Page 48 of The Love Wager

“It’s not the same and you know it.”

“Tay, can we not do this today? It’s your day. We don’t need to bicker about my living arrangement.”

“Fine, can we at least talk about what you’re going to do about Brooks?”

Just the mention of his name sends my heart galloping at full speed. I’ve been trying to keep him off my mind all morning, but it seems to be the only thing my head and my heart want to focus on.

What do they expect from me? I can’t just drop everything in California and move to Georgia, especially not here, in their tiny town where an event planning business would never survive.

I let out a long-annoyed sigh. “I don’t know, Tay. I hate to say this, but you were right, okay? It’s been nice getting to know him and he’s mind blowing between the sheets, but I can’t imagine doing the long-distance thing.”

She’s quiet for a moment, a rarity for Taylor, and I think she’s fallen asleep behind her thick lashes until she pops up like a damn jack-in-the-box.

“Did I ever tell you that Spence and I were together my last year of college? Like nottogethertogether, but together enough that I knew as soon as that diploma was in my hand and I was on the first flight back to this town, I was coming back to him.”

“Uhh, no. You definitely didn’t tell me that. I thought you didn’t meet him until after.”

“Spence and I have technically always been in the same circles. I mean, I’m sure you can imagine what it’s like here. We’re not much on a population map. He’s my brother's age, and it was never more than a polite nod of acknowledgment until the end of junior year. I can’t even remember what little family necessity had me coming home that week, but a week was all it took to know we’d be here one day.”

“Tay.” I drop her a warning look.

“I’m not saying Brooks is your Spencer, but I’m notnotsaying that either, babe. I’ve been watching you two this week and it’s clear there’s something there between you. I know your life is in California, but maybe don’t throw him away completely when you go back. Stay in touch. Technology makes it so much easier these days. Plus, I’ll fly you out whenever you want!”

“You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

“It’s my wedding day, and I’ll do what I want.”

I roll my eyes and shake my head but don’t argue, letting her suggestion fester and grow. I shake it off, hopping up out of the chair not so gracefully. “I should really go get my makeup done. We’re running out of morning.”

The makeup artist keeps it simple, not wanting anyone in the bridal party to upstage the bride. I’m clipping in the small gold hoops Taylor gifted to all of us when she sidles up next to me.

“Will you give Spence a message for me when you drop off the box?”

“Of course,” I answer.

She slips a note card with a wax seal on top of the small gift box. “Thanks, Indie. I’ll see you at the barn in a few.”

I hurry toward the other end of the house. My footsteps are quick and urgent since I only have twenty minutes to meet Taylor back at the barn before we leave for the church.

As I pass by, Taylor’s uncle motions me toward Taylor’s father’s den. The room on the other side of the dark wooden door erupts with raucous laughter. A TV blares sports highlights loud enough to drown out any attempt I make to get someone to answer the door. After a third unsuccessful try, frustration gets the better of me. I shove the door open with enough force that it slams into the chest of a man I don’t recognize.

“Sorry,” I mutter, barely glancing at him as I scan the room, looking for Spencer amid the chaotic mix of men. Before I can spot him, I feel a warm breath on the back of my neck, sending an unexpected jolt through me.

“You look stunning, Indie.” Brooks’ deep timber heats my body to the core.

I flick my gaze over my shoulder, ready to throw some witty remark his way. But the moment my eyes lock on his, everything in my head comes to a screeching halt. A now perfectly groomed beard frames his sharp jawline. His hair is slicked back with effortless precision that wipes away the casual bar owner I firstmet. But the blue suit, tailored to fit him like a new James Bond, has my brain completely short-circuiting. I open my mouth, but no words come out.

Caught in a trance, I turn fully to take him, every detail pulling me deeper into the moment of silence as my brain runs full steam ahead into my darkest fantasies with him as the headliner. But at that moment, my heel catches on the edge of the carpet. I stumble and instantly throw my arms out to try to steady myself. Instead, the small box I’d forgotten flies from my grip, spinning through the air in a graceful yet doomed arc.

As I watch the unfortunate scene unfold, Brooks’ arm tightens around my waist, firm, and steading, before he pulls me into his chest. The box hits the back of an unsuspecting groomsman’s head before falling to the floor with a soft thud.

“Always one for making an entrance, aren’t you?” he asks, looking down at me with a smoldering gaze.

“I just—” But he doesn’t let me finish that sentiment. He cuts me off with his pillow-soft yet demanding lips I could get lost in. He steals my breath away and the noise of the crowded room disappears. It’s as if the entire world fades into a quiet hum, leaving only us in this perfect, fleeting moment. His hands find my face, cradling it gently, and I sink into him further, surrendering to the heat of his skin connecting with mine.

A voice calls out from across the room, breaking into our private moment, and I spring away, eyes scanning for the small box still sitting in the middle of the floor.

“Shit, I have to get that to Spence. Do you know where he’s at? It’s a gift from Taylor,” I say, pointing at the gift about to be trampled under someone’s feet.

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