Page 134 of In Spades

“Mhmm. You in your glasses when you’re staring at your computer. You in those half-zip pullovers… Damn. The navy one’s my favorite. You in your sweatpants with no shirt on while you’re making breakfast in the morning.”

I grinned. “I just like you naked.”

Kristin laughed. “Hey, I’m on board. If I was naked all the time, I’d save big money on laundry detergent. That shit is expensive.”

We rode in silence, hands twined together. It was easy with Kristin. I didn’t have to put my guard up with her, and she had finally let down her walls.

The Taylor Creek Inn looked phenomenal. It was all decorated for the holidays. Green swags of fresh garland hung across the white siding. Giant wreaths with crisp red bows were mounted on every door and window.

Hannah Jane really outdid herself with the design.

I parked my truck beside Kristin’s car in the employee lot. She and Hannah Jane had ridden together to Morehead City this morning to pick up their dresses for the party, so Kristin left her car at the inn after work. She planned on us driving back to her house separately at the end of the night, but I fully intended on returning to get her car in the morning.

I was about to ask her to marry me in the same place we first met, and I didn’t want to spend a second away from her.

“You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Kris,” I said as we walked into the lobby, her hand in mine.

She gave me a chiding sort of smile. “You already said that.”

“And I’ll say it a hundred more times.” I paused in front of the gargantuan Christmas tree covered in gold and white ornaments. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

“There y’all are!” Hannah Jane’s voice carried across the lobby as she sashayed toward us. She wore a long, glittering dress that was the color of champagne.

Isaac was on her heels. He gave me a nod that hopefully meant he wouldn’t out me tonight.

After I proposed, I’d tell Kristin everything and we’d put it in the past. Maybe we’d even have a good laugh about it.

While Kristin and Hannah Jane hugged and gushed over each other’s outfits, Isaac motioned for me to step aside with him. “So, tonight’s the night, huh?” he asked.

I nodded, stuffing my hands in my pockets. “Dude, I’m so fucking nervous.”

“You should be. You and Kris haven’t been together that long.”

Shrugging, I said, “When you know, you know.” I glanced over my shoulder at the girls. “You and H.J. ever gonna end up at the altar?”

Isaac smiled sheepishly and looked down at his polished wingtips. “I’ve got the ring.”

“No shit?” I laughed. “You for real?”

“Yeah. I’ll probably ask her in the spring. I need good weather for what I’ve got planned.”

I chuckled. “Always gotta be a show with you.”

“Wouldn’t be me otherwise.”

Hannah Jane and Kristin walked over to us, arm in arm.

“Sorry,” Kristin said. “Han was just telling me that Elena showed up tonight.”

I stiffened as the girls shared eye rolls.

“Elena?” Isaac asked.

“Yeah,” Hannah Jane said. “Do you remember me telling you about Elena Callaway? The rep from the holding company who was sniffing her nose around my weddings last weekend? That bitch...”

Shit.

Isaac’s eyebrows knitted together. “That name sounds familiar, but I can’t?—”

---