Deadly Ever After (Hardy Brothers Security Book 6) by Lily Harper Hart Page A

trying to sneak out of the building.
    “You look tired,” Ally offered. “You should take a nap.”
    “It’s just a lot of files,” James said.
    “Are you getting anywhere?”
    “The list of people who hold a grudge against me is long and storied.”
    “You always were popular.”
    James frowned. “You’re trying to distract me.”
    “That’s a horrible thing to say about your sister,” Ally said, sashaying into the room and dropping a kiss on the top of Jake’s head. He was sitting on the couch watching the interaction between his girlfriend and her brother with overt interest. “Hi, sweetie.”
    “Hi, angel,” Jake said. “What are you doing?”
    “What makes you think I’m doing anything?”
    “I know you,” Jake said. “You’re up to something.”
    “That’s a mean thing to say.”
    “Now you’re trying to deflect with faux outrage,” Jake said. “Don’t bother. Just tell us what you’re up to.”
    “I’m really hurt,” Ally said, jutting her lower lip out in a pronounced pout.
    Jake’s heart melted, even though he was still suspicious. He leaned forward, capturing her bottom lip between his. Ally met his kiss enthusiastically, causing James to look away and focus on the other three women in the lobby.
    “Where are you going, baby?”
    “What makes you think we’re going anywhere?” Mandy asked, taking a step forward.
    “You’re all dressed up and heading toward the door,” James said. “Even if I didn’t do this for a living, I would know you guys were up to something.”
    Mandy sighed, the gesture dramatic and overly played. “You’re so smart.”
    James rolled his eyes. “Tell me where you think you’re going.”
    “I know I’m going for the final fitting of my wedding dress,” Mandy said, brushing James’ hair away from his face. “You need a haircut.”
    “I know,” James said, buying time as he considered the problem in front of him. “I promise to get it cut before the wedding.”
    “You don’t have to,” Mandy said. “I like it when you look all rough and tumble. It makes me want to have sex with you in nature.”
    James smirked. “That was an outstanding distraction, baby.”
    “I try.”
    “I’m still not sure.”
    Mandy’s shoulders slumped.
    “I don’t want to fight,” James said. “I really don’t want to fight.”
    “So, we won’t fight.”
    “I also don’t know how comfortable I am with you guys running all over the county,” James said.
    “We’re not running all over the county,” Mandy said. “We’re going to a wedding shop. We’re not going to be out in the open. I just have to make sure the dress fits, and these guys need to make sure their dresses are done.”
    “What if I come with you?” James offered.
    “You can’t see her in her dress,” Ally protested. “It’s bad luck.”
    “We’ve had all the bad luck we’re going to have,” James said.
    “You’re testing the fates,” Ally warned.
    James growled. “Ally.”
    “James,” she shot back.
    “Okay,” James said. “If I can’t see the dress, why can’t Jake go with you?”
    Ally faltered, her face awash with concentration as she tried to come up with an acceptable response. James turned to Mandy. “Is there a reason?”
    “We can’t gossip if Jake is there,” Mandy replied.
    “I don’t think Jake cares about your gossip,” James said.
    “He’ll still inhibit it.”
    James cleared his throat, exchanging a glance with Jake. “What do you think?”
    Jake shrugged. “I don’t know. I would feel better if they weren’t alone.”
    “Join the club.”
    “They’re going to pout if we don’t let them go off on their own, though,” Jake added.
    “I’m well aware.”
    “What if Jake stays outside of the shop?” James pressed.
    “Then we’ll feel guilty,” Ally admitted.
    “Why would you feel guilty?”
    “Okay, a dress fitting isn’t what you guys are picturing,” Ally said. “We don’t go into the shop, try on dresses, and then