Page 19 of Love Among Vines

“I asked them not to,” Nate said.

“Why?”

“Well, I know you’ve been going through a tough time.”

She bit down hard on her tongue. It was either that or she head-butted his dumb ass into the muddy parking lot.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Things are great.”

“Come on, Jade. It’s me. You don’t have to lie. I know you’re not seeing anyone, and you haven’t painted in years.”

Her mouth dropped open. Howdarehe? A molten wave of anger that she had been damming up for the last two years threatened to explode.

“We never even really talked after everything that happened,” he continued. “I never had the opportunity to tell you I’m sorry. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

Was thatpityin his voice? Ohhellno.

At that moment, a pickup truck pulled into the parking lot. It turned into a spot and out jumped Rett.

Thank. God.

“Jade!” he called as he crossed the lot at a jog, cocky smile visible from a mile away. His gaze shifted between her and Nate. “I’m so glad I caught you.”

Nate looked instantly annoyed, but Jade barely noticed thanks to the now soaked button-down shirt that clung to—of course—a chiseled set of abs.

Rett darted under the awning. The rain had washed his hair out of its perfectly molded place. It hung in his eyes.

She barely had time to register the deep, hot burn of desire that had flared on his approach before he crushed his mouth to hers. He cradled her head in his hand, gentle but firm. Every cell in her body lit up like Times Square.

Holy hell. All the sloppy make outs in dark clubs in the world couldn’t have prepared her for this. If he was a chronic bachelor, who had taught him to kiss like this?

A long, slow pull inside her set her body aflame. His thumb brushed against her cheek, and her knees transformed into Jell-O. His tongue slipped between her parted lips. She snaked a hand around his waist, fisted her hands around his wet shirt. It was everything a kiss was supposed to be—heat, passion, fireworks. The promise of something deeper.

She had never been kissed like this.

It was too bad it was fake.

Nate cleared his throat, and Rett pulled back. Regret set in immediately.

“I thought you might need these,” Rett said to her. “They’re for tomorrow, right?” He pressed the little blue box into her hand.

Jade blinked. She seemed to have left her brain inside. The ability to form words eluded her.

“Yes,” she finally said. “Thank you so much.”

“I don’t think we’ve met,” Nate said with an expression that suggested someone was spreading manure nearby.

“Nice to meet you,” Rett said. “Everett Rhodes.” He held a wet hand toward Nate, who took it with narrowed eyes.

“Nathan Astor.”

“The groom,” Jade blurted out.

Rett’s eyes darkened. He was a good two inches taller than Nate. Ha.

Nate flinched and drew his hand back. “Well, I should get back inside. Gotta check in with my beautiful bride.”

Ugh.

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