Page 136 of The Life-Changing Magic of Falling in Love

I snort with laughter at his expression. ‘They definitely do not.’

‘Phew. You had me worried there that any big move I made could be misconstrued as clowning around.’

I punch him playfully on the chest, swallowing hard at the hard wall of muscle. The silliness evaporates and my heart thumps because we’re back to something altogether more.

‘Hey, George?’ I swallow nervously.

‘Hmmm?’

‘I’m glad Zach forgot about the wedding today.’

His smile is gentle as he folds me into his arms again. As we dance, heart to heart and so close you couldn’t slide a feather between us, I hear his, ‘Me too,’ rumble against my ear.

This day has been so much more than I could ever have hoped for but before I can stop the thought, I’m wondering if Sarah was still here … would George and I have ever even met?

My arms automatically tighten around him and I feel his hands reflexively squeeze back.

Chapter Forty-One

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Ashleigh

‘Ashleigh? You ever going to come out of there?’

George’s questions accompany a soft knock on the bathroom door. I lick my lips and stare at my reflection in the small mirror above the sink. I look all lit up from the inside.

What is this stupid giddiness?

This joyfulness?

It’s insane, that’s what it is.

I should watch myself, right? Because what if?—

I go blank.

The fact I can’t come up with anything almost freaks me out more.

Almost.

Because, what if I, as Shelley-Ann said, see what happens next?

My imagination ignites.

Normally if I looked this good and there was a Gorgeous George on the other side of the door, I’d confidently open it to stand silhouetted against the frame with a come-hither look in my eyes.

‘Sure you would,’ I imagine Sarah saying with a slow nod of her head, ‘because could you look any more sexy dressed in pyjama shorts and tank top printed with dancing pugs?’

I undo a button. I’m not sure it compensates for the dancing pugs, so I shoot my gaze heavenwards and whisper, ‘I didn’t invite George here to seduce him.’

‘Also great,’ I imagine Sarah helpfully adding, ‘given you’re sleeping in your childhood room, with the rest of your family across the hall.’

‘Ashleigh?’ George calls again.

‘Be out in a minute,’ I say, frowning to try and dim the sparkle in my eyes that comes from having a Gorgeous George waiting behind the door.

I guess the question is, is he waiting for me?

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