Page 10 of Come Back to Me

I force myself to stop staring at Annie’s beautiful mouth while she talks, and I somehow choke back a laugh at the memory of her potty-mouthed tirade the first day I met her in the ER. Who would think that anything so sassy could pass by those gorgeous lips?

“So, how long have you lived in Elladine, Annie?” I ask, trying to open the conversation.

“Just since mid-March. I moved here from Southern Ohio.” There’s a slight sag in her shoulders.

“I think you’ll like it here. There’s lots to do in nice weather since we’re so close to the lake and we have a national park right in our backyard. Has anyone given you the insider’s tour of the area yet?”

“Not really. Janie’s taken me a few places—mostlyshopping and bars, though.” She laughs, and it might be the loveliest sound I’ve ever heard.

Come on, you chickenshit. This is the perfect opportunity to ask her out.

Before I can act, though, she speaks again. “Oh, and Joel at work has tried to convince me to go out on the lake when he takes his boat out on Memorial Day. I’m not going, though,” she adds quickly.

“Oh, do you have other plans?”

“Not yet.” She smiles at me and holds my gaze for a few seconds before turning back to watch the dogs.

“Oh…” Apparently, I’ve lost the ability to speak now because I can’t force any other words out of my mouth. Logically, I know I’ve only asked a few women out since things fell apart with Maggie five years ago, but it’s not rocket science. I don’t understand why I can’t get my shit together and just ask her for a date.Maybe because this is the first time in so long that you’d actually care if the woman you’re asking declines.

We sit and let the dogs play for a solid forty-five minutes, making small talk before she stands and calls her “sweet baby” over to her. Damn, I swear I was just getting up the nerve to ask if she wanted to get coffee.

“I really should get going. I’m meeting Janie for brunch and shopping.” She hesitates and then says, “It was really nice talking to you, Jack.”

“Oh sure, no problem,” I say, standing awkwardly. Then I just blurt out, “Will I see you at Teddy and Emily’s wedding?”

“Yep, I’ll be there,” she says, smiling.

“I guess I’ll see you there, then,” I say, grinning stupidly back at her.

“See you, Jack,” she says, before waving and walking away.

And, once again, I’ve failed to ask her out despite the perfect chance.

CHAPTER 6

ANNIE

Walking into the church with fifteen minutes to spare before the start of the five p.m. wedding, I gasp at the elegance before me. Well-placed candles create an ethereal glow and blush-colored roses adorn the front of the church. Romantic music flows from the piano.

Spotting Janie, I make my way to her and scoot down the wooden pew into the spot she’s saved for me. I’m feeling self-conscious that I let her talk me into the short, emerald-green dress with the sweetheart neckline and off the shoulder sleeves.

Janie looks up at me. “Holy shit! You look hot, Annie.” she whispers.

I roll my eyes, but she secretly makes me feel better. It’s not that the dress is too revealing, especially compared to some of the more risqué ones I’m noticing as I check out the crowd. It just shows more cleavage than I’m used to having on display. I mean, I pretty much live either in scrubs, a T-shirt and running shorts, or sweatpants ninety percent of my life, so it’s easy for any dress to seem more revealing.

Though I’ve told myself not to—and that I don’t care—I catch myself scanning to see if Jack is here. Hmm, the wedding is about to start and he’s not here yet. Maybe he’s just coming for the reception.

The piano music, while still soft, becomes more pronounced, and I turn back toward the front of the church. I’m pretty sure my jaw drops when Teddy and the groomsmen walk in through a door off to the side of the altar and Jack is the best man. Just when I didn’t think he could get any hotter, he proves me wrong in a tux that makes me want to—Stop! You’re here for a wedding, not to lust after Jack.

Maybe Janie’s right and I need to get some action to get this man out of my head. This is not like me. Even with Jason, it took three months before I considered going out with him. I met Jack what, a little less than a month ago? I decide then and there that, should the opportunity arise tonight, I’m going to get this man out of my brain.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when the piano stops and a string quartet plays a beautiful rendition of Beethoven’sOde to Joy. The bridal party comes down the aisle.

The bridesmaids all look so gorgeous in strapless, long, flowing black gowns as they make their way to the front of the church. Next, an adorable ring bearer, maybe four or five years old, comes down in a darling little tuxedo and plants himself in front of Jack.

When the music changes to theWedding March, we all stand. Emily, looking so amazingly stunning in a fitted ivory lace gown, makes her way down the aisle, accompanied by… Fitz.

Well, that’s unexpected.

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