Page 14 of The Complication with the Best Man

Last night, I considered telling Tamra what went down with Harper. After all, we weren’t together, and she’d have no reason to be upset. But I figured it would only make everything more awkward, so I kept the information to myself. Not that I think Tamra would be jealous or anything. She definitely would not. Hell, knowing her, she might tell me I could hook up with Harper as long as I kept it on the down-low.

But Tamra not knowing about Harper, and Harper not knowing the truth about Tamra and me, serves a bigger purpose as well—it keeps me away from the temptation Harper is.

One night with a woman like her is one thing, but extending it to anything beyond that could prove dangerous. I have my issues from my past and being with a woman who is wild and spontaneous and who clearly likes to live life without much thought for the future isn’t the best for me.

And so, as awkward as it is, I’ll walk into Harper’s office today and play the loving fiancé who bows to his bride’s every whim because nothing can jeopardize each of our reasons for doing this. My family is depending on me, even if they don’t know it.

I round the front of the truck and meet Tamra on the sidewalk, sliding my hand into hers. It’s something we’ve done a thousand times, so it shouldn’t be a big deal, but her hand no longer feels as though it fits with mine. It’s like I’m trying on a size too small. It works, but it’s not right.

We walk down Main Street toward Harper’s office while Tamra comments on every storefront we pass, talking about how adorable and charming each business is, from the bakery to the baby store.

I take a big breath when we stop in front of Harper’s office with the Hitched & Happy Co. sign on the front door window.

“She told us to go on in when we arrived.” Tamra releases my hand and opens the door. “Harper?”

I follow Tamra inside as Harper comes out of the back area. She looks different than any time before. I’ve seen her casual with her hair in a messy bun like she was last night. I’ve seen her dressed up like she was for all the wedding events. Never have I seen her in high-waisted navy dress pants and a short-sleeved cropped cream blouse with her hair slicked back into a ponytail.

This is professional Harper. And it looks fucking fantastic on her.

But that’s no surprise because she’s probably stunning no matter what she wears.

She’s all smiles to Tamra, not sparing me one glance let alone two. After she shakes Tamra’s hand, it’s Tamra who puts her hand on my back to introduce me. I’m a fucking slimeball who Tamra has no idea knows what Harper looks like underneath that pantsuit, nor the fact that I want to see it again.

“And this is my fiancé, Finn.”

Harper’s gaze meets mine, but I’m pretty sure she’s looking over my shoulder instead of at me. Her fiery temper from last night isn’t there, nor the playful spirit when we met at the rehearsal dinner. There’s only what I’d classify as cold indifference, though Tamra doesn’t notice.

Harper nods. “Good to see you, Finn.” She gives all her attention to Tamra.

A dagger right in the heart.

Maybe this is how she is with all the grooms. I can’t imagine a lot of grooms really give a shit about what color the flowers are and whether the chair covers match the designated wedding color.

Harper waves and leads us over to her desk. Through my own reprimand, I shamelessly check out her ass in her pants. Fuck, I’m an engaged man. I can’t be checking out another woman.

I hold out Tamra’s chair for her, and after she’s seated, I take the chair beside her, opposite of Harper’s desk. Once we’re settled, Tamra shocks me by intertwining her fingers with mine.

Harper’s eyes fall to our adjoined hands before she raises her gaze to me, then her posture goes rigid, and she concentrates on her computer screen. “All right, let me just open your file so I can see my notes from our conversation. Just to confirm, are you still hoping to have the wedding at the end of October?”

“Absolutely,” Tamra says, turning to me with a wide fake smile. “We’re anxious to make it official.”

She’s not lying. It’s just not for the reasons that Harper assumes.

I do my best to give a natural smile back to Tamra.

“All right, well, that’s a little more than two months from now, so that is going to limit where the wedding can be held. What kind of ceremony and reception are you dreaming of?” Harper’s eyes don’t detour to me once, all her attention on Tamra.

I’m surprised how much her ignoring me is bothering me. I shouldn’t be worrying about Harper. I should be focused on making sure this wedding goes off without a hitch so that Tamra and I both get what we want.

“I had this idea that we could do something different—maybe get married at night under the Northern Lights. Wouldn’t that be beautiful?” Tamra shoots me some fluttering eyelashes, and I want to say she’s laying it on a little thick.

Harper clears her throat, and Tamra shifts her vision to her. “Well, there’s no way to guarantee the Northern Lights will be on display the night of your wedding, but it is a good time of year for them. Beyond that, you should know that it can dip below freezing at night in October. I’m not sure if you plan on wearing a traditional wedding gown, but if so, you might find it to be on the cold side.” She laughs, but it’s forced, not the real laugh I heard that night.

Tamra frowns. “Oh, I didn’t think about how cold it would be here. Of course, it’s Alaska.”

“Maybe we have the ceremony inside, but during the reception we can be sure to take a few shots outside? Even if there are no Northern Lights, it will still be beautiful,” I say, hoping Tamra will just agree and it gets us out of here faster.

My suggestion perks her up. “That’s a great idea. I knew there was a reason I’m marrying you.” She leans over and gives me a kiss on the cheek.

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