The Undercover Bridesmaid

by Montpetit, Kimberley

  The minister instructed Mark and Mercedes to face the audience. “I’m happy to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Mark Westerfield.”

  With broad smiles, the newly wedded couple walked down the grassy aisle hand in hand while the guests applauded and rose from their seats, bombarding them with congratulations and hugs while Suze, the wedding planner, went into high gear.

  She radioed her chef in the house with her walkie-talkie. “Dinner should be served in fifteen minutes. We’re on target, right?”

  The chef from Sergio’s replied in the affirmative. Stepping closer to the patio, Chloe could see the waitstaff ready to begin placing the first course.

  About ten minutes later, the guests began to take their seats at the tables, which practically covered the entire yard since there were well over a hundred people in attendance.

  The gift table was loaded with packages in white satin ribbons and bows, and Chloe gave a happy sigh. Everything was going off without a hitch.

  The bridal party had a special table at the front, and Chloe worked her way through the crowd, skirting the glistening swimming pool, which was now evil in her mind. She gave it the stink eye as she passed.

  When she neared the table where salads had just been placed at each silver and china setting, Liam appeared from the crowd. Chloe hadn’t seen him yet. Hadn’t spoken since she’d called to tell him the diamonds were fine.

  It appeared that the FBI’s sources were wrong on this one. The knowledge gave Chloe a sigh of relief.

  “Hey, you,” Liam said softly when he stood in front of her. “You look gorgeous, Chloe. I couldn’t take my eyes off you during the ceremony.”

  Chloe bit her lips, not sure how to take his compliment. “Where were you seated?”

  He shrugged. “In the back. I always give the best seats to those who actually know the bride and groom.” His eyes looked into hers curiously, but he wasn’t smiling. “What’s up with you and Sorenson?”

  Chloe started. “What are you talking about?”

  “He was staring at you the entire ceremony. He also seemed a little extra friendly while you did the two-step together up the aisle.”

  “You’re being ridiculous.”

  “Maybe, but I have a good sense about people. Especially when males are in your sphere.”

  “Is that right?” Chloe arched an eyebrow. “You know body language now?”

  That was a dumb question. Of course he did. There were classes at Quantico in body language, including identifying emotions when interrogating a witness. How to know when someone was lying. How to get someone to confess.

  “Don’t answer that, Mr. Es—Crowley.”

  “I want to sit next to you at dinner.”

  “I think I’m promised to the best man. You know—best man, best bridesmaid, that kind of thing.”

  Liam eyed her. “Tell the best man to go take a hike. I’m your date. Besides, it might look suspicious if you completely ignore me.”

  Chloe lowered her voice. “Do you think anyone suspects who you really are?”

  “Nope, not a clue. I’m just your jealous date. Most people ignore me, or else I turn invisible. They’re too busy having fun or worrying about themselves. I like that when I’m on a job.”

  “What’s your job?” a deep male voice asked, interrupting them. It was Brett, a smile on his face as he came around to Chloe’s side, slipping a hand around her waist to pull her closer.

  She deftly stepped out of his possessive stance. One quick kiss in a restaurant booth didn’t give him the right to assume she was exclusively his.

  “I’m an insurance agent,” Liam replied, watching Brett’s body language with a strange contempt. Chloe rolled her eyes at the macho preening. “Just checking out the possible clients.”

  “That’s pretty crass, man,” Brett said.

  Liam smiled pleasantly, completely unruffled. He didn’t care if he came across as tactless or ridiculous when he knew he’d never see the person again.

  Dinner was a little uncomfortable with all the male posturing going on between Brett and Liam. The food was supreme, and Chloe hadn’t realized how hungry she was. Her appetite was returning, and she only coughed once in a while, pretending to be clearing her throat while she dabbed at her lips with the linen napkin.

  There were toasts to the newlyweds from the best man and the bridesmaid. Chloe gave a small speech to the happy couple with her water goblet raised in salute. “May you have joy and abundance during your life together,” she ended, and everyone clinked glasses.

