Page 51 of Rules of Engagement
While the guys talked in low tones on the opposite end of the pool, Eliza had her arms looped over a noodle and floated alongside Marsali. "So… you and Oliver looked cozy."
Her bestie had the biggest crush on one of Mac's college buddies ever since Mac had brought him home that very first time so many years ago. But once a picture of the gorgeous Oliver Beck had gone viral, he'd been a star on the rise, first as a model and then an actor. The cameras loved him as well as the general population. Oliver was a guy's guy in personality—and a woman's fantasy with his looks. On the big screen, it was the perfect combo.
Marsali shook her head. "He'll only ever be a friend. You know that. But he did say he'll come back to town next month for Mom and Dad's anniversary party."
"But you're still talking? Texting?"
"Yeah. Just like always."
Marsali's disgruntlement with being friend-zoned was tangible, and Eliza knew it was difficult, especially considering Marsali's profession. Finding love matches for everyone but not herself had to suck. "If it's meant to happen, it will. Right?" Eliza asked. "Isn't that what you've told me in the past?"
"Yeah." Marsali straightened and slid closer to Eliza. "And sincemylove life isn't likely to make a change any time soon, let's talk about yours."
"I don't have a love life."
"But you're going out with Carter. Tomorrow, I believe he said?"
As though sensing he was the topic of their conversation, Carter met Eliza's gaze from across the pool. The below-water lights lit his gorgeous face—and the wink he gave her—and it was then she remembered that sound carried over water and he probably listened to every word. "We are. To discuss business."
"That's a start. Just follow my rules of engagement and let things flow."
"Rules of engagement?" Eliza asked.
"Youstillhaven't read the advance copy I gave you?"
She winced, knowing she was caught in a trap of her own making. "I'msorry."
"As you should be. I would be upset but I know how crazy busy the last few months have been for you since I gave that to you."
"It has been crazy," she said, thinking of all of the networking events and bridal shows she'd gone to on the days when she didn't have weddings scheduled. She'd even taken promo packs around to all of the bridal-wear stores within a decent driving range to introduce herself and make a personal connection with the staff. "I'll read it soon. I promise."
"No worries. The rules are in chapter four."
"Any chance I can get the CliffsNotes?"
Marsali rolled her eyes but just as quickly smiled at Eliza.
"Take thingsslowbecause it takes time to get to know someone," Marsali said, holding up a finger. "Allow yourself to bevulnerableyet brutallyhonestabout relationship expectations," she said, adding another finger. "No sleeping together until there is verbalcommitmentof some sort—the likes of which are a personal and moral choice, but important to know ahead of time, before things ever get to that point. Take time tolearnthe other person's love language, personal likes and see if those things work with your own or clash. And," she said, "know yourgoals,dreams, and boundariesand discuss how they will impact each of you and what compromises will have to be made and agree on who will make them."
By the time Marsali had finished, Eliza's head whirled with questions and fear and more than a little panic. "That's chapter four?"
"That's the first few pages of chapter four," Marsali corrected.
"Wow. Okay," she said softly. "Now I understand why dating is so difficult. That's a lot to consider."
"They're hard conversations to have, but the relationships that last do the work."
Eliza glanced across the expanse of the pool and found Carter's gaze still on her. He'd been listening, she could tell. And in that moment, she was inordinately glad he was.
Paired with his friendship—vetting—with Mac, she felt some of her hesitation in allowing things to get personal with him shift, a good thing considering the kiss they'd shared earlier. But if Carter was willing to open himself up and do the things Marsali had just mentioned…
Holding Carter's gaze, Eliza felt herself dive off the cliff and free-fall into whatever tomorrow would bring. "What, um, else is in your book?"
OceanofPDF.com
Chapter 19
The following morning, Carter bit back a groan the moment Eliza emerged from the sleeping quarters of the boat and he spotted her in the cute little sundress. The dress was probably Marsali's, borrowed like the bathing suit last night, but it fit like a glove and he appreciated that fact.
