Page 141 of Girl Between

That text message might as well have been an iron brand with the way it seared his soul. It was as good an invitation as Jake could’ve asked for to fight for the woman he couldn’t seem to live without.

Jake’s pulse quickened as he approached the reception venue, the tension in his body coiling like a spring ready to snap. He knew how these events played out, with laughter and joy masking unspokenrivalries. He’d caught a glimpse of Dana through the throng, her silhouette like a signal fire, drawing him closer.

The wedding march was a swirl of festivities, vibrant with music and laughter. Jake’s eyes remained fixed on Dana, her every movement igniting a flare of possessiveness within him. She was surrounded by people, but it was George’s presence that gnawed at his patience. Jake’s mind raced, contemplating the confrontation that seemed inevitable.

As he navigated the crowd, weaving through well-wishers and guests, the words of Dana’s text echoed in his mind, a mantra that fueled his determination. He could see George touching Dana’s back, his smile too comfortable, too familiar. Jake’s fists clenched involuntarily, the muscles in his jaw twitching as he fought to maintain his composure. He was here for her, and he wouldn’t let anyone stand in his way.

As he approached, the scene before him blurred slightly, the dancing parade revelers becoming mere shadows against the burning intensity of his focus. Dana’s laughter rang out, a sound so pure it momentarily soothed his raging thoughts. But the sight of George beside her reignited the flames.

Jake cracked his knuckles as he followed the crowd. He was used to biding his time. But he’d come here prepared to fight. If George wasn’t expecting it, that was on him.

What was it they said about love and war?

To Jake, this was both.

Anyone who got in his way was already a casualty.

126

Neighbors lined the street,passing out Champagne to the parade-goers like they were running some sort of booze-fueled marathon. Dana finished the first two cups like she was training for a gold medal. By the time she found her way to her table at the reception, she’d lost count of how much she’d drunk. But she was still parched so she gratefully drained the glass George handed her.

“Pro-tip,” came a familiar voice. “Fill your champagne flute with water so you make it to the bouquet toss.”

Dana whirled, a smile already splitting her lips. “Richter!” She threw her arms around the FBI veteran’s neck. “I didn’t know you’d be here. How did you get an invite?”

He gave her a devilish grin. “Look at me. I have wedding crasher written all over me.”

Dana laughed. But George leaned in, spilling the truth. “He served with my dad.”

“I knew it wasn’t just this,” Dana said, moving her hand in a circular motion around Richter’s freshly shaven face.

“Oh, you mean my roguish good looks?” Richter teased.

“Why are you still single?” she mused, teetering in her heels.

“Okay, I think we need to cut the good doctor off,” George suggested.

“No, no. She’s right,” Richter teased. “It’s hard to stay single when you look this good. What can I say? I haven’t found a lady who can handle all of this.”

Richter backed onto the dance floor wiggling his hips and Dana dissolved into a fit of laughter. It felt good to laugh. Good, but wrong. The dreadfulness of the case kept creeping into her thoughts, making it hard to enjoy the joyful festivities. The champagne helped, but only so much.

Dana dropped into the white folding chair in front of her place card. She couldn’t help noticing she’d been seated between George and Jake. Speaking of, she hadn’t seen her knight in shining Army blues since the church.

Glancing around the crowded backyard, she took off her heels. The grass felt warm and soft beneath her feet. For a moment, she was a child, running through the field behind her house picking wildflowers. An image of a red and gray tent popped into her mind.

She hadn’t thought of it in ages.

Closing her eyes, Dana let the memory wrap around her. How she’d loved camping with her father. A pang of sadness filled her as she thought of all the camping trips that had been stolen from her.

A warm hand on her shoulder made her jump. Dana turned in her seat to find George’s brown eyes surveying her. “Let’s get some food,” he suggested.

“I’m not hungry,” she said, suddenly forlorn.

“Let me rephrase that. You should eat something before I catch hell for getting a bridesmaid drunk at my baby sister’s wedding.”

“You don’t have to take care of me, George. You’re not my date.”

He looked around the reception, probably wondering where Jake was, too. “Noted, but I’m gonna do it anyway. Be right back.”