Page 21 of The Write Track
“I have no intention of making things worse for Bella.” That was the truth. “I’ve got this. Don’t worry.”
I was all smiles when Preston reached us. “There’s the man of the hour,” I boomed. My voice was a little too loud, but I adjusted quickly. “I didn’t realize you were coming tonight.”
I was good at putting on an act when necessary. People could never read my true intentions if I didn’t want them to. I’d picked up the trick from my father, who was as business oriented as they come. My mother was softer, more open and honest. Watching my father was an education, however, and he was the reason I was so good at hobnobbing.
“Nathan, right?” Preston extended his hand for a shake. His tone was oily instead of welcoming. “We met before.”
“Yes.” I kept my back straight. I was bigger than this guy, not that it was going to come to a fight or anything. I had a good four inches and thirty pounds on him, though, all muscle. “I met you when I was with Bella a few weeks ago.”
I brought up her name on purpose. I wanted him to be reminded that he was no longer with her and that I was. Well, I was with her on a fake level. He needed to believe it was real, and I had every intention of selling it.
“Is she here?” Preston craned his neck to look around. “You guys haven’t broken up already, have you?”
“Oh, no.” I shook my head solemnly. “Nothing like that. She’s in the bathroom getting ready with Bree and Hayley.”
“Oh.” His lips curved down ever so slightly. “Well, I’m glad you guys are still together.”
Yeah, right, jerkface.You’re roiling with jealousy.I didn’t say that, of course, but it was obvious.
“It’s going great,” I said with faux brightness. “She’s a little spitfire. I love her attitude.”
“Her attitude?” Preston feigned polite interest. “I’m not sure what you mean. Her attitude was always poor when we were together.” An apologetic smile washed over his face almost instantly. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t certain if she told you about our relationship. I don’t want to get her in trouble or anything.”
What a tool. He wasn’t fooling anybody. I didn’t allow my distaste for him to show, however.
“Oh, she told me,” I confirmed. “She doesn’t keep things from me. Not my Bellarino.”
Bellarino?Brody looked shocked at the nickname. Frankly, I was shocked to hear it escape my own mouth. I’d said it, so now I had to commit to it.
“Bellarino?” Irritation, faint as a whisper, washed over Preston’s features. “I’ve never heard anybody refer to her that way.”
“Really? She likes it.” Just as I said it, I felt a presence to my right.
I was on a high stool, so I towered over Bella. Her expression was hard to read as she took in Preston’s presence. “Hey, Bellarino baby,” I said, praying she would not question the nickname. “There you are.” I hopped down from the stool. “I was just keeping it warm for you.”
She looked at the stool, then at me, then over at Preston. She seemed thrown by the whole turn of events. “Thank you,” she managed, although it was obvious she was feeling awkward. She gave the stool a dubious look. “Um…”
She couldn’t climb the stool. She was too short.
I did what came naturally without thinking it through and slid my arm around her waist. Her eyes went wide as I lifted her onto the stool with one arm. “Ooh.” She caught herself and kept her smile in place. “Big lift.” She laughed, clearly not knowing what else to say.
“A big lift for my little girl,” I agreed, my nose wrinkling when I realized how that had sounded. “Wait?—”
The laugh that escaped her this time was genuine. “It’s okay,” she assured me. “I didn’t think you were trying to be creepy or anything.”
“Definitely not,” I agreed. I was so lost in thought I had almost forgotten Preston was still there. The little worm wouldn’t let anybody forget him though.
“Bellarino, huh?” His gaze was solely for Bella, and he didn’t look happy.
“What?” Bella jerked her eyes to him, as if she had to be reminded of his presence as well. “Oh, Nathan does that,” shesays. “He comes up with little names. It’s cute that he cares enough to do that.”
“Always, babe.” I winked at her then allowed my gaze to slide over to Preston. I had questions for the guy, and if he was going to make his presence known in an effort to intimidate Bella, which was exactly what this felt like, I was going to ask them. “So, Bella didn’t mention how you got involved with author events. Aren’t you in real estate?”
“What?” Preston jerked himself out of whatever reverie he’d been mired in, then he shrugged. “I like expanding my interests. I had no idea Bella was an author now. That was just a coincidence.”
Nobody believed that. “What a weird coincidence.” I handed my cocktail to Bella. “Drink up, Bellarino. It’s smooth going down.”
She didn’t even question what it was. Instead, she took a big swig. “I’m looking forward to the event tonight. I’ve never been to one of these.”
