Free Finding Infinity by Layne Harper Page B

orders.
    I know he’s right, but this has gone too far. A female voice screams, “Marry me Colin.”
    Someone else is yelling, “CharCol forever.”
    I catch a glimpse of a pair of female breasts.
    Dear God, get me inside this restaurant before I really give these crazy people something to report. The restaurant manager opens the door for us, and Colin pushes me inside and turns around to go back outside.
    “Where are you going?” I yell over the noise outside.
    “Taking care of what’s mine,” he grumbles.
    I pull on his arm. Hard . It’s not like I can prevent him from going anywhere, but it does give him a second to come to his senses. We watch the reporters get their two-for-oner tonight. They start harassing Rachael, asking if her boss is going to run for president.
    Rachael is practiced with the media, and I watch my strong, confident friend hold her head high. Her response is, “I guess y’all will find out when I do.” I love her.
    Once we’re all inside the foyer of the restaurant, I turn to Colin. “You’ve got to calm down.” His fists are clenched at his sides, and his face red. The anger is rolling off of him in waves of hate. He begins running both hands through his hair, making his locks stick out in a delicious mess.
    “Aiden, Rachael, please go into the restaurant, and pretend that I don’t know. Give me a few minutes with my fiancé.”
    When they’re gone and the restaurant staff has made themselves scarce, I turn to Colin. “Calm down. I get it. You’re angry. Hell, I’m angry. I can’t believe the nasty things that they said to us. Yell at the security guys on Monday. I know that the questions that they asked are horrible. However, I’m not going anywhere. I love you. We know what they’re saying isn’t true. This is your life. Get over it and don’t ruin my surprise party,” I plead.
    As I speak, I watch his hands relax and his jaw loosen. I know that I’m getting through to him. His face returns to its normal, gorgeous olive complexion. “By the way, we have the whole restaurant for the night,” he says, as if he’s reassuring me that paparazzi can’t reach us inside. “How did you find out?” There’s a bit of puzzlement mixed with the residual effects of his anger.
    “I will never tell. I did add someone to the guest list though.” His face darkens again. “Remember, it’s my birthday, and this is what I want.”
    “Who did you invite, Caroline?” Before I can answer he says, “It’s not Adam, is it? I’m not ready to see him. I don’t think that I can handle meeting him after that bullshit outside.”
    Adam? The guy from medical school? Where did that come from? “No, Colin. Why would I have invited Adam? I haven’t talked to him in a couple of years.” I sound as thoroughly confused as I feel.
    “Okay. I can deal with anyone else,” he replies, completely evading my question.
    I plant a soft kiss and give him a hug, leaving my arms laced around his neck. “Thank you for my party. Let’s go and let our guests surprise me. Oh, and if you don’t stop running your hands through your hair, you’ll be bald by forty.”
    He cuts his eyes at me, and takes my hand and leads me around a corner. Everyone yells “Surprise” as Colin wraps me in his strong arms and gives me a panty-dropping kiss. I feel so loved.
    The party is fabulous. Brad’s decorating is tasteful, with seasonal flowers on all the tables. There are balloons, but there must have been a helium shortage because there is an appropriate amount. Some of the tables have been pushed back to make a dance floor. I see a band at the far end of the room setting up their equipment. Waiters are passing out wine and appetizers. Seeing how great this place looks gives me hope that Brad might do a great job planning our wedding after all.
    My mom and sisters all rush to hug me and wish me happy birthday. Chelsea grabs my left hand and asks, “Where’s the ring?”
    She’s so tactful. “Still being