Bait: The Wake Series, Book One(136)

“No.” Blake answered in short. “I hadn't.” Her reaction couldn't have been better. Her nostrils flared and she took a deep breath. It was perfect; she looked like she was going to war, too.

Cory’s term for it was spot-on. We were going to war. Except, I was going to show her, finally, that we were on the same side. We wanted the same goal.

“Well, if you do, would you tell her I'm looking for her? Something funny just happened and I wanted to tell her about it. Well, anyway, I'll see you up there,” and I pointed to the stage that had been changed into the semblance of an altar, where my brother and her best friend were going to take their vows.

I immediately found Aly and kissed her playfully on her neck. I didn't look to see if Blake was watching. I hoped Grant was watching, too.

I made my way to the acoustic musicians who were playing for us that night. They were friends of Cory's through work, but I'd met most of them before. I asked them if they knew a few of my favorites and then I made a request.

When it came time for them to say their vows, I stood opposite of Blake on the stage. Grant sat behind her, so he couldn't see her face, but he sure as hell didn’t look away from mine.

Cory and Micah made promises to each other and to Foster, who was already at home in bed. They pledged forever and happiness and working out their future problems. Together.

Her gaze didn't leave mine.

I licked my lips and watched pink slash her cheeks and nose. That pink f*cking nose.

I pretended to be itching and tapped my nose as she studied me.

That's right, honeybee, you don't fool me. You never have.

The ceremony ended.

Dinner was served, the music began, and first dances were had. Our sisters danced with Cory when Micah's stepdad danced with her for dance that was traditionally reserved for mothers and sons, fathers and daughters. They were good girls.

For an acoustic band, they were a lively group. Blake spent a lot of time with Micah out on the dance floor. Grant and I met again at the bar.

“So, you’re twins, huh?” he questioned.

“Yep,” I said.

“I think Blake and I are going to start trying for some kids. She was saying a few months ago that twins would be fun.” His face was ambivalent, and a forced kind of friendly. “She loves Foster. I learned tonight that you're his Godfather. I hadn’t realized. Hell, before yesterday I thought you were a woman.” He laughed and took the shot, which I hadn’t noticed, from behind his beer glass.

“A woman, huh?” I humored him. “Why would you think that?”

“Oh, I suppose it was just a misunderstanding.” He held a one up to Nate behind the bar asking for another shot. Grant gave me a questioning look as to ask if I wanted one, too. I nodded.

Nate poured them in front of us and we half-faced each other.

“Care to make a toast, Casey?”

Before he could make the toast I said, “Here's to misunderstandings.” He huffed and then tipped the liquor back, slapping the glass on the bar with a loud pop.

I watched him walk back to their table and take a seat, another drink in hand.

When I heard the beginning of D'Yer M'ker, the first song that we’d ever danced to in the very spot she was standing, I knew it was time for my next move.

Blake's body went rigid when she realized what song was playing.

She looked like a statue in the middle of the dance floor as I led Aly into my arms and began dancing to the song with her.

She was either going to hate me or crack. The warrior I'd seen on stage a little bit ago didn't seem as strong.

Holding Aly in my arms, my feet led me to face Blake and I mouthed the word “Bait.”





Thursday, December 31, 2009


WHEN MY FEET FINALLY moved, they took me to the ladies room. I sat in the stall for minutes trying to calm my pulse and get a grip. He was only trying to get under my skin.

It was working.

I hated the thought of him dancing with her. That particular song was simply the icing on the cake.

He’d been like that all night. At every opportunity, he was talking to us, to me, to Grant.

He loves this dress.

This place.

I watched them have a shot together at the bar, right after my husband had already had three. Still, Grant hadn't said anything or gave me the impression he was angry with me. He seemed pensive, like he was working something out. I knew what he was piecing together.