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.”
Madeline wanted to sink into the floor and come out on the other side of the planet. Had her friend really said that? Not that she should be surprised. Consuelo spoke her mind and usually followed up her opinions with threats.
She waited for Jonny to change the subject or get upset or maybe even leave. Instead, he nodded. “You’re right. We couldn’t seem to figure out the flow. I don’t suppose you have training with a knife?”
Consuelo grinned. “Are you kidding? I’m all about fighting with a knife.”
“For real? Because I’m interested. Do you have a class or something?”
“Not for knife fighting. I don’t think Mayor Masha would approve. But I could show you a few things. Call CDS and set up an appointment.”
“I will.”
Kent walked over to his wife. “Trying to make me jealous?” He nodded at Jonny. “Kent Hendrix.”
They two men shook hands.
“Your wife was talking to me about my knife fights,” Jonny explained.
“Of course she was.” Kent kissed the top of Consuelo’s head. “I can’t take you anywhere.”
“That’s what I keep saying,” she complained. “And you keep dragging me places. Why is that?”
Kent laughed.
Several people drifted away, while others joined them. Jonny moved closer to Madeline.
“You know some interesting people,” he said.
“Consuelo is in a class by herself. But you’re right. We have fascinating residents. It’s nice and keeps things fun.”
“I hope she meant what she said about teaching me some moves.”
“You could hire her as a consultant on your next movie.”