Page 50 of The Secret to a Southern Wedding

“That’s what I was thinking,” Imani agreed. “Tracey was a sounding board to help me clear my thoughts. She won’t go telling anyone.”

“I know Tracey doesn’t gossip.”

“Good.” She took a deep fortifying breath. “And my thoughts are clear.”

He nodded and straightened. “So are mine. I’m sorry about pressing up on you yesterday like that. It was out of line, and we shouldn’t have gone there.”

Imani’s giddy confidence deflated like a week-old helium balloon. “That’s what you think?”

“I do. I talked to my dad last night.” When her eyes widened, he held up a hand. “Just in general. He came and asked how our meeting went. He really is excited about the idea of making us a family. He’s starting to view you as a daughter and wants us to be like siblings. I haven’t seen my dad this happy or excited since before my mom died. I can’t... I won’t do anything that’ll mess that up. I’m sure you feel the same about your mom.”

Imani was struck speechless. She wasn’t sure how she’d expected their next conversation to go. He’d been the one to hold on to her tighter when she’d pulled away. He’d said he hoped she would show him her softer side one day in the future. So far, she’d been the one to always pull back and be the voice of reason. Silly her for assuming Cyril would find her so irresistible that he’d risk his dad’s happiness for a few rounds of sex. And if he believed that sleeping with her would ruin any future chances of them getting along then what did that mean? That if they were to sleep together things wouldn’t end well?

She’d read the signals all wrong. No, it was worse than that. She’d let her guard down with him. Her mom might believe in love now, but Imani knew the truth. She could never let her unguarded feelings guide her when it came to relationships.

“You know what, you’re right. I was thinking the same thing.”

He visibly relaxed. “Good. I was worried...”

“That I’d throw myself at you and propose that we have a no strings attached affair filled with nights of wild sneaky sex?” She laughed, way too loud and way too forced.

He winced. “Do you want me to leave? I can talk to Tracey about the guild another time.”

“Why would I want you to leave? We both agreed yesterday was a mistake. I don’t feel awkward or embarrassed. Do you?” When he shook his head, she wanted to disappear. She had completely misread this situation. “Good. It never even happened as far as I’m concerned. Let’s move on.”

She headed toward the house and waved for him to follow. She put her guard back up, fortified the defenses and Gorilla Glued the seams. She would not let Cyril get to her again.

nineteen

“That I’d throw myself at you and propose that we have a no strings attached affair filled with nights of wild sneaky sex?”

Cyril stopped walking dead in his tracks in the middle of the Peachtree Cove Meat Market parking lot. Yes, a small part of him had dreamed of her saying that, or some version of those words. He hadn’t really expected her to suggest they sleep together. He’d assumed she’d agree with him and pull back. Her agreement made the decision easier. In fact, the entire conversation had been much less awkward than he’d expected, and they were in a good place now.

So why were her words running through his head like a hamster on a wheel?

Had she thought about having a no strings attached affair? Had she also pictured them having nights of sneaky, wild sex? Did a part of her believe they could do this and then part ways on amicable terms later? He’d had similar relationships before with no problems. There were no angry ex-girlfriends or former lovers who wanted to take him down. His track record with ending relationships on a good note and remaining amicable was solid.

But none of those women were Imani. Could he really walk away from her unaffected?

A horn honked. Cyril jumped and looked to his left. Mr. Sheppard threw up his hands behind the wheel of his sedan.

Cyril was having a moment in the middle of the parking lot. Nodding and waving, Cyril quickly moved out of the way. Mr. Sheppard continued to glower as he drove past Cyril and out of the parking lot.

Cyril was at the Meat Market for his dad. The butcher’s shop was where most people went for good cuts of meat and decent prices. Preston wanted to make a pot roast for the family dinner he insisted on having. Now that he believed Cyril and Imani were ready to act like a family, Preston had decided to go all in on the “we are one family” vibe starting with a dinner for everyone on Thursday night.

Inside he stopped short again. It would be just his luck that he’d run into the one person he’d tried to avoid. Imani’s gaze collided with his before she quickly looked away. A second later, her shoulders straightened, and she met his eyes again. Her smile was warm but a little stiff. Maybe she was having just as much trouble as he was with forgetting that kiss and the uncomfortable conversation afterward.

He looked behind the counter, but the owner and butcher, Mr. Crowley, wasn’t there. No one else was in the store so that left looking back at Imani.

“What brings you here?”

She readjusted the strap of her purse on her shoulder. She was dressed casually again in black leggings and a fitted dark red thermal shirt and looked beautiful.

“Mom wanted me to pick up some chicken breasts and wings. She said Mr. Crowley was having a sale.”

“Is he?”

She nodded. “He is. He’s checking in the back for me. What brings you here?”

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