  By the time dessert was served—a fluffy chocolate mousse with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings—the guests were relaxed, enjoying the night. That always made Chloe happy.

  The wedding cake would be cut soon. A three-tiered extravaganza near one of the backyard waterfalls.

  The dance floor was unveiled on the far side of the yard while the DJ changed the soft background dinner music to a more upbeat dance style.

  “Time to throw the bridal bouquet,” Suze called out.

  Chloe had hoped this wouldn’t happen since Mercedes didn’t have more than one attendant. “All the single girls come forward,” she called out, and the DJ repeated the request by microphone.

  There were laughs and groans as Mercedes’s still-single friends or daughters of her parents’ friends were urged forward.

  Chloe found herself next to Katey when Mercedes turned with her back to the small group of young women.

  “I’m single,” Granny Zaida declared, hustling over. “Think I can still catch a man, girls?”

  Chloe said, “Granny, you’re the best catch of all. The rest of us should sit this one out.”

  “Not sure my leaping skills are in good shape, though,” her grandmother shot back.

  Chloe gave her two thumbs-up while Mercedes did a countdown from five—and then the bouquet came soaring through the air into the midst of women, ribbons flying.

  Chloe glanced up just in time to see the flowers heading straight for her face. She put up her hands at the same moment Katey did and they caught it together, laughing as they bumped into each other. “You have it, Katey.”

  Shaking her head, Katey thrust the bouquet into Chloe’s arms and stepped back, relinquishing all claims with her hands up. “Hey, I’m only twenty-two, I’m not getting married for years, but you—you’re already way older—” The young woman stopped, suddenly aware of what she was saying. Putting both palms to her face, she stammered, “I’m sorry—I didn’t mean—awkward moment.”

  Chloe waved the apology away. “No problem. Hey, maybe the bouquet will bring me luck. I certainly need it.”

  “I’m not so sure about that, Chloe,” Katey told her. “You and Brett Sorenson are really hitting it off. Despite your plus-one in that Stan Crowley guy.”

  “Maybe we are,” she answered vaguely.

  She held the bouquet, the smell of the lilies rising up to her nose. She’d never caught a bridal bouquet before. Maybe tonight was lucky. She was still alive, and she’d like to get to know Brett Sorenson better.

  A trip to Savannah sounded fun, especially when it was only two hours from where she lived, but Chloe wasn’t sure if what she was feeling were sparks. Perhaps she was the kind of girl that needed to know someone better, rather than instant fireworks.

  Fireworks were pretty fun, though. She glanced surreptitiously at Liam. When they had first met, there had been sparks—lots of them. Flirting and small touches, but purposely keeping their distance at Quantico.

  Her face turned warm when a memory washed over her. Chloe had never forgotten the evening she and Liam had sneaked away from their quarters at Quantico to one of the city parks.

  Spreading a blanket on the lawn, they stayed up until midnight talking about their lives and dreams while gazing at the stars, including making a contest out of naming the constellations. It had been so easy to be with Liam.

  When the nonstop conversation and laughter had died down, Liam had rolled onto his side to gaze at her
, his eyes and masculine scent overwhelming her. Waves of attraction and longing had engulfed her—and she felt the same desire coming from him as well.

  That magical night, Liam had come perilously close to kissing her, but Chloe sat up instead, brushed the grass off her palms, and got to her feet, saving them both from embarrassment—or the possibility of not being able to keep their hands off each other.

  From then on, they had been careful to keep their distance, since they didn’t want to jeopardize their careers—but Liam’s arms, holding her with such warmth and comfort on that summer night, had been more perfect than any other man she’d ever dated.

  Why did she hold such a strong attraction to a man that had hurt her so deeply?

  A few months later came the horrible raid, and the bomb detonation before the team could evacuate. The accident had shaken everyone involved, and condolences poured in from all of the agents they’d trained with at Quantico.

  But Jenna had died. And the love that had been blossoming for Liam Esposito had turned to hate.

