Page 57 of Always a Bridesmaid
Or maybe hop on the dating train and enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Except he didn’t want to be another jerk who hurt her, accidental or not. “Get back to work, I guess.”
“And here I assumed you were the kind of guy who knows how to celebrate.”
“He needs to be retaught,” Addie said as she exited the fitting room in her usual clothes. She and their group headed to the front of the store to wrap things up.
The consultant had rung up the dress but suggested other items Addie might want to add: a strapless bra and the slip they’d originally thought was a dress. With each item she rattled off, Ford’s skin became itchier and itchier. He scratched at his neck and then headed outside in the name of fresh air.
At long last, the women exited the shop, carrying bags he relieved them of. He placed the bags in the trunk of Lexi’s car, and it hit him that he and Violet now had a drive ahead of them.
It’d be easier to evade her gravitational pull if he avoided her.
Not that it was a stellar plan, given how small Uncertainty was, but she’d managed to duck him well enough. If only asking her how wouldn’t hurt her feelings.
Violet rocked back on her toes. “I figured I’d ride with Lexi and Addie, since you have to get back to work.”
The mutinous bastard in his chest twanged, the reverberations traveling through his entire torso. He swallowed hard, employing the poker face he had down pat, thanks to countless games with the gang. “That’d save me some time. I appreciate it.”
Violet wrapped her arms around herself, and he’d swearshewas offended.
Ma had been hot and cold like that. Tell Dad one thing and be mad whether he agreed or disagreed. As if she were thirsting for a fight. Or an instance to later use against him.
Whether Violet was playing games, testing him, or as sensible as a soup sandwich, he didn’t have the time or energy for this.
“See you around,” Ford said. But after realizing the only place he and Violet could go was nowhere, he’d do his best to make sure he didn’t.
…
The scenery morphed from cityscape to green trees that met blue skies.
Violet bounced her knee, her thoughts volleying between relief and regret. While Addie and Lexi were perfectly nice travel companions, she missed the woodsy scent that filled Ford’s truck. His easy jokes. His deep voice…
Staring at his stupidly handsome profile and experiencing butterflies whenever he glanced her way.
“You still alive back there?” Addie peered between the bucket seats.
Violet slid her fingers along her seat belt, the bouncing of her knee creating a rustling noise. Stopping meant her restless energy would have nowhere to go. Then she’d be eyeing the door handle and considering aCharlie’s Angelsroll onto the highway.
And she asked a question.“Sorry. I get lost in my thoughts.”
“Let me guess…” Lexi caught her eye in the rearview mirror. “You’re wondering if you made a mistake getting in the car with us instead of going in the truck with Ford.”
“No. I was hoping to get to know both of you better.”
“That explains all the questions you’ve been asking,” Addie teased, light enough Violet couldn’t be offended.
“It’s just that you and Ford seemed to have a vibe,” Lexi said. “And if I’m not mistaken, you told me about your failed nuptials and then ran from him.”
“Failed nuptials?” Addie asked, and Lexi winced.
“Sorry.”
Violet swiped a hand through the air. “It’s not a secret. I talked to all my friends about my wedding, we planned several versions, and I ended up holding the short end of the stick. Benjamin didn’t even propose, so it’s not like I have an epic story about being jilted at the altar.”
“Wouldn’t that be worse?” Addie asked.
Both Lexi and Violethmmed.
