Page 11 of Connected By Stars
I blow out an exasperated breath. I can’t tell her all of it. I don’t want her to know about me being in love with her brother, especially now that it won’t be going any further. We share everything, and it kills me to keep this secret, but I just can’t get the words to pass my lips. I’ve tried many times to tell her, and now there’s no point.
“I told him off today. Everything was fine, and we had our usual meeting. Afterward, he got busy with customers, and I started filming some of the new inventory. A cute guy walked in, and Maverick basically peed on me like some dog marking his territory when he had no right to do it. I’m so tired of his big brother bullshit, and I let him have it.”
“God, I’m so sorry. I know he’s been protective of us since we were little, but it’s gotten worse with you over the last couple of years. Do you want me to talk to him?”
“No, I handled it. Hopefully, I got my point across this time.”
“Good for you. He needs to know you’re perfectly capable of making your own decisions on who you want to date.”
“Exactly what I told him, but with a few other choice words.” I give her a small smile, and she laughs.
“Well, if he does it again, I’ll be adding my own. So, about this cute guy. How cute are we talking?” She grins at me and winks.
“Very cute. His name is Logan, and he just moved a little north of here. He’s blond, blue-eyed, great body, funny...” I shrug my shoulders and take a drink of water.
“So why aren’t you jumping up and down right now? He sounds exactly like your type.”
Because he’s nothim.“I don’t know. I just want to meet someone and have there be fireworks, you know? I want to feel like my body is on fire when we touch. I laid my hand on his arm and felt nothing. Maybe there’s something wrong with me.”
“There is nothing wrong with you. You know what you want, and you’ve set your standards high. Maybe too high, though? Give him a chance and at least see if the spark happens later. Sometimes it takes longer.”
“Yeah, I guess. I gave him my number, so we’ll see. I need a date to the wedding regardless, and he seems like he could be a lot of fun.”
“Well, there you go. Your wedding date may have landed right in your lap.”
“Who are you planning on taking? What’s his name? Garrett?”
“God, no. The last date with him was awful. He makes this weird noise when he chews, and it drives me crazy.”
Laughing, I grin at her. “And you think I’m picky?”
“Ok, so we both are, but that’s good. We deserve the fireworks and someone we can’t keep our hands off of.”
“Cheers to that.” I hold up my water and clink her coffee mug.
“I’ll probably just take Frankie from work. He’s a ton of fun and gay, so I won’t have to worry about someone groping me all night long.”
“Oh, I love Frankie! At least I’ll have someone fun to hang out with if my date turns out to be a bore.”
“That’s the plan. I want us to have a good time and enjoy ourselves. What time is dinner tonight?”
“Seven. Noah and Emma pick up Skye and Cole from the airport at two. I’m glad it’s spring break, and you already have the time off. It’s going to be busy the next few days. I really hope Emma finds her dress tomorrow. I want everything to be perfect for her. She deserves to have the most magical day.”
“I think they’re so in love that they could get married right now under a beach umbrella, and they’ll still think it’s magical. But yeah, I agree. We will make this day special for her. You’re getting a sister,” she says excitedly.
“Weare getting a sister. You’ve always been mine, you know that.”
I see her eyes get teary. Nodding, she hugs me. “Weare getting a sister. I’m so freaking excited for them. This is going to be the best wedding ever. Until ours, of course.”
Laughing, I hug her tight. I’ve dreamt of my wedding day since I was a little girl, but the one person I imagined standing up there with me is the one man I can never have.
I lookin the mirror and smooth down my baby blue dress. I turn and admire the way it hugs my curves. I took the time tocurl my hair in loose curls and pulled my sides loosely back into a cute braid. Sitting on my bed, I slip my taupe high heels on. Sophia and I are meeting Noah, Emma, Cole, and Skye for dinner at Driftwoods tonight. Maverick will be there as well, and I refuse to let him ruin my fun. My brother is getting married, and I want to enjoy every minute of it.
Our cousin James is flying in tonight and will be joining the guys tomorrow for their tux shopping. We all grew up together, and even though he moved away to North Carolina for work, we’re all still very close. His wife, Sadie, and their new baby will be coming too, and I’m excited to see her again and finally meet their baby girl, Harper.
“Bella, you ready?” Sophia asks, walking into my room and securing her bracelet. “Maverick offered to pick us up and be our DD tonight.” She glances up at me and grins. “Damn girl, you look hot tonight.”
Laughing, I stand up and grab my small clutch. “Thanks, I could say the same about you. That dress looks amazing on you.” Sophia’s long dark hair is loosely curled down her back, and her dark green dress shows off her toned body. She’s wearing gold heels to tie it all together.
