Page 129 of The Bridges I've Burned

“Do you think it was wrong of me to get involved with her?”

“Wrong? Probably not the word I would use. Reckless? Yes.” She turned her head toward her husband. “But we’re proof that, sometimes, you can’t help who you fall in love with.”

“No matter how hard you try,” Aiden emphasized.

“You might not be able to tell her about the band, but you can tell her something far more important. Something that will make a difference when the news finally does come out.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “You’re right,” I answered. “I’ve got to go.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Iwas not a cuddler. I never wanted to spoon, and I certainly was not the kind of girl who enjoyed sharing her bed. Even when I’d been dating Chad, we’d had spent most nights apart—using the old I’ve got to wake up early excuse.

I was none of those things—until I met Zander.

Now, in the middle of the night, my body searched for him. My arms would wrap around his warm body, fitting around it like a puzzle piece.

Like two halves of a whole.

So, where the fuck is he?

I sat up in the empty bed, looking around as I noticed his missing shoes and wallet. Where was my bare-chested guitar player? I grabbed my phone off the nightstand, seeing the text from him.

Coffee shop, huh?

My stomach rumbled at the mere thought.

Mmm, bear claw.

I checked the time and cursed. Shit, shit, shit.

No bear claw for me.

I jumped out of bed, thanking myself for having the clarity to take a shower last night.

Or maybe I should thank Zander for that…

Either way, it was one less thing to do. I threw on a pair of linen shorts and a tank. A pair of sandals and a hasty low bun finished the look. A bit of concealer and some mascara, and a few minutes later, my empty stomach and I were headed down the road to Marin’s.

It was officially the twenty-four-hour countdown to the wedding day, and I’d promised to be hers for every single minute of it.

Even if it meant giving up my last full day with Zander.

Marin came first.

She was why I had come down here in the first place. Zander was just a bonus. One hell of a nice bonus.

I got to their house and pulled up to the curb. Gravel crunched beneath the tires as I cut off the engine, and the humidity immediately began to fill the car.

I freaking hate summer.

I grabbed my bag and headed for the front door when Macon met me halfway.

“Oh, good. You’re here.”

“Happy wedding eve.” I grinned, pulling him into a big hug.

“Thanks,” he answered, giving me a tight squeeze. “Marin is inside with a giant box of doughnuts.”

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