Page 7 of Jilted
She laughed. “God, such a dork.”
He simply shook his head, and they once again fell silent, both intent on watching the movie. Amy couldn’t stop smiling. She and Brett spent a lot of time with each other, and she knew he’d miss their time together, but was it possible that he was actually going to miss her, too? He’d never said anything like that to her before.
Then again, they’d never really spent any long amount of time away from each other, either. Should she dare hope that this could be a turning point in their relationship? Don’t be stupid! What did she expect to happen? That he’d go away for a few months and realize that he couldn’t live without her, that he wanted to be more than just her friend? That was laughable.
“Did you hear a word I just said?” he asked.
“What? I’m sorry, I didn’t.”
He rolled his eyes. “I said don’t be hooking up with my brother while I’m gone.”
Amy flung her head back and laughed loudly. “Me and Craig? Now that is possibly the worst joke you’ve ever made.” Even though she was laughing, she couldn’t help but wonder what on earth possessed Brett to say that to her. Did he really think she’d hook up with his brother?
“I know my brother’s track record with women. I’d hate to see you fall into his trap.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“I’m just teasing.”
That’s what he said, but she had a feeling there was more than just humor behind his words. Tonight was their last night together, and she wasn’t going to spend it arguing with him, so she let his comment go. It really was a moot point anyway, because she had no interest in Craig like that. The only Hudson man she wanted, she couldn’t have.
Chapter Four
Six Months Later…
* * *
Amy hadn’t seen Brett since he’d left for the show a little over six months ago. They’d talked on the phone regularly, but the show had kept him extremely busy, not leaving much time for socializing. And even though he hadn’t won, he seemed to be in a great mood when he called and asked her to meet him at Gregorio’s.
The last time they’d been there was the night they went to Nefarious. That had been a fun night. It was also the same night that Brett had made that ridiculous pact with her. The thought of it still made her laugh. It also kind of excited her. Would he really keep good on his promise? Marrying Brett was an exciting thought. So was having his baby.
Amy smiled and walked into the restaurant. She gave the hostess Brett’s last name and was immediately escorted to his table. Her stomach fluttered at the sight of him. God, she’d missed him, missed the way they used to hang out, talk, and laugh. She couldn’t wait to get back into their normal routine. Not to mention, she could really use his help at the studio. Since news spread that he was a finalist on Dancing Duel, enrollment at the studio had tripled. She could barely keep up with lessons.
“Amy.” He smiled and greeted her with a hug.
“Hey, stranger,” she said with a smile. “Wow. You look great, Brett.” And he did, too. She didn’t think it was possible, but it appeared as though he’d lost weight and replaced it with more muscle. It was hard enough to keep her eyes off him before. It would be impossible now.
“Here, sit.” Brett pulled out a chair for her.
“Thank you.” She sat and waited for Brett to do the same. “So, how are you? It’s been ages since we’ve hung out.” Amy took a sip of her water.
Brett’s eyes twinkled in the way they did every time he had big news to share. “I’m getting married, Amy.”
She choked on her water. Amy put her fist to her chest in an attempt to stop the coughing fit she was having. Taking another small sip, she croaked, “What?”
“Jeez, Amy, are you okay?”
“Yeah.” She nodded. “Just went down wrong. Did you say you were getting married?”
“Yeah, I’m getting married,” he repeated, and then smiled. “Her name is Vanessa. She’s one of the costume designers for the show. I knew the moment I saw her that she was the one. I can’t wait for you to meet her. You’re gonna love her.”
Brett...getting married? Dear God, please let me be dreaming. “Uh, wow, Brett, I’m not sure what to say. Would you excuse me for a moment?” Without waiting for an answer, Amy grabbed her purse and went to the restroom. She gripped the edge of the sink and stared at her reflection.
Brett was getting married. No, this had to be some horrible nightmare. It had to be. There’s no way, after only six months of knowing a woman that Brett would be getting married to her. It wasn’t possible. Sure, he could be impulsive at times, but…marriage? No way.
Amy turned the faucet on and splashed cold water on her face. “Get it together,” she muttered.
Taking a deep breath, she composed herself as best she could and slowly walked back out to the table. When she got there, Brett was sitting beside a thin, gorgeous, redhead. He had his arm around her shoulders, and he was nuzzling her neck. She smiled, said something, and then laughed.
