Page 2 of The Lucky One

He’s a tight end with broad shoulders and a build that would likely make someone think twice in a dark alley. Which is exactly why he should be closer to the farm than walking toward the reception.

“Whoa there, Spitfire.” He flashes an easy grin that I’m sure has gotten him out of more than one predicament in his lifetime. “Do you usually rush around like a Stormtrooper looking for a fight?”

And a massive flirt.

“Technically, Stormtroopers don’t look for fights. They’re following orders.” I yank my elbow out of his grip, ignoring the slight tingle where his fingers touched. “Think of me like a Jedi Knight, sensing disturbances in the Force.”

His grin widens, and it’s infuriating how attractive he is when he does. “Am I a disturbance in the Force?”

“Are you where you’re supposed to be?”

“Thereabouts,” he says, glancing around.

It wasn’t supposed to be his job to protect Cade off the field, too. He’s supposed to be a guest here, enjoying himself. But I can’t risk Ella’s future or Holly’s big day for a football player that can’t follow directions.

“You’re supposed to be watching for wedding crashers, notbeingone.”

“I’ve been watching.” He shoves his hands into his pockets. “There’s no one back here. But since the reception is about to begin and it smells delicious, I decided to head in that direction.”

“You mean you abandoned your post.”

“Seems a bit harsh.” He tilts his head, like he’s sizing me up. “But back to the whole ‘disturbance’ thing.”

“I don’t have time for this.”

“That’s a shame,” he says, his voice dipping just slightly. “I was really curious about the penalty for that.”

Holy cow.

This man has some serious swagger and nerve. But he’s not going to deter me from my purpose: make sure Holly has the day of her dreams and don’t let Ella lose hers.

Repeat.

I am a professional.

Anengagedprofessional.

I straighten my back and let out a slow breath. “Listen Mr. First Down, Last Nerve?—”

Weston barks out a laugh, humor dancing in his whiskey-colored eyes. “I like that.”

“It’s a good thing I don’t care. Back to your post.”

“Bossy,” he drawls, holding up his hands in surrender. “No need to throw me out of the fairytale, Spitfire.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

“I just might!” He tosses after me as I spin around to head back toward the reception area to announce Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery.

Weston’s deep chuckle follows me most of the way there.

Crisis averted. Mostly.

All of the pieces to the glorious puzzle Ella created for Holly and Cade are falling into place, and for the first time today, I can relax.

For the first time in weeks, actually.

Holly and Cade gaze into each other’s eyes with a tenderness that makes my heart ache, gliding across the makeshift dance floor to ‘Die a Happy Man’ by Thomas Rhett. They couldn’t have picked a more fitting first dance song.

---