Deadly Rivalry (Hardy Brothers Security Book 17) Read Free

to pop out of this?”
    “Jake is,” Ally answered. “He says I can only have one drink because I flop around when I dance if I have more than that. I think he’s exaggerating, but we’re only staying for dinner and one dance anyway.”
    “That’s all we’re staying for, too,” James said, rubbing his thumb against Mandy’s shoulder. “We’re playing shark in the hot tub tonight, and I don’t care how much prime rib they try to tempt me with, the hot tub is going to win out.”
    Ally laughed as Jake sat next to her, placing a beer in front of his spot and a glass of wine in front of Ally.
    “Sip that wine, angel,” Jake instructed. “I’m not joking about you only getting one drink.”
    “I think she looks beautiful in that dress,” Mandy said.
    “I think she looks beautiful, too,” Jake countered. “She’s still spastic when she dances sometimes and I am not beating up twenty men at a charity event for abused children because she had to wear that dress and drive everyone wild.”
    “He’s cute when he’s possessive,” Ally said, gripping his chin and giving him a kiss.
    “Stop doing that or I’m going to throw up,” James warned. “We’re using the ‘being sick’ ruse to get out of here early.”
    “I don’t blame you there,” Ally said.
    “You can’t leave early. How are we going to catch up if you leave early?”
    Mandy shifted her attention to the woman standing next to the table, frowning when she saw the long legs, beautiful dark waves, and skintight dress. The new addition looked like a model. James tightened his grip on Mandy’s shoulder as he took in the interloper, forcing a tight smile – although Mandy couldn’t tell if it was for the woman’s benefit or her own.
    “Madeline,” James said, licking his lips. “I didn’t know you would be here.”
    “Is that any way to greet an old friend?” Madeline crossed her arms over her chest, inflating her own impressive cleavage as she looked James up and down. “You look really … good.”
    Mandy’s shoulders stiffened. She was used to women checking out James. The one in question this time, though, looked like a predator.
    “Thank you,” James said. “I feel good.”
    “Don’t you want to introduce me to your friends?” Madeline asked, arching a challenging eyebrow.
    “We’ve already met,” Ally shot back, her tone chilly.
    Madeline was dubious. “Really? I think I would remember you.”
    “That’s Ally,” James said. “I’m sure you remember her.”
    “Ally Hardy? Wow,” Madeline said, her expression softening. It was almost as if she thought Ally was competition for James’ affections before recognizing her, Mandy realized. The epiphany made Mandy unbelievably uncomfortable, and she couldn’t pinpoint why. “You grew up to be a beautiful woman.”
    “I know,” Ally said dryly, resting her hands on top of the table.
    “What about your blond friend?” Madeline asked, her eyes darting over Mandy before discarding her. “Is she your date for the night?”
    Mandy shifted uncomfortably. “I’m his wife.”
    Madeline stilled, surprised. “I’m sorry. You’re his what?”
    Ally’s smile was victorious – and mean – when it landed on Madeline. “Oh, you didn’t hear? James is married.”
    “I see,” Madeline said, locking eyes with James. “I didn’t think you were the marrying type.”
    “I didn’t think so either,” James replied, keeping his arm around Mandy’s shoulders even as she tried to shrug it off. This was the worst possible time for his past to show up and put a kink in his present. “It seems I was wrong, though. Once I saw Mandy I was a goner. It turns out, when you’re with the right woman, anyone is the marrying type.”
    Mandy marginally relaxed at James’ words, although she was still uncomfortable with Madeline’s proprietary nature and James’ uncomfortable demeanor. She had no idea what was going on, but she was convinced she wouldn’t like it when she got an