Page 33 of Too Good to be True

She reaches out and squeezes my hand. I know all is forgiven. We lift our champagne glasses as Ian continues with his toast.

Although his eyes travel to Francesca and Sam from time to time, I keep feeling them come back to me. His stare is dark. Menacing. I know I'm feeling guilty about the way I behaved earlier tonight, but I can't help but feel like Ian is angry at me. Whatever his problem is, he'll have to deal. I have enough on my mind.

After the dinner, Tim and I are the first to leave. We retreat back up to my room and stay up most of the night, talking and frolicking in bed. To my surprise, and maybe even disappointment, no food tray comes tonight. There's nothing to interrupt us or keep us apart. Nothing but the passing of time.

We haven't spoken any more about Tim's offer. We don't need to. I made my decision. I'm going to take him up on it.

*

My heart leaps frommy chest when I open my door and find Tim standing on the other side. He looks elegant and sophisticated in his tuxedo. His dark hair is perfectly parted to the side; His smouldering stare steals my breath. He smiles, lightening the serious, severe look he wears so well. I gush and melt at his feet.

The wedding is beautiful. Francesca is the most stunning bride I've ever seen. Even now, sequestered in the receiving line with the rest of the bridal party, I'm choked up looking at my friend. She looks absolutely radiant. The love she and Sam feel for each other is evident in the little looks and great big smiles they've been exchanging all day.

Everything has gone smoothly and according to plan. Every detail. Every possible wrinkle was ironed out before it could ever cause a problem. I need to get the name of her wedding planner in case I ever get lucky enough to find that special someone I want to share my life with. This thought makes me think of Tim.

I glance around looking, but I don't see him. Maybe he went for a drink. That's fine. I'm still technically on duty.

The line thins out. Finally, I see a definite end to it. I can't wait. I know I shouldn't let myself get this attached, but I'm counting the minutes until Tim and I are together again.

"I hope I get at least one dance," Ian leans over and whispers in my ear.

I wonder how he got there. He wasn't standing next to me a minute ago. "Sure," I say, not really looking at him.

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

"I'm going to hold you to that." He smiles, his gray eyes light with mischief. Once again, I'm surprised that not one but two gorgeous guys have been so attentive to me on this trip.

Tim is the last person in the never-ending line. He's on his phone, and he doesn't look happy. I keep smiling and exchanging pleasantries with complete strangers as the line moves along. Each time a person moves up, it brings me one person closer to Tim.

By the time he stands in front of me, Tim’s hands are free. He reaches into his pocket. I think he's reaching for his phone, which seems to do nothing but create stress for him. Instead, he pulls something sparking out.

"I hope you don't mind. I got you a little something."

My mouth drops.A little something?It's a diamond tennis bracelet!Oh my goodness, he got me a diamond bracelet!"

I shake my head. I can't take this from him. This isn't a little something. It's at least six months’ worth of pay for me.

"It's beautiful, Tim. But I can't."

He reaches for my wrist and wraps the bracelet around, securing the lock.

"You don't have a choice. I’m not asking you; I’m giving it to you."

*

"So this was your idea?" Tim asks, looking at the partial lace sleeve running from my elbow to my wrist.

"Yes." I can't contain my excitement. I’ve gotten so many compliments already. "When I saw the scraps of Francesca’s dress on the floor, I thought it would be great to use them to add detail to our bridesmaid dresses and make them more original. At the same time, it makes us look and feel like a more cohesive group."

He looks at Kiara and Dana. They have wristbands instead of sleeves, and we all have a lace trim sash around the waist.

"If you would've asked me, I wouldn't have liked the idea. Seeing it in practice though, it's smart and fresh. It really does add a certain flavor to the dresses."

"That's why no one asked you. You're a guy. And a straight guy, as far as I know. It's not your fault that fashion isn't your thing."

"Is that so?" He bends me backward into a deep dip.

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