Page 47 of The Love Wager

“He’ll be so mad.”

“At first, probably. But he’s got all the tools to deal with that emotion now. Thanks to you.”

I lean forward and press my forehead to hers, just breathing her in. Only two more days, and she’ll be on a flight back home. My mind is racing, trying to conjure ways to keep her here with me, but I know that’s not fair. She’s been honest with me from the beginning. This is all a wager to her, and I agreed to go along with it. I have to hold up my end.

Her kiss is soft at first, deepening when I cup her face and open my lips to her. It promises more, even when it has no right to. Even when it knows we’re nearing the end.

There’s just one lingering question after our night under the stars: Does she realize she’ll be packing my heart into her suitcase and taking it with her when she leaves?

Well, maybe there’s also another.

Should I tell her?

SEVENTEEN

Indie

“You look like the raccoon who lives behind the barn,” Taylor quips as she hands over the steaming hot to-go coffee cup.

Covering my mouth to hide an ill-timed yawn, I get out a broken “screw you” that sends her laughing on her way to the chair in front of the waiting hairdresser.

Her wedding day is finally here and she’s glowing like the stars Brooks whisked me away to lay under last night. My chest warms when I think about our time together, but it’s immediately followed up with an ache from knowing today’s our last day. I leave for the airport first thing in the morning to head home.

I suck down the delicious latte, praying it brings some much-needed life to my system. Sleeping in an open field wasn’t on my bingo card for this trip, but I don’t regret it. Waking up in his arms as the first rays of dawn sprung up from the horizon is something I’ll never forget.

“Wow, you really wanted to make me work for my fees today, huh?” the vibrant woman holding a curling iron asks me as I sit down in front of her.

“Tell me there’s some hope.”

“Honey, I’m the best in a three-county radius. There’s nothing I can’t do.”

I give her a gracious smile and get lost in the chatter of the busy room. Some bridesmaids mill about, waiting for their turns to get glammed up with hair and makeup, while others sit on the patio, enjoying the morning sun with plates of the delicious breakfast spread that Taylor’s family put out for us to graze on.

“So, where did you and Brooks disappear to last night?” Taylor asks with a mischievous smile painted on her beautiful face. After so many years of friendship, I can tell when her questions are leading.

“Was the vibrator your idea?” I deadpan.

Her laughter erupts loudly, drawing the attention of the other girls, and an annoyed huff from the woman doing her hair when she doubles over, pulling the curling iron wrapped tightly in her blonde locks with her.

“I should have known it wasn’t Spencer.”

“It’s my favorite! That setting before the annoying pulsing. Gets me every time.”

It got me alright. Got me all hot and bothered and off, while Brooks watched in awe at the sight of me falling apart. Thinking about it has my core tightening and my mind wondering how much longer it will take to tame the monstrosity on my head so I can find him and drop off Spencer’s wedding gift.

An hour and a half later, I wobble from the chair, my ass asleep from sitting for so long. My flaming red curls that bounce with each step are worth the tingle as the blood rushes back. The makeup chairs are all full, but it gives me a chance to pile a small plate with fruit and pastry and grab a second much-needed cup of coffee.

The room has grown stuffy, the heat from the tools and the crush of bodies making the air thick. Stepping onto the patio,a cool breeze brushes over my exposed legs, the silk robe we’re all wearing swaying gently in the wind. The estate is bustling with last-minute preparations, hands moving quickly to get everything ready. On the table beside me sits Taylor’s gift for Spencer—elegantly wrapped in a matte black box with a silver bow. As Maid of Honor, it’s my job to deliver it before the ceremony.

Tay drops into the empty Adirondack chair next to me, her hair perfectly pinned in place and the glow ofnaturalmakeup accentuating her bright eyes and full lips. I love seeing her this happy and at ease for the day. All her militant, bridezilla behavior is paying off in full. The day’s going to go off without a hitch.

“I really wish you weren’t leaving tomorrow,” Tay says wistfully.

“Why? You’re leaving for your honeymoon in the morning. You’ll be off on an adventure through Greece for the next two weeks.”

“But I’ll be home after that! I miss having you around and seeing you every day. I miss my best friend.”

“I miss you too. You know, you can always come and visit me. I’d say I have plenty of room, but if Spence is coming with you, you’ll probably want to book a hotel.” I laugh, knowing my tiny apartment barely houses me and all my stuff.

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