Page 62 of The Talk Around Town

Epilogue

Darby stroked thesoft, pale golden fabric. It ran like liquid through her fingers.

“What do you think?” Emma asked, intruding on Darby’s thoughts.

Darby glanced at her and let a smile widen her mouth. “I love it.”

Emma nodded, seemingly satisfied. Gabe had proposed only the week before and Darby couldn’t be happier at her brother’s choice. Emma had asked Darby to come with her to Bialga to look at fabric for the wedding and bridesmaid’s dresses.

Emma touched the expensive silk. “It’s so pretty. I think the colour will look amazing on you.” She caught Darby’s gaze. “I have a few ideas for the actual dress style, but I’ll leave it to you and Amy to choose which one you like best. I’m not going to force you to wear something horrible.”

A sly grin tilted Emma’s mouth. “Besides, we have to make sure you’re irresistible, now don’t we?”

Darby narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

Emma wandered over to a selection of pre-made wedding dresses and stroked the line of crystals on an almost non-existent sleeve.

“Because we want to knock Ryan’s socks firmly off his feet, so that he’s drooling when he looks at you.”

Darby couldn’t help it, she gasped aloud.

“Unless I’m completely clueless and misreading your body language when he’s around, of course.”

Darby didn’t answer, didn’t really know how to. She hadn’t realised she’d been so transparent. Had Ryan picked up on it too? Had Gabe?

Nerves flooded her stomach. Gabe had told her years ago that Ryan wasn’t a suitable partner prospect. He didn’t have what it took to hang in there for the long run. Ryan’s idea of a long-term relationship was a week of fun and games between the sheets.

Well, maybe she needed some fun.

Sure, it wouldn’t lead to anything important, but maybe for the first time in a very long time she would feel special. Desirable.

If she could get him to look at her longer than five seconds, maybe.

Where she was concerned, he seemed to be completely oblivious that she was female. Being passed over when Ryan had moved on was the only reason Darby felt any empathy for Millie. From all indications he’d hurt her quite badly.

She frowned. Ryan had sworn he’d not done anything; at least, not on purpose.

Still, that didn’t change the fact that Millie had been badly hurt.

Emma faced her and crossed her arms, making it clear she wanted confirmation, or denial.

“Fine. Yes. I, ah… I like him.” Darby sighed and rubbed her hand over her eyes. “Ireallylike him. I have for quite a while now.”

She looked up when Emma rubbed her arm. “I thought so. I’m surprised the guys haven’t figured it out before now. You get really stiff, I guess the word is, when he’s around. Like you’re trying not to let his presence affect you, but can’t help it. It’s only a matter of time before he notices too.” Emma let out a laugh. “Then again, maybe not. Sometimes you have to hit them over the head with what’s in front of their faces before they get it.”

Darby laughed at the direct reference to her twin. “True enough. You’re not going to tell Gabe, are you?”

Emma shook her head. “No. That’s between you and Gabe. He hasn’t said anything to me, so I’m assuming he hasn’t picked up on it.” She grinned slyly at Darby. “Maybe a few dates with Ryan would do you good.”

Darby laughed and shrugged her comment off, pretending that Emma was being ridiculous, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that Emma just might be right.

What if a fling with Ryan wasexactlywhat she needed?

No strings, no complications. Just fun.

Every woman was entitled to that at least once in her life, right?

And the best thing? No one needed to know.

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