Page 99 of Resisting the Grump

She looked around to see if anyone was within earshot. “You could’ve said toast marshmallows by the fire,” she said, blushing. “I would’ve known what you meant.”

“I can work with code words from now on.”

She batted her lashes. “I look forward to that.”

“I was only trying to be upfront.”

“What you’re trying to do,” she said, poking my chest, “is get me all hot and bothered at this wholesome family gathering.”

I couldn’t argue with that. Her presence alone was enough to make my mouth water, and the intoxicating scent of fresh pastries wafting through the air only amplified my urges.

Noah approached us and offered me one of the beers he was holding.

“Thanks,” I said, taking it and clinking the neck of the bottle against his.

“Thank you.” He raised his beer between us. “The photographer you recommended was a total pro, and Grace is over the moon with the photos.”

“Avery showed them to me,” I said. “They turned out great.”

“Even I look good in them,” Noah joked. “I owe you one, man.”

I gestured for him to come closer and leaned over to whisper in his ear.

When he leaned back, he had a serious look on his face. “I’ll see what I can do.” Then he turned toward Avery. “Thanks again for organizing this. I think maid of honor duty would be too much for Kayleigh right now if you weren’t waiting in the wings to lend a hand.”

“I’m happy to help,” she said, glancing over at Grace’s sister, who’d been sticking by her mom like a burr since I arrived. “And Kayleigh’s going to do great.”

“I know,” Noah said before excusing himself.

Avery turned to me as soon as he’d gone. “What did you whisper to him?”

“Nothing.”

“I saw you.” Her eyes probed mine. “I was right here.”

I shook my head like I hadn’t the slightest.

“He said I’ll see what I can do right afterwards.”

I stroked my chin. “I can’t recall.”

She groaned.

“Or maybe it’s a surprise.”

“I’m sick of your surprises,” she lied.

“You live for my surprises, and we both know it.”

She folded her arms. “If you think you can butter me up with sweet articles and then keep secrets from me, you’ve got another thing—”

“I told him to have a word with Grace.”

Her brows knitted together. “About what?”

“About throwing you the bouquet on the big day.”

She blinked at me.

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