Page 25 of Kiss Marry Kill

He opened his door. “I hope you don’t expect me to dance.”

“Aww, come on, not even one dance?” He came around the car, and I looped my arm around his shoulders. “How about if I only ask you to dance to slow songs? You can do that, right, Max?”

“Of course Icando it. I don’t want to do it.” He sighed. “But for you, I guess I’ll try.”

“That’s all I ask is that you try.”

“What do you want to bet River will be dancing up a storm the entire time?” He scowled.

I shrugged. “Who cares? I’m not here to keep tabs on River. I’m here to have a good time with my boyfriend.”

“You’re right. I’ll do my very best to pretend River Martin doesn’t exist. Hopefully, he’ll do the same for me.”

When we walked into the reception, there was a live band setting up at one end of the long room. The Dusty Steer dining room tables were covered with white linen tablecloths with teal napkins. The typical daily cutlery of the restaurant had been replaced with polished silver. China plates and small candelabras adorned each table, along with brightly colored gift bags.

There was a long table at the opposite end from where the band was setting up. It was slightly raised above the other tables on a platform and was no doubt where the wedding party would be seated. Several tables hadReservedplacards for the parents of the bride and groom, but mostly, people were allowed to sit wherever they wanted. Maxwell and I snagged a table not too close to the band. I was really hoping we could have some drinks, eat some good food, and relax and have fun.

That hope was dashed when River and Lucas took seats at our table. Irritation settled in my gut at River’s smug smile. Lucas looked uncomfortable as he settled in his seat, but River seemed to be enjoying himself. There was little doubt River had purposely sat at our table to annoy Maxwell. What the hell was his deal? Why was he so determined to get under Maxwell’s skin? I took Maxwell’s hand under the table, and he squeezed my fingers.

Thankfully, Penelope and Gerald also sat at our table, along with various people we didn’t know. Maxwell’s jaw was clamped tight, and his leg pressed to mine. River had recovered his good mood quicker than Maxwell. He chatted cheerfully with the others at the table, seemingly unfazed by the earlier friction with Maxwell. Penelope did her best to include Maxwell in the conversation, but he struggled to come out of his shell.

When the wedding party arrived, there was a lot of cheering and more tossing of confetti. Champagne corks flew, and waiters and waitresses began bringing out plates of food. As the day progressed, the vibe was celebratory, and everything seemed to be going swimmingly. That was until Archie stopped at our table, appearing worried.

“Dr. Thornton. Have you seen Janelle?” Archie asked, scanning the room for his bride.

Maxwell wrinkled his brow. “No.”

“I can’t find her anywhere.” Archie frowned. “She said she wanted to go freshen up her makeup, but she’s been gone over twenty minutes.”

“Really?” Maxwell stood quickly, almost knocking over his chair. “Would you like me to go look for her?”

I was surprised Maxwell was so eager to help. He wasn’t usually overly concerned with other people’s problems. But he did seem fond of Janelle, so maybe that was why he was bothering. Or maybe he just wanted an excuse to get away from the table?

I rose too, placing my napkin on the table. “I’ll help Maxwell. Don’t worry, we’ll find her.”

River said drolly, “How exciting. A search party.”

Maxwell scowled. “There’s nothing wrong with checking on her.”

“I didn’t say there was.” River sniffed.

Penelope sighed, a dreamy look on her face. “She’s probably just trying to look her prettiest for you, Archie.”

“Maybe.” Archie looked unconvinced. “She’s just taking so long.”

River said, “I’m sure everything’s fine. It’s probably just wedding day jitters.”

“But the hard part is over,” Archie mumbled.

“Would you like me to check the ladies’ room for you?” Penelope asked.

Archie shifted uneasily. “I appreciate the offer, but I already checked the women’s bathroom. She wasn’t there.”

“Oh.” Penelope frowned. “Does she smoke? Perhaps she just went out for a cigarette.”

Archie shook his head. “She told me she quit.”

Maxwell shrugged. “It’s possible her nerves got the best of her and she slipped up. Maybe she doesn’t want you to see her smoking. Royce and I will check outside. I’ll bet she’s out there.”