Page 10 of Uncovering Love: The Wedding

“Yeah, just trying to squeeze everyone in before I marry you.” I place a kiss on the top of her head. My lips linger as I inhale, the scent of her shampoo one of the smells I’m an addict of. “God, I can’t wait for our honeymoon. You to myself for two full weeks.”

We get to the door that leads to the office and reception area and I let go of Evie to hold it open.

She grabs a takeout container from behind the desk with my name on it, and I motion for her to follow me outside. There’s an empty bench around the corner that provides us the perfect view of the setting sun. The vibrant splash of oranges and pinks paint the skyline while I dig into the salad she brought.

“So, who was that woman?”

I chew and swallow my mouthful before turning to Evie. “Who?”

“Your client ... Lindsay.”

“Oh, yeah. She’s a new client of mine.” I take another bite. “This salad is really good. Flower Child?”

“Yeah.” She nods, but her gaze narrows. “She seemed really familiar with you.” When I don’t reply she adds. “Lindsay.”

“Oh, yeah. Well ...”Shit.How do I go about this? As I never dated anyone in Phoenix until I met Evie, I haven’t had to deal with exes. Hell, before Evie I never cared enough to be considerate.

“Oh.” Her gaze drops to her red Chucks as they tap together at the toes. I hate the way her brow crinkles with worry and decide honesty is always the best policy.

“I dated her a few times back in California. When I first moved there after Oregon. We hooked up as well. But that was almost seven years ago, Evie.”

“And now you’re her trainer?” I reach for her hand but she pulls away.

“It just happened. I didn’t even recognize her name until she stepped foot in the club last week.”

“And you’re okay with that?” The jealously in her tone throws me off guard. Evie’s the most trusting woman I know. This isn’t like her at all.

“Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Let me get this straight. A woman you used to sleep with comes waltzing back into your life unannounced and without warning a few weeks before your wedding and you, one, don’t find anything suspicious about that; and two, don’t think it’s something you should tell your fiancé?”

“Evie, calm down. It’s not a big deal. I’m training her. This is my job.”

“While she fawns all over you wearing her tiny little sports bra and matching leggings? She might as well be wearing nothing!”

“Hey now. I am nothing but professional with my clients. You of all people should know that.”

Evie’s chest rises and falls with her choppy breath, the hard line of her mouth faltering with a quiver as she looks away.

Turning so we’re face to face, I cup her cheeks with both of my palms. She’s forced to meet my stare. “Hey, baby. What’s going on? What is it that has you so upset?”

A few tears escape the corners of her eyes but my thumbs brush them away before they can fall. Her chin quivers on an inhale of breath, and my fear hitches when she hesitates.

“Evie, what is it?”

“I’m sorry. I trust you. It’s just been a really rough couple of days.” She closes her eyes and reaches for me, burying her face into my neck as I hold her close.

“Want to talk about it?”

“No. Not now. It’s a case we’re working.”

“It’s okay.” I understand there are some cases she can’t discuss due to contracts. “I love you, Evie. If you don’t want me training Lindsay, I’ll pass her on to another trainer. You’re more important than any client.”

“No. It’s fine. I trust you, Tate. I do.” She eases away and nods at my half-eaten salad. “Eat. I’m okay. This case we’re working has me questioning things, and when I saw you with her it just, I don’t know, it picked at some of those doubts. I wish we could fast forward the next few weeks to when we are already married.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying all this time.” I pick up my food and take another bite. “It’s still not too late to elope,” I joke, because I know it’s not even an option.

“That offer is more tempting than ever,” she admits with a tight smile.

“Hey, I love you. Always.”

“I love you, too.”

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