Tuesday Tales: From the Word Grab

Good morning and welcome back to Tuesday Tales. This week, I’ll continue with Wedding Bell Blues, my contemporary romance.

Paul almost choked on his mouthful of beer as he watched the woman in pink capris and a floral top slide to the floor.

Son of a bitch. Where the hell’s her boyfriend?

He jumped toward her and grabbed her shoulders before her head hit the stone tiles. Her breathing was strained, and she was pale, far paler than he’d ever seen her. She’d cut her hair, and with the curls framing her face like that, her gorgeous eyes—when they’d been open—were even more compelling than they’d been before. A man could drown in those eyes. Carla had said she wasn’t married, but he hadn’t asked if she had a boyfriend.

“Do something,” Lindsay yelled at him. “My God, I knew she was upset.”

“Look, lady, if I knew what to do, I’d do it,” he growled, wishing the crowd they’d attracted would disappear.

Suddenly, reality hit him. MJ was the woman Lindsay had mentioned—the one who was sad and dejected. Why? An overwhelming need to protect her filled him. He lifted her up into his arms and sat her on the chair someone had brought over to the bar. Lucette handed him a wet cloth, and he used it to wipe MJ’s pale face. From the look in her eyes just before she fainted, she looked as if she’d seen a ghost.

Lindsay looked at him as if he’d done something wrong.

“I don’t know what game you were playing, but what you did to this poor girl was a dirty, rotten trick. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

“Now, honey. I’m sure Paul didn’t mean to upset the girl,” Noel said trying to calm his wife whose indignation on MJ’s behalf was impressive.

Lindsay’s face was red, her hands clenched into fists, and if the chair hadn’t been between his legs and her feet, he had no doubt she’d kick him. MJ stirred, stopping Paul from telling Lindsay he had no idea what she was talking about.

He squatted awkwardly beside MJ. Lucette’s words sounded loud in his head. You won’t be alone tonight. He didn’t believe in that hocus pocus, but what in God’s name was MJ doing here by herself?

“Hey, kid. Welcome back. Are you okay?” he asked concerned.

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