Page 21 of The Trouble with Runaway Brides

Will’s gaze sears into me like a hot poker. “Answer the question, Kenzie.”

“We have to get to the dress shop, so thank Will for the roses and you guys can catch up over dinner.”

I love Blake, but he doesn’t know Will very well. Mostly because Will is always busy whenever I suggest getting together with Blake and Geoff.

Will turns his attention to Blake. “How about you meet us down at my car? I’ll give you guys a ride to the bridal salon. Kenzie and I will catch up.”

I nod at Blake. This conversation was bound to happen at some point.

Blake walks down the hall to the elevator banks around the corner. Will gestures to a bench set against the wall between the bathrooms and water fountain. I take a seat and take a deep breath because this won’t be an easy conversation.

“You know I grew up in Lake Starlight, so of course I knew Lance,” I begin.

Will says nothing, so I guess that’s my cue to continue. Might as well just get it out.

“We dated for almost three years in high school, but we broke up before we went to college. I ran into him the other day when he was having lunch with someone who had been my best friend growing up, and Lance is the one who suggested Lake Starlight for our wedding. I guess he didn’t suggest it, he just made a comment that the press would never find us there. Then I remembered how much I love Glacier Point Resort, and from there, I couldn’t forget about it.” I cross my legs. “I’m sorry, I should have been honest—”

“Is there something between you two I need to know about?”

I shake my head before adamantly saying, “Of course not.”

Will studies me then nods. “Okay, but you don’t think there’re feelings still there for Lance?”

I don’t know how to answer that question. Who hasn’t had a what-if thought about a guy from their past? Especially when you screwed up in epic fashion like I did. As much as I love Will, I will always think about the what-ifs when it comes to Lance. What if I hadn’t fucked it all up in college? What if we had rekindled things when I came to New York City instead of me trying to stay clear of him?

“I’m sure there’s not. I mean, it was years ago.”

Will stands and offers me his hand, pulling me to my feet. He wraps his arms around my waist and a bit of my anxiety from this conversation melts away. “It makes our wedding that much sweeter than it is already.”

My head tilts. “What does?”

“The fact that I’m getting something I know Lance Whitmore wants.”

His comment feels like a punch to the gut. “Will…” I turn my eyes away from him, down the hall toward the recording room.

He laughs. “I’m joking.”

But I know Will and there’s more he’s not telling me, I just don’t know what.

“If you would’ve seen him when he first saw me show up… I’m almost positive I’m right,” he says.

“You’re not.” I don’t like this version of my fiancé, so I slide out of his grip and walk toward the elevators.

“Why are you upset? I’m not upset and you’re the one who tricked me into marrying you in one of your ex’s family’s hotels. I’m going to put my foot down though—he will not be at the wedding.”

“Of course not,” I say, although I was going to invite him. When I fly into Lake Starlight next week, I’m hoping to win Brinley back as a friend and she’ll be more comfortable if Lance is there too. Of course, I wonder where Easton is these days and whether I’ll need to invite him as well. Jeez, the four of us together again.

By the time we reach the town car, I’ve forgiven Will. His cockiness is something I loved about him when we first met. Sometimes it’s a little over the top, but nobody is perfect. His ego is likely a little bruised by my admission and I’m the one who wasn’t up front in the beginning.

Blake is already in the car, chatting up the driver, asking him where he goes to the bathroom when he has to wait for Will to get out of meetings and stuff. The man is curious beyond belief, which is why he makes a good sidekick.

“All made up and happy now?” he asks as I slide into the car and take the middle seat.

“Yes,” Will answers. He tells his driver where we’re going.

“How did you know where we’re going?” I ask.

“It’s the best and my bride only gets the best.” He puts his hand on my knee and I smile at him.

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