Page 75 of Charlie Takes a Chance

“Nah, this is too much fun.” Max grins.

“Well?” Darlene yells out. “Is it official?”

Max raises his eyebrows and looks around the room at all the familiar faces. “I hope it’s alright, but I brought my girlfriend with me tonight!”

A shrill whistle splits through the air, and I find Bliss is the guilty party. A loud group of cheers go through the air, and Max finally sets me on my feet.

“That’ll do,” he says with a laugh. He gives me a quick kiss then grabs my hand. “Let’s get a drink.”

Maybe Max was right to be worried. I’ve been asked twice when the wedding date is—once in front of Max, and his eyes didn’t bulge in surprise the way they should have. Instead, he just winked and reminded me that I had told him I was ready for this.

The next time someone asked when we were getting engaged, I told them we were waiting until the end of the month.

Despite the nosey questions and over-the-top excitement, it’s really nice to be somewhere where people care enough to ask.

Somewhere around ten at night, the door to the Willow swings open, and I watch in horror as Bryce walks inside.

Bryce.

The same one who broke up with me because I didn’t fit his mold.

The same one who was embarrassed to introduce me to his family.

I glance around the room for Max, but he’s occupied, deep in conversation with Hubert Jefferson.

I swallow the lump in my throat. I can do this. I can handle whatever Bryce is going to say. But I hate it when people make you feel insignificant.

Bryce beelines for me. He stops in front of me and reaches for me. I leap back and bump into Bliss.

“Sorry,” I mutter.

Bliss slips a hand under my arm squeezing real quick. “I’ll be right here,” she whispers then lets go of my arm.

I glance back at her and see her give me a reassuring nod before she turns to assess Bryce.

Oh, I like her. If I wasn’t sure before, I’m sure now. Womenknowwhen another woman is afraid. It’s just a question of if they’ll do something about it or not.

Bryce has never been violent with me, but I’ve seen his temper. And the fact that he’s followed me all the way out to Pine Ridge when I’ve made it clear we’re done? That’s some definite unhinged behavior.

“I’m here,” he says by way of greeting.

“I can see that,” I reply flatly.

“I told you I want you.” He smiles. “That’s why I’m here. I want us to start the New Year together. Doesn’t that sound great?”

“Wait, is this the guy who broke up with you?” Bliss asks incredulously.

“Yes,” I grit out.

Darlene steps toward us with Henry at her side. “This is the jerk that dumped you?”

Bryce looks around in confusion. “Why would you tell people that? I just needed some space.”

“You broke up with me, Bryce. And I made it clear we weren’t getting back together, so I don’t know what you’re doing here.”

He looks confused as he runs a hand through his hair. “I know I broke up with you. But I changed my mind! I’m willing to be with you while you sort out your life.”

I freeze. “Sort out my life?”

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