Page 25 of Callum
Fortunately, her cousin Stacey chose that moment to pop up and grab Fiona’s arm before pulling her into a hug. Hers was a complete embrace. It was warmth and happiness and joy.
She dug her head into her cousin’s shoulder in relief. “Hey, Stace.”
Stacey pulled back seconds later, gripping Fiona’s upper arms. “I’ve missed you!”
“You have no idea.” She turned to look beside her. “This is Callum. Callum, this is my cousin Stacey.”
Stacey’s eyes grew so large, they resembled saucers. “Holy crack on a cracker. You arebeautiful!”
Fiona choked on a laugh. Stacey had never been one to hold back.
Callum chuckled. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, Stacey.”
Fiona’s calm lasted about two-point-five seconds, until she found her seat beside her nosy aunt and uncle. Damn Amanda—the woman had done this to torture her. At least Stacey sat opposite.
After introductions between her family and Callum, came the questions. Where was she living? How long had she and Callum been dating? How often did she come back and visit her parents?
The second wine was set in front of her, she downed half the glass in one gulp. Thank God for alcohol. It might help her get through tonight alive. She was on her second gulp when her aunt’s next words came.
“We were all wondering how you’d handle this wedding after Freddie left you for Amanda.”
The alcohol caught in her throat like acid, and she choked. Once she was sure she wasn’t about to drown herself in wine, she gave the woman her sweetest fake smile. “Actually, I lefthim.”
There’d been no other option after finding the asshole in bed with her sister. Oh, he’d said he was sorry. Said the fling with Amanda hadn’t been going on for long and he’d stop sleeping with her…the lying sack of shit. Did he think she had no self-respect?
Aunt Trish’s brows rose. “Really? Amanda told us he left you.”
Of course she did. She was tempted to tell the woman that the two hadn’t actuallywaitedfor Freddie and her to breakup, but Callum’s hand moved to her thigh, and his thumb grazed her skin.
A calm she had no right feeling choked the words back. “Amanda gets confused with details sometimes. Probably all the Valium she takes for her episodes. I left Freddie. And I’m so glad I did. Seeing him and Amanda together, it’s like their souls were made for each other.”
Her aunt’s jaw dropped, words seeming to be lost on her. Well, there was a first for everything.
She sipped her wine again, this time the liquid slipping into her belly with ease. When she looked up, it was to see Stacey biting her lip to stop her laugh. Her cousin leaned in and pulled her aunt’s attention away.
Thank you, Stacey.
Her gaze moved down the table—until it clashed with Freddie’s. What the…? The man was very obviously staring at her. Which was not a smart thing to do at his own damn rehearsal dinner. Then his gaze shifted to Callum, and just like they had earlier that day, his eyes narrowed.
Callum leaned down, pulling her attention away from Freddie. “I meant what I said in our room. You look beautiful tonight.”
There was another swipe of her thigh. She looked up, a real smile curving her lips. And God, did she love the way he said “our room.” It felt…intimate. Which it was. She was going to share a room with this man tonight!
She swallowed. “Thank you.”
Noise hummed around them as the night proceeded. The chatter of family plus Freddie and Amanda’s friends. The dishes were brought out, and for the most part, the evening went smoother than she thought it would. It certainly wasn’t the mess she’d been expecting. But then, that had everything to do with Stacey saving her from her aunt and uncle every time their questions got too personal. Which was probably a good thing, because her tongue got a bit looser with each sip of wine.
And then there was the man beside her…touching her leg…making her laugh and smile.
They were just finishing their meals when Callum pulled his ringing phone from his pocket. She saw Liam’s name pop up. Callum’s finger hovered over cancel, but she touched his arm.
“Take it.”
His brows flickered. “Are you sure?”
“Of course. It could be important.”
He watched her for one more beat before squeezing her arm and rising. Even that small touch sent her blood roaring through her veins.