  Chapter 20

  Chloe gave a small shake of her head. She had a strange premonition to check the diamonds Mercedes was wearing, but there was no reason to believe anything was wrong with them.

  She had inspected them two hours before the wedding and then again right before she placed the jewels on Mercedes.

  Neither she or Liam had spotted a smidgen of suspicious behavior around the house or amongst the wedding guests. Once in a while, she spotted Liam walking about the reception, his eyes steely and watchful. Just like the Secret Service. Plus, her father had installed his security detail here the entire weekend, although they stayed in the background on the perimeter of the property.

  When Chloe caught Liam’s eye, he spread his hands to indicate nothing was out of the ordinary. A moment later, he smiled, shrugging his shoulders, and she bit her lips to keep from smiling back. Liam Esposito’s smile had always been infectious. Even when she was furious with him.

  When the song “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri came on, Mark and Mercedes danced the bride and groom number, swirling around the dance floor while everybody gazed on in delight.

  On the next number, Brett was at Chloe’s side and taking her in his arms. “Hey, our first dance of the evening. Where have you been?”

  “Here, there, and everywhere,” she said vaguely.

  They moved around the floor to “First Day of My Life,” avoiding the sudden onslaught of dancing couples now that the floor was open to everyone. “So how long have you been hiring yourself out as a professional bridesmaid?” Brett asked with an amused grin.

  “How do you know that, Mr. Sorenson?” she asked primly.

  “I confess that I looked you up on Facebook. And then I found your website. Pretty slick. It’s an unusual profession, but it sounds like fun, too.”

  “If you like drama queen brides who have frequent meltdowns. There are only a handful of us in the country, but I’ve discovered that I have a talent for it. Or maybe I’m a sucker for mental torture.”

  Brett gave a low whistle, shaking his head. “Count me out of melting down brides. I’ll elope when the time is right. All this fuss and expense is over the top.”

  “I agree on eloping. So much easier and more romantic. Plus, it doesn’t consume a year of one’s life to just run away.”

  “We think alike, Chloe Romano.” Brett tightened his arm around her waist and brushed his cheek against her hair. The music enveloped them, and Chloe thought about how nice it was to just dance under the fairy lights and not worry about anything for a little while.

  “Uh-oh,” she said a minute later. “I’m getting summoned. By my boss.”

  “What?” Brett pulled back, glancing to where Chloe was gazing.

  “Mercedes is flagging me down. I’ll be right back. I hope.”

  “We still need to choose a weekend to rendezvous.”

  “You are an impossible flirt,” Chloe told him flippantly. “And just so you know up front, I require my own hotel room.”

  Brett raised a hand in salute. “Your wish is my command, but we’ll have to bid farewell now, actually. I’m leaving for the airport to catch my red-eye back home.”

  “So soon? I was hoping for another dance and someone to eat wedding cake with.” Now that would have to be Liam, although Chloe couldn’t handle dancing with him. It would bring back too many memories of their dance on the lawn on that stargazing night—when Liam had played music on his iPod and they swayed in perfect rhythm to a stream of romantic love songs.

  Granny Zaida could be her cake-eating partner.

  “It’s almost ten,” Brett said now. “At least there won’t be commute traffic to contend with to get to the airport, but I have a rental car to return, too.”

  “The joys of flying,” she said sympathetically.

  He embraced her, whispering, “I look forward to seeing you very soon.”

  Chloe nodded, giving him a little wave. Brett said goodbye to the bride and groom, hugged Aunt Aurelia, shook hands with the rest of the adults, and bent over to kiss Granny Zaida on the hand.

  After exiting through the side gate, the Mustang’s headlights came on a moment later while the engine revved. Putting the car into reverse, Brett drove down the street while Chloe gave him a brief wave.

  Brett was charming and funny and successful, and she’d probably have a good time with him in Savannah. There was potential there. She’d know more when this wedding was over and she could focus on something other than diamonds and Liam Esposito.

  When she strode back across the lawn, Liam watched her, arms folded, expression severe. Could he read lips now? Did he know that she and Brett were talking about a weekend together? The idea of Liam knowing that she’d be spending significant time with Brett bothered her. But it shouldn’t bother her, he meant nothing to her—but even that annoyed her.

