Page 3 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

“Of course. That’d make me right delira.”

Tessa’s eyebrows drew together. “Delira?”

He smiled. “Deliriously happy, as you Americans say.”

Isabella laughed.

Tessa slipped her hand in Roy’s before focusing on Isabella. “A deal’s a deal. Get your cute ass over there and say hello.”

Nerves swirled in Isabella’s stomach. She bit her lip and nodded. Her chest rose as she took one last deep breath. “Don’t wait up for me.” She spun around and walked towards the bar with her head held high.

Legs trembling, Isabella moved to the empty seat next to the intimidating man. The energy around him shifted as she got closer like he was a whirlpool, ready to swallow up anything and anyone around him. A slow song drifted through the speakers as the bartender moved to the opposite end of the drinks station, filling orders. I should have downed my champagne before coming over.

She turned to her right, putting on her friendliest smile. “So, are you here for the groom or the bride?”

It wasn’t the best icebreaker, but she thought she’d at least get a response. Instead, awkward silence pressed between them like stagnant air.

Her belly squeezed. His only reaction was a subtle tightening of his shoulders as if he could make himself smaller and stay invisible. The thought was ludicrous, not just because of his sheer size but because he was so handsome. Something about him made her want to crack him open and see what lay inside.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked, wiping down the space in front of her.

“Tequila, please.”

He got to work, filling a shot glass and plating a lime before setting the salt shaker beside her drink in front of her.

“Are you from around here?” the bartender asked. At least someone was talking to her.

She sipped the tequila, savoring the flavor on her tongue. “I flew in from Colorado.”

His eyes widened with interest. “That’s cool. Always wanted to go skiing there.”

“You should do it, then.”

“Someday.” He smiled before moving to the other end of the bar to help another guest.

Isabella took another sip of her drink before picking up the salt and shaking it over the lime wedge. She set down the shaker and retrieved her drink, savoring another small sip before sucking on the end of the salty fruit. A burst of citrus flooded her mouth, the tang mixing with the salt and liquor, warming her.

“I believe the salt is supposed to come before the liquor, then the lime.” The mystery man’s voice was as deep and rich as the whiskey he drank.

She turned to him, her breath stuttering. “So he speaks.”

The corner of his lips twitched before they flattened back into a thin line. He grunted. “You here for the groom or the bride?”

A small puff of air left his nose, a subtle scoff. “Not too many here for the bride. She has a history. The fact that you don’t know that makes me think you’re a plus-one.”

“Subtle.”

“Hmm?”

“Trying to see if I’m here alone and single?” she added, just a little bit hopeful.

“Was I right?” He ran a massive hand over his neatly trimmed beard.

“My friend Roy is Maddy’s cousin. I came with him and my best friend, Tessa.” She turned, finding the very couple mentioned on the dance floor, moving close to each other.

“Third wheel, huh?” the man asked.

She shrugged. “I’m used to it.”

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