Page 62 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

A wide smile spread across her face as her gaze shifted. Garrett was behind me. I could feel him, and if I’d had any doubt, her look confirmed it.

“Will you introduce me?” She licked her lips.

A Tolkien-style epic battle raged inside me. I did not want to introduce her, but what right did I have to make that choice? But even a good friend wouldn’t introduce her. She’d had no interest in Garrett when she sat near him in the doughnut shop, but now that she knew who he was, she wanted to be introduced to Beau Henry’s son. I just had to figure out how to say no without making it sound like I wanted Garrett for myself.

I wasn’t sure how to do that.

Strong arms wrapped around me. “Hey. Our food is getting cold.”

Maybe I did love Garrett.

“Hey, hen.” Eli stuck his hand out as he walked up. “Have you met my fiancée?”

While Eli introduced Delaney, I spun around and dropped into my seat.

Garrett squeezed my hand. “If she asks again, the answer is no. I remember her from the shop. I need someone nice.”

At the moment I didn’t feel very nice.

Eli dropped into the chair next to me. “You’re welcome.”

“Why did you call herhen? That’s rude.” I appreciated the escape, but still.

He scrunched up his face. “Hen? I called herJen. Her name is Jen.”

Oh. I hadn’t heard him correctly.

Maybe now I’d remember her name.

Flutes of champagneand cups of sparkling cider were being passed around as the year inched toward its final minutes. Couples moved to the dance floor or wandered off alone. At five minutes before midnight, Garrett and I were the only two at the table.

The temptation to do something I might regret—kissing him when the clock struck midnight—pounded in my chest. My fear wasn’t gone. But my attraction—was it even just attraction now? My attraction was growing.

Acting more on panic, I hugged him. “I had fun tonight.”

I tried not to notice the expectant look in his eyes.

“I did too. I’m glad you came.”

Without another word, I jumped up and rushed out the side door. I didn’t look back to see Garrett’s reaction, but shock and disappointment were probably etched on his handsome face.

He deserved someone who could love him. Someone nice. Someone who could satisfy him.

Wiping tears, I dropped the tailgate on Eli’s truck and sat down. They could have their celebration, and I’d find him in a bit.

I’d promised myself I wouldn’t think about my relationship with Garrett before the wedding, but everything made me think of Garrett. Why did I have to go and make things complicated?

As cheers erupted inside the building and a few fireworks exploded in the sky, a tall, chiseled figure strode toward me.

Garrett hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “It got loud, and everyone started kissing. I figured I’d join you out here.” Instead of sitting down, he stopped in front of me. “If you want to talk, I’m willing to listen.”

I just needed to tell him that I was afraid to discuss it before the wedding. He’d understand.

“I’m afraid...” Words evaporated, leaving me grasping for coherency. “I mean...”

“I know you’re afraid.” He stepped in between my legs and rested his hands on my hips. “Is that why you left?”

I shook my head, then nodded. “I’m afraid of what I want.”

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