Page 29 of The Love Trick

He grabs my hand and pulls me into one of his signature bear hugs. I burst into a giggle, wrapping my arms around him as far as they’ll go and squeezing.

We’ve hugged forever, just like this…

But my heart skips a beat at the scent of his cologne and the warmth of his body radiating through my T-shirt and leggings. I don’t know why I’m suddenly hyperaware of how his body feels against mine. And I can’t help but scold myself for it.

Don’t make things any weirder for him, Addy.

“Feeling better?” I ask as he releases me. “I sure hope so, because now that my lungs are crushed, I’m gonna need some time to recoup before the next one.”

He laughs, eyeing me as he reaches into his bag, grabbing more of his clothes. “I’m good. I think I’m just gonna shower real quick. Will you need the bathroom to get ready?”

The image of Blaze wearing nothing more than a towel flashes in my mind, and my body starts to feel hot at the thought. “Um, no, I should be able to do my hair and makeup at the desk.”

He grins, his eyes lingering on my face for a moment longer than normal. “Great. Then let the festivities commence.”

Chapter Eleven

Blaze

Istareatmyselfin the full-length mirror, taking in my khakis and gray floral Hawaiian-style shirt. In comparison to my usual jeans and Converse, I look like a total doofus—and usually, I wouldn’t even care. But right now? I’m trying to play the role of a perfect boyfriend in front of Addy’s family, and I don’t know if this outfit will make the cut.

Double-checking my freshly styled hair, I fold my arms across my chest and wait for Addy to reappear from changing. I don’t know why I’m nervous. I’m suddenly thinking I should’ve had her help me with my wardrobe.

“Are you ready?” Addy calls as the bathroom door swings open. She steps into the main room, and I’m at a loss. She looksincrediblein a red halter top dress, cinched at the waist and hitting her mid-thigh. Her blonde hair falls in beach waves past her shoulders, and her red lips look…

Kissable.

“Blaze?” She waves her hand in front of my face.

“Sorry.” I clear my throat. “I dig the dress.”

She narrows her eyes. “Uh-huh. I dig the floral shirt. Very vacation-y. Very handsome.”

“Really? You think it looks okay?” I check myself out again in the mirror, noting the sleeves are fitted tight around my biceps. “You don’t think I look like a douche?”

She bursts into a giggle. “I didn’t, but now that you say that—”

“Oh stop.” I shake my head, offering my arm to her. “Shall we,girlfriend?”

She crinkles her nose. “Ew, that sounds weird. Don’t say that, but yes.I’m freaking starving.” She links her arm with mine, and I lead her to the hotel door, opening it and letting her go first.

I feel lightheaded.

I try to reason with myself as we make our way to the elevator.Maybe I haven’t eaten enough today.

“What are we eating?” I ask.

“No clue.” Addy laughs. “I just know that dinner is at the beachside restaurant on the first floor. I think Robert and his family are finally here, according to the wedding group text.” She makes a face. “Which has been going off nonstop with memes ever since we got here. It’s so annoying.”

“They’re just excited,” I reason with a shrug. “I mean, getting married is a big deal. I’d probably be excited, too.”

“Probably?” She glances up at me as we step into the elevator.

“I don’t know,” I muse. “Maybe I’d be nervous. It’s not like I’ve ever even gotten close to marrying someone. So, I don’t really know what it feels like. But I’d assume I’d be excited…”

Addy tilts her head, quiet for a moment as I press the ground-level button. “Have you never been in love? I thought you had a serious girlfriend back in high school?”

As close as Addy and I are, I never really discuss that part of my life with her. Mostly because it doesn’t exist, and honestly, I was so lost jumping from foster home to foster home that I didn’t ever really have a chance to have any meaningful relationships—and the one I did fell victim to my situation. “I only dated her for a few months my junior year, but then I moved schools, and she decided she’d rather be with someone else.”

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