Marry Me At Christmas. Сьюзен Мэллери

was nearby. “It’s not like that. He would never want that from me.”

      “Then he’s an idiot. You’re great.”

      Because Shelby was a loyal friend. Madeline knew that she was pretty enough for regular people, but in the sphere that was Jonny’s world? Not so much.

      “It’s okay. I’m getting over my crush and enjoying what I know is very one-sided sparkage. It’s nice. My own little fantasy holiday entertainment. I’m also having fun planning the wedding. It’s different. I haven’t met Ginger yet, but we talked on the phone and she’s really nice.”

      “When he comes to his senses and ravishes you, I want details,” Shelby told her. “I’m in a very arid dry spell. I will live vicariously through you.”

      Madeline pretended to fan herself. “I hope I have something to share.”

      They both picked up plates of treats and carried them back to the living room.

      In the few minutes Madeline had been in the kitchen, more people had arrived. She saw Jonny talking to a couple of the guys from CDS—or as the locals knew it, the bodyguard school. It was interesting, watching them together. Ford and Angel were both physically powerful and good-looking, but there was something compelling about Jonny. She supposed that was a lot of the reason he was successful in movies. You wanted to watch him.

      “Hey.”

      Madeline turned and saw Consuelo Hendrix standing next to her. “Hi.”

      “Nice party.”

      Madeline nodded because she was unable to speak. She knew it was shock at how her friend was dressed, and when Consuelo noticed, there was going to be ugly punishment, but still. She couldn’t help staring.

      She and Consuelo had been friends for a couple of years. Nearly since the other woman had moved to Fool’s Gold. Consuelo had worked for the government, doing things that she never talked about. Despite her petite build, she was tough and dangerous. She didn’t do emotion, she moved like a prowling leopard and her idea of relaxation was to go climb a mountain.

      She taught all kinds of fighting techniques at the bodyguard school, along with mixed martial arts to people in town. Her everyday wardrobe consisted of cargo pants and boots. In the summer they were worn with a tank top or T-shirt. In the winter, a light sweatshirt.

      But tonight she had on a fitted black dress. Simple, really, with a scoop neck, a straight skirt and long sleeves. With it she wore thigh-high leather boots with a serious heel. The church-appropriate dress paired with very naughty boots was pure Consuelo. When placed on her perfect, athletic body, the results were incredible. And intimidating.

      “What?” Consuelo demanded, her voice challenging. “You want to say it, so say it.”

      “You look beautiful.”

      Consuelo’s eyebrows drew together. “Don’t make me kill you.”

      Madeline held out the plate. “Sugar cookie? My mom made them.”

      Consuelo took one. “Don’t think you can distract me from the compliment.”

      “You do look lovely.”

      Consuelo groaned. “I knew it was a mistake. I told Kent, but he said that just once he wanted to see me in a dress. So what the hell, right? It’s the holidays.”

      Madeline laughed. “You are incredibly strange.”

      “I know.” Consuelo stepped back and then looked down at herself. “It’s not too much?”

      “Like I said—you’re beautiful. Sexy, too. I’m amazed you made it to the party on time,” Madeline murmured. “I’m assuming Kent knows he’s a lucky man.”

      “He does.” She glanced around at the people laughing and talking. “Who’s that guy? He looks familiar.”

      Madeline didn’t have to turn around. “Jonny Blaze.” She waited for the shriek, or at least the semishriek. Consuelo was always controlled.

      “Oh, right. I should have recognized him. I like his movies. He gets it right. The fighting.” Consuelo rolled her eyes. “You have no idea how many actions scenes are completely screwed up. It makes the movie or TV show impossible to enjoy. Kent says I should be more forgiving.”

      “Not gonna happen?” Madeline asked with a grin.

      “You know it.”

      “Come on. I’ll introduce you.”

      Madeline walked over to where Jonny was now talking to a couple of guys from Score, a local PR firm owned by former NFL stars. As soon as she approached, Jonny turned to her.

      “This is my friend Consuelo,” she told him. “She works at CDS.”

      “The bodyguard school,” he said, looking at the other woman. “Jonny Blaze. Nice to meet you.” They shook hands. “I met Angel and Ford a few minutes ago. They were talking about you.”

      Consuelo groaned. “Don’t believe them. It’s all lies. I like what you did in Amish Revenge. That last scene—on the train. It was authentic.”

      “Thanks. It was all me and I have the bruises to prove it.”

      Everyone else chuckled, but Consuelo just kept talking. “The fight scene before sucked, though. You didn’t have the moves down. You have a trainer, right? He blew it. It’s not your fault.”