  “Chloe, will you please help me take off the earrings?” Mercedes asked. “Mark and I have had two dances, and they’re getting heavy on my ears. Besides, my hair covers them up most of the time anyway.”

  “Too many diamonds, my queen?” Chloe teased.

  Her cousin made a face, and Chloe guided her over to one of the hanging lamps so she could see better. After unhooking the jewels, she folded the earrings lightly in her fist.

  “Go have fun. I’ll return them to the safe. Be sure I’m with you when you get out of your wedding dress later so I can put the necklace and tiara away. Davis Jewelry is coming at eight a.m. sharp tomorrow.”

  “Oh, ugh. Nobody is going to be awake by then. We’ll probably dance until long after midnight. Of course, I guess I don’t have to worry,” she added with a laugh. “I’ll be with Mark in our honeymoon suite by then.”

  “That’s what I’m here for. To take care of everything, including your audacious diamonds.”

  “Come right back. We’re about to cut the cake and smear frosting all over our faces.”

  When Chloe entered the quiet house, she scouted out the first floor for any wandering guests. Even the kitchen was cleaned up and empty, with only a nightlight lit over the stove. The catering restaurant was fast and thorough.

  Walking barefoot since she’d ditched her heels at the door, Chloe slipped into the office. She opened the safe and got out her testing equipment to examine the earrings. The suspects the FBI were surveilling had obviously changed their minds about trying to hit the Romano house to steal the Davis jewelry.

  Sitting at her uncle’s desk, her notes on the diamonds in front of her, Chloe snapped on the lamp and put the magnifying loupe to her eye. She didn’t really need to study them since she’d done two thorough exams that afternoon before Mercedes put them on, but it was her task, of course. She had to add the time of every inspection to her final report.

  After five minutes, Chloe’s stomach began to sink lower and lower. The differences were very slight, but the stones were wrong. Or was she just tired?

  She turned each earring around a
nd started over again. The angles weren’t as sharp as they used to be. She couldn’t see a single natural flaw, and the gemstones had almost no blue color to them under the UV light.

  Panic rose in her throat and Chloe straightened, her ears buzzing. The earrings were a fake. She’d bet her tiny bank account on it. How in the world could someone have switched the jewelry—right before she’d put them on Mercedes?

  Was Liam correct in suspecting Mark? Had the groom given some excuse to his bride about the earrings and swapped it with fakes hidden in the pockets of his tux?

  Chloe locked everything up as fast as she could and returned to the party. “Mercedes,” she said, coming up behind her. “I’m sorry, but I need to do a test on your necklace.”

  Her cousin’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “But I haven’t taken it off all night.”

  “Blame it on protocol,” Chloe fibbed. “Test times.”

  “Well, if you insist. It’s actually getting heavy after six hours, too.”

  “Go back to your party,” Chloe told her, suppressing the urge to race across the lawns and back inside the house.

  She forced herself to remain casual so she didn’t draw unwanted attention. But once she hit the sitting room, she darted inside the office and spun the safe’s combination dial with trembling fingers.

  She spent a full twenty minutes on the necklace she’d come to know intimately, going over it twice, but these diamonds didn’t match her diagram notes either. Not one single bit. The necklace was a fake, too.

  With fumbling fingers, she sent a text to Liam. Just examined the diamonds. They’re fake! I’m positive. Do we call the police? What are your orders?

  Liam: I’ll be right there. Sit tight.

  Chloe put her head in her hands. She’d failed. Someone had been able to get into this locked office and the safe and swap out the jewelry. All before the wedding began. Or had she been cross-eyed the last time she’d examined the diamonds? Her brain was muddled, trying to sort out that last busy hour before the wedding.

  She’d been with Brett Sorenson, and then come home to dress. So that ruled him out. He’d also been staying at a hotel the previous two nights, so he’d had little access to the house—and no time to figure out how to break the combination of the safe.