Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

"Are you saying it's a good thing if she just says yes and marries you right away, even if it means giving up what she really wants?"

At the critical moment, Whitney stood firmly by her sister.

Shane's jaw tightened, tension radiating off him.

Whitney slipped her arm through Sandy's, raising an eyebrow to comfort her. "If Tina says she needs some space, give her space. Kids figure things out in their own time. Your love for her doesn't change just because you're not marrying Shane right this second, right?"

"Of course not," Sandy said, clutching her chest.

"Come on, let's go. We can visit again later." Whitney steered her toward the door.

Sandy glanced at Shane, whose face had darkened.

The whole thing ended in a mess. Her refusal had clearly pissed him off.

Sandy dropped her gaze and followed Whitney out.

"Sandy!" Shane called after her, wishing he could drag her back—or at least chew Whitney out for being such a lousy wingman.

But Whitney just shot him a look, full of meaning, and led Sandy right out of the Nelson estate.

slammed his fist against the wall. The woman he wanted

Ding-

Suddenly, his phone buzzed.

down at Facebook, frowning

get on my bad

today, it's just going to blow up in your face. Sandy's not as meek as she seems-she doesn't respond to being pushed

saw

to fire back, but another message appeared: You can't rush a soufflé, Shane. Seriously, why can't you see

cried, right? Sandy

a

parents are

about it. As long as your daughter's unhappy, your mom's ironclad stance is going to start to

right in front of everyone. Your mom's probably

boy isn't so golden when someone else treats

Shane: ...

the point in all

your mom will be muttering that if Sandy doesn't move

In

Try a little charm, & little romance-this is

but clueless. Give it a few months, she'll