Page 28 of That Time I Kissed The Groomsman Grump
“But I’m sure you’requitehappy to have Beau back in town, even if it’s only for a week.”
“Well.” Brady clears his throat. “He’s marrying my sister. So yes. I’m quite happy… Drake.”
Drake. Not Hawk.
The three of us stand there, shifting our weight, with Hawk still grinning and holding my plate. Then he says, “Anyhoo!”
Anyhoo?
A strong breeze blows overhead, and a shred of napkin breaks free from the pile. It floats up and lands on Brady, sticking to a spot just above the swell of his pectorals. Without thinking, I reach out, but it’s pretty well stuck to his shirt, so I have to work to pluck it free. Brady looks down at my hand, and a rumble sounds in the back of his throat.
Oh, no! I’m touching Brady’s chest like Hawk was touching me. “I’m. So. So. Sorry!”
Brady shifts his jaw. “For what?”
“For touching you… for touching your… for…” I stop stammering long enough to look down, which only draws more attention to my hand, which is still on Brady’s chest. So I yank it away. “What I meant to say is I’m sorry you ran out of gas.”
He blinks. “That’s not your fault.”
“But you were so busy driving me around all day yesterday, you couldn’t fill up your tank so… Yeah. Hi. I’m the problem… it’s me. Taylor Swift… right? Anyone?” My voice finally trails off. Too bad my hand didn’t fall off first.
“No big deal, Nat. Really.” Brady’s voice is low, and his gaze is on mine. Full eye contact.
Hawk’s focus skips from me to Brady and back to me again. “Did you say he drove you aroundall day yesterday?” He tips his chin. “I didn’t realize you two were so close.”
“Quite,” Brady says. It’s a perfect imitation of Hawk’s vague accent. “I picked Natalie up from the airport. Took her to a dress fitting. Back home again.”
Hawk flashes his grin again. “How lovely.”
Brady squares his shoulders. “Just what the best man does.”
“Lucky you,” Hawk says.
After another stretch of awkward silence, Brady swings the backpack off his shoulder, unzipping the largest compartment. He slides out the white cardigan I brought with me this morning. “You left this in the truck. I figured you might get cold on the boat. Or on the beach after.” He cuts his eyes to Hawk. “She’s always getting cold.” He looks back at me. “But you could put it on now if you want.” He nods to indicate the splotch of sauce on my dress. “Cover that up for the pictures.”
“Ah. You noticed that, huh?”
A smile breaks free across his face, and I can’t help smiling back. I slip the sweater on just as the barge pulls up to the bridge. It’s the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot. I glance at Brady, and something flickers behind his eyes—a moment passing between us. The breeze makes my whole body shiver even with the sweater on.
Hawk takes a step toward me. “Is that cashmere?” He reaches out and runs a finger along my sleeve. “Hmmm. Definitely soft.”
“Hey, Drake.” Brady’s voice is gruff. “Keep your hands to yourself.”
Hawk turns, his mouth slipping sideways. “Pardon me?”
“I chose my words pretty carefully this time.” Brady widens his stance, looming over Hawk by a good two inches. But I step between them, shutting this down.
“It’s not cashmere,” I say to Hawk. Then I turn to Brady. “And I can take care of myself.”
That’s when Beau whistles through his teeth to get everyone’s attention.
Kasey calls out, “PICTURE TIME!”
ChapterTwelve
BRADY
If I thought Buttons and Bows was hell, I underestimated this photoshoot, which is definitely worse. My sister has a long list of shots she wants to be sure we getjust right, and the whole process takes longer than forever. It wouldn’t be half as bad if Beau could run the show. The guy’s an award-winning photographer and insanely talented. But he’s also the groom, and in almost all the pictures. So he lets Hawk take charge. Unfortunately, Hawk not only takes charge of the pictures, he takes every opportunity possible to touch Natalie.
