Page 34 of Calamity Rayne Gets Hitched

As I modeled each outfit, Elle gave me her opinions, but she kept glancing at her phone. “Are you texting someone?”

“No, I signed up for this dating app.”

“What?” In that moment, nothing else mattered. “Why? What about Barrett? Are you guys okay? Did something happen? Why didn’t you say something?”

“Ray, relax. Everything’s fine. I’m just checking my options.”

“But…why?”

She shrugged. “You never know.”

Did Barrett know? Signing up for a dating app seemed extreme. “Are you just looking or are you actually talking to other guys?”

“I literally just opened an account this morning. So far, I’ve only gotten immature DMs. It’s like tinder-garden out there.”

I nodded. “So maybe just stick with Barrett. You two are great together.”

She looked up at me but said nothing.

“What aren’t you telling me?”

“Ray, you know how guys like Barrett are. They never stay for long in one place.”

I frowned. “You’re not just some random chick, Elle. Barrett knows you’re my best friend. He would never do anything to hurt you.”

“Because I won’t let myself get hurt. It’s wise to have options.”

Everything about this seemed like a bad decision, but she had to have her reasons. “Just don’t make any hasty decisions without talking to him first, okay?”

She sighed. That was the most I would get out of her in terms of agreement.

In the end, we both agreed the cream jumpsuit looked best with my eyes and hair.

“That, with those emerald earrings—stunning.” Elle gave a chef’s kiss to the air.

I chewed on the corner of my thumbnail, debating. “It’s really white.”

“So don’t eat or drink while you’re wearing it. It’s a photo shoot and an interview, Ray. You’ll be fine.”

She was right. I could keep an outfit clean for an hour or two.

“Those earrings make the look. Does Hale have a matching tie?”

“Probably.” He had ties and cufflinks in every color.

I grabbed the emerald earrings and headed into Hale’s dressing room.

“Whoa.” Elle stopped at the door and stared. “I’m getting heavy Fifty Shades vibes.”

I snorted, no longer phased by the impressive French architecture, stunning glass cabinetry, dark wood, and ambient lighting. “His ties are over here.”

I slid open a wide, shallow drawer and found a selection that would make Gucci himself swoon. Holding out the earrings, I tried to find a green tie in the right shade.

“How about this one?” Elle lifted a deep aquamarine that was more teal than green, but it looked great against the earrings.

“Perfect.”

“Oh, look! He even has a pocket square to match.” Her gazed scanned the masculine dressing room. “He’s so organized.”

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