Page 20 of Until Then

“Shut up, Nancy,” Rees grumbles and wraps an arm around Vienna’s waist.

In the next breath, Carter steps up behind me, but pauses. “Whoa. Why does it feel tense?” Almost on instinct, my friend takes a step back like he might take off running.

He’s not alone. I wouldn’t mind disappearing right now. But at the same time, there’s a strange need to stay in Hayley’s vicinity. Like some twisted part of me doesn’t want to lose sight of her again.

Carter is my stunt double, meaning he’s fearless. Still, his voice is hesitant when he whispers toward my brother, “What’s going on?”

“Unicorn girl,” Rees replies.

I fight the urge to slug my brother. If he uses that stupid nickname one more time, I’m going to keel over from embarrassment. True as it is, I don’t want the woman who ghosted me to know she was a perfect, impossible to find again woman in my memory.

Jaw tight, I face her, emotions buried beneath a mask I’ve practiced since I started acting. “We don’t really have to cause tension at Briar’s party. It’s not like one night mattered, right?”

A red flush splotches on her neck, but she lifts her chin. “Right. Honestly, I’m surprised you remember my name with the way you make dates.”

“Ah, but that’s why I use nicknames, Wildfire.” I remember everything about her.

“But that’s the problem with this, right? It’s why you’re mad—you got burned first. Not the other way around.”

My smirk fades. “Hard to get burned when there wasn’t even a spark.”

Someone scoffs—pretty sure it’s Rees—but we don’t break from the sharp daggers we’re glaring at each other. Almost as though the first to turn away will lose again.

Won’t be me this time.

I don’t know how long we stand there. I don’t know when we took closer steps, but her chest is rising against mine and I’m near enough I could lean down and kiss her if I wanted.

I don’t. Not in the least.

For a long, drawn pause it’s only the two of us, facing off in a battle I never wanted. I don’t know what went wrong that night. From the hints, I can guess she’s angry I never gave up my role inWicked Darlings.

Fine, maybe it was a little sin, but there were reasons.

A throat clears. Tyrell and his boxer body fills out the space next to his future bride. Briar nudges his ribs, urging him to step forward.

Tyrell is a good guy. Older than me by about ten years, but solid. Loyal. And brilliant with storytelling and running a tight set.

“So, Bry told me this might get awkward.” He glances back at Briar. She dips her chin, a subtle nod. Tyrell adjusts his collar. “See, my, uh, my cousin who was supposed to be paired with you in the wedding, Noah, was recently moved by the wedding planner to be with Briar’s nephew. Something about height aesthetics?”

I look over his shoulder to where Briar stands. She’s too close to Vienna and Hayley’s friend.

No, not buying it.

I tilt my head and lift one brow, looking back to Tyrell. “Is that so?”

He nods and fiddles with his tie. “So, the next pairing is the two of you.” He’s not even meeting my gaze. “So, get along. If you mess up my wedding, I’ll fire you from the show.”

He wouldn’t, but he definitely could.

Hayley’s lips part. “Briar?”

“Sorry, Haze. Don’t mess with the wedding planner’s aesthetic. It was his decision and he’s a tyrant. I planned to tell you both tonight when I introduced you.” She peers at me. “Since I didn’t know you’d already met.”

“I bet you were,” I mutter.

“So.” Hayley’s friend claps her hands together. “Looks like you two better call a truce tonight and behave for the wedding. I’m sure you’ll be spending most of the day together.”

“All day,” adds Briar.

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