Page 8 of Josh Dalton

Okay, I thought it was penetrating, too, the way he stares at me. Guess I’m not imagining it.

Zoey puts a hand on my knee. “Maybe if you talk to him and tell him you’re not interested.”

The only problem with that is, I am interested in him, even though I shouldn’t be. There’s something that pulls me to him. He isn’t handsome in a pretty-boy way, but there’s something about him I’m attracted to.

The girls are watching me. I don’t want to upset Zoey on her wedding day by telling her how I feel. So, instead of rocking the boat, I do the safe thing and let it go.

“I’ll do that.”

Zoey is right. I don’t need a man in my life. Who does?

Josh is standing at the door, watching us moving toward him. Rachel squeezes my hand for extra strength and leaves me to it.

I walk up to Josh. God, he’s pretty.

It grows awful quiet in here.

“I didn’t know you were Ryder’s brother.”

“I didn’t know you were Zoey’s friend.”

“Yeah, I don’t think––”

He lifts my chin so I’m looking right into his gorgeous brown eyes. He has crows feet and small scars on his forehead and cheek.

“Whatever you were going to say, don’t,” he says. “Just listen to me. I plan on getting to know you better tonight, baby girl. No one and nothing is going to stop me. We’re going to celebrate Ryder and Zoey’s wedding, then it will be our turn.”

I don’t know what to say. He is direct.

Josh takes my hand and leads me back to the wedding. The girls frown when he returns me to my seat.

He bends over and whispers in my ear, “I’ll be seeing you later.”

My body breaks out in goose bumps. Arms, legs, everything. I watch him walk away. I’m in big trouble, and I know if I run, he’ll chase me down. Ready, set, go.

CHAPTER NINE

JOSH

I leave Kim with a promise I plan to keep.

The thing seems to drag on forever. Throughout the reception, I never take my eyes off her. I pass some time on my phone, making arrangements for later. Now, everything is set up. I lean back and wait for the bride and groom to make their exit.

Ryder will be anxious to get his new bride alone, so it will be sooner rather than later. Speaking of Ryder, he takes a seat next to me.

“Do you have to be so blatant about the girl?” he growls. “If you’re not careful, Mom will be planning another wedding.”

I don’t comment. I would think he’d be too busy with his bride to notice me. I’m about ready to say just that, but he continues, “Zoey’s worried you’re going to hurt her.”

“I don’t plan on it.”

That’s the truth. I don’t need him or anyone else butting into my private life. I didn’t ask him about Zoey.

I stare straight ahead. This conversation is over.

“Okay, okay.” He stands in defeat. “I won’t mention it again.”

I nod and look around for Kim. She’s next to the bar with one of the bridesmaids.

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