Page 94 of Resisting the Grump

“Not since I met you.”

She lifted her gaze to mine before serving herself from the plate between us. “I suppose I will need a date for the wedding.”

“I know a guy who looks impeccable in a tux,” I said, popping a dumpling in my mouth.

“That is an important quality in a wedding date.”

“He also excels at hotel sex.”

The pink of her cheeks deepened.

“Plus, he has a lot of contacts who specialize in catering weddings. Assuming you’ll be the maid of honor, having him on board could make your life a lot easier.

“Grace’s sister will probably be the maid of honor.”

“Even better.”

Her brows drew together. “Why do you say that?”

I pinched another dumpling between my chopsticks. “Sharing you isn’t my favorite.”

“Tell me about it,” she said. “How do you think I feel about sharing you with the extra work you’ve taken on because of your new show?”

“It’s only temporary.”

“I hope not!” she said. “You seem really excited, and this could be an incredible opportunity for you.”

It was impossible to express how much I appreciated her support. Her enthusiasm. Her patience with me as I proved to myself and everyone I worked with that I could pivot my professional persona and establish a public reputation I was actually proud of.

“Correction, will be an incredible opportunity for you.”

“I hope you’re right. I have a good feeling about it anyway.”

“Me too.”

“Maybe not the filming part. That’ll be a tedious pain in the ass, but if the show takes off, I’ll only have to work a few months a year.”

“That would be a dream,” she said.

“I know.”

“Have you thought about what you’d do with all that extra time and energy?”

I eyed her from across the table, admiring the delicate plunge of her neckline and counting down to the moment I could kiss her collarbone and more behind closed doors. “I’m sure I can find a worthwhile way to spend it.”

“You’ll really help me find a photographer?”

I waved a hand through the air. “It’s already done.”

“Thanks for making me look good,” she said, smiling gratefully.

“My pleasure,” I said, holding her gaze. “But I assure you, babe, it’s the other way around.”

F O R T YO N E

- Avery -

It was an intimate engagement party. Just a small group of friends and family at the café. Grace insisted she didn’t want to do anything fancy or fussy, and I suspected that had a lot to do with her mom. She wasn’t comfortable going far from home these days because of her health issues, and I knew how important it was to Grace that she be included in the festivities.

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