Page 6 of Josh Dalton

Now here I am, and he’s walking me back down the aisle. This is going to be torturous. I can’t help but wonder if he came with a date. I glimpse at him, trying not to be too obvious. He’s watching me. I heard Ryder’s brothers are quite the playboys, not wanting to settle down. I’m not into one-night stands. Never done one before and won’t be doing one tonight.

I shake my head. Can’t let a man deter me from my goal. I’m not like my mother, who needs a man to take care of her. When she picks her next victim, she either bleeds them dry or gets tired of them and moves on. Pretty pathetic.

I’m jerked back to the present when the photographer pushes the entire wedding party to the terrace for pictures. My stranger hasn’t let go of my arm yet.

I stop and turn toward him. “Sorry. I didn’t catch your name.”

“Josh Dalton, ma’am. You would be Kimberly Lewis. I asked my brother.”

“Nice to meet you,” I tell him.

He squeezes my hand. I’ve never been this attracted to anyone before. Have to fight it, though. Have to hold on to my convictions and not let him mess with my head.

CHAPTER SEVEN

JOSH

To say I’m shocked to see my mystery girl walking down the aisle is an understatement. She looks even better than I remember. I’m getting hard just looking at her, which isn’t a good thing standing in front of a room full of people. I turn away so no one notices and nudge my brother Brent.

“Who’s the girl?” I whisper to him.

“You mean the blonde?”

We try not to be obvious.

“Yeah, what’s her name?”

“Kimberly Lewis. She’s Zoey’s friend, so she’s off limits.”

I frown at hearing him say this. I forgot Ryder informed us not to make a move on her three friends.

“You two keep it down,” Dillon growls at us.

I look around. Nobody is paying attention to us. Everyone is watching the bride float down the aisle. I didn’t realize she was one of Zoey’s friends. I shouldn’t be interested in her, but it’s not going to stop me from getting to know her.

I can hardly stand waiting for the end of the ceremony. I realized about halfway through that I would be escorting Kimberly out. She won’t be able to run this time, not even if she wants to. A smile crosses my face. This won’t end like last time.

When the vows are over, I move toward her. Can’t believe I’m nervous about taking her hand and walking her down the aisle. I’m not a teenager anymore. I’ve been through all kinds of combat. But the anticipation of having this girl next to me makes me sweat.

I walk behind Brent, waiting my turn to partner up with my bridesmaid. She offers a pinched expression when she realizes I’ll be escorting her down the aisle. She doesn’t appear pleased, which makes me smile. I carefully hold her hand in mine. Her skin is velvety, creamy.

I don’t know what to say to her. But before I can utter anything, the photographer drags us out onto the terrace. I hate taking pictures, but it’s for my brother, so I have to suffer. Plus, Mom is watching. Don’t want her getting mad at me. She’s worse than any drill sergeant could ever be.

I finally notice I haven’t let go of her hand.

She gives a little tug, trying to take it back. I don’t let go.

“Sorry, but I didn’t get your name,” she says.

“Josh Dalton, ma’am. Your name is Kimberly Lewis. I asked my brother.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

I know she can feel the spark. It can’t be one-sided. I don’t want to let go of her hand, but the photographer wants to take the bridesmaids’ pictures.

“I like to be called Kim instead of Kimberly,” she tells me.

“Okay.” I release her hand.

---