Pure Wicked (Wicked Lovers #9.5)(8)
Author: Shayla Black

The rest of the party sent him glances ranging from curious to suspicious. He waved. “Hi, everyone. I’m Jamie, Bristol’s new boyfriend.”

After a brief round of introductions, he settled back into his chair and watched his supposed new squeeze. She was built on the petite side, but he’d already noticed when she rose from her barstool that her jeans hugged the curves of her really pert ass. The pretty little thing also had a noteworthy rack.

She glanced his way, then leaned in to Jayla, speaking softly. “Did you set this up? Hire him or something?”

The other woman shook her head. “No. He just appeared. Like a fairy godfather.”

“Without the glitter and wings,” Jesse quipped in low tones.

“Seriously?” She swiveled her gaze in his direction. “Why would you help me?”

“Because you needed it, and I can’t resist a damsel in distress.” He flashed her a smile filled with the dimples that had been getting him laid since he turned fifteen. He probably shouldn’t but he hoped they were working now.

Bristol frowned, looking uncertain. Did she wish he hadn’t butted in?

He leaned back to give her space. “Do you want me to go?”

She chewed on her bottom lip and stared as if trying to figure him out. “Who are you?”

A splash of adrenaline spiked his bloodstream. Had she recognized him after all?

“I’m Jamie.” Well, that was his cousin’s name, but he’d at least turn around if someone shouted it. Hopefully. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “I’m not a crazed rapist or ax murderer, if that’s what you’re worried about. I overheard your dilemma and decided to help. I just want to see you smile, okay?”

“Everything all right?” a male voice called from the next table.

The groom-to-be tried to stare him down, narrowing his eyes to something he probably thought resembled a Hollywood action hero’s most intimidating glare. Jesse tried not to laugh.

“Great,” he assured the dickwad.

Bristol’s sister latched onto her fiancé’s arm and looked up at him as if she sought all the answers of the universe in his eyes. Jesse didn’t have anything against love or adoration. He didn’t know much about them, but he didn’t think her insipid expression was a good representation of either.

“Is that guy bothering you?” Bristol’s ex asked her, nodding his way.

Jesse tensed, waiting to see what she’d say. She glanced away from the fidiot and over to him again. She tucked her hand in his and squeezed. “Why would you think that? I’m great, Hayden.”

“She’s just put out that I’m late,” Jesse lied smoothly. “Carry on.”

Hayden did so reluctantly, telling everyone at the gathering about the moment he’d realized he was in love with her sister over punch and cake, right after Presleigh risked herself to rescue the neighbor’s kid from an angry hive of bees.

“Is he talking about Ben Bob?” When Bristol nodded, Jayla rolled her eyes. “C’mon now. That kid threw rocks at the hive because he wanted to see what the bees would do.”

“Yep. He even admitted that.”

Jayla frowned, as if remembering an annoying but key fact. “Didn’t that happen at your birthday party?”

“It did.” Bristol nodded with an acid smile.

So Hayden had thrown her over for her vapid sister when he’d come to celebrate her big day? “What a raving douche.”

“You got that right,” Jayla put in.

While Jesse couldn’t deny that he’d pulled some dick moves when he had been briefly engaged to Kimber, that had been years ago, when he had been young, intoxicated, and stupid. Back then, he’d believed the world owed him a good time.

How had anybody tolerated him?

“Thanks for that assessment, babe,” Bristol tossed back at him, wearing an intriguing hint of a grin.

“If hearing me diss your ex makes you happy, I’ll be glad to do it more.”

Her grin widened, almost becoming a full-blown smile.

Before Jesse could coax one out of her, the waitstaff began bringing everyone glasses of sweet tea and trays full of beef brisket sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans, and bread. Bottles of wine followed. Hayden called for a bucket of beer. People dug in, conversation ensued, and the bride and groom looked at each other as if they couldn’t wait to be alone. Jesse wondered if they realized how incredibly insensitive they were being. Probably not. Even if they did, Jesse suspected they wouldn’t care if they hurt Bristol. Obviously, they’d disregarded her feelings some time ago.

Thankfully, the restaurant began piping in music, a kind of modern country tune that Jesse didn’t hear often but liked. He eyed Bristol as she bounced in her chair to the beat. Her gesture looked completely unconscious, as if she didn’t expect anyone would be watching her. He kind of found it adorable.