Page 56 of Playful Kris

“Wait right here, I’ll put this in the truck.”

I nod, watching as he disappears. Damn, he’s seriously hotter now than when we were in college, and that wasn’t that long ago.

I’m right outside the entrance where the rehearsal is taking place, but I don’t pay attention when the door opens.

“Oh, you’ve changed.”

The voice jars me from my thoughts.

Lauren. What a fitting name.

“Yes, thankfully Ruby had another dress.” I smile at her, shame she’s too preoccupied with Kris at his truck to notice how fake it is.

“Good thing. Accidents happen and all.” She laughs, and it reminds me of nails on a chalkboard.

But I don’t miss the underlying message there. She was intentional at the table, everyone was right. My gut was right, I just really didn’t want to believe it.

“So, you’re dating Kris’ father?” I ask, trying to remind her who her date is tonight instead of ogling my date.

Her eyes finally connect with mine, and I see it. She’s attracted to her boyfriend’s son. “I am.”

“How long have you been dating?”

“A few months.” She shrugs.

“So not serious then?” I’m being a bitch, I know this, but I don’t really care right now.

“Oh,veryserious.” The way she stresses the word makes me want to eye roll and gag at the same time.

Kris gets closer to the door, and her eyes go back to him. “Maybe you should stop drooling over his son then.”

That gets her attention. Her pissed off glare is on me before she stomps back inside.

Kris slides up beside me. “You ready?”

I nod.

“Was that Lauren you were talking to?”

“Yes.” I blow out a breath and take the elbow he offers me. “She’s just pretentious.”

“Using big words on me, babe.” He pulls the door open like always, letting me step through first.

Everyone in the room stops to look at us, several are taking in my wardrobe change, while others look at us briefly then back to their discussions.

Kris stays with me as long as he can before his brother pulls him away for the rehearsal.

The rehearsal doesn’t last long, I think they run through everything two or three times just to make sure everyone is comfortable.

I’ve sat off to the side, watching and observing everyone. Ruby and Kaleb are adorable, and their love for each other really shines in moments like this. The two are giddy to say, “I do,” tomorrow, and they keep talking about spending forever together.

My eyes drift to Kris, he’s standing near his brother listening to something the preacher is saying. For all I know they could be in a deep conversation about football or baseball, we are in Tennessee after all.

I glance over at his mom, she’s talking with her fiancé while looking at Kaleb and Ruby with a smile. She doesn’t seem as bad as Kris has made her out to be, granted I didn’t grow up with her so I don’t know all the hardships, but it’s obvious she loves her boys. But I’m not so sure the wall Kris has built up between them can be knocked down so easily.

As I continue looking around the room, doing my people watching, my eyes drift to Kris’ dad and his date, Lauren.

Ugh, just the name makes me want to go throw a drink in her face.

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