposal (Hardy Brothers Security Book 4) Page 2