CHAPTER 11
Asher
MAY
OBLIVIA
www.vendellsreclaimedwood.com
OBLIVIA
It’s a hard wood and paints really easy.
ME
Maple? Oak?
ME
Is this a random wood-guessing game?
OBLIVIA
Look at the picture, smartass.
I click the link and see a nice selection of maple from a local company and that it’s in stock.
OBLIVIA
Would this work for my floors?
ME
Possibly.
OBLIVIA
Thank you for that insight, man of many words.
ME
Anyone ever tell you, your longer second toe makes you mean?
OBLIVIA
No, but it will do a real good job of gripping my four-inch heel while I kick you in the ass.
A photo comes through of her slender foot perfectly encased in a hunter-green stiletto with gold accents.
ME
All I see is a tripping hazard.
OBLIVIA
I’ll be wearing them all night, so if you feel the need to make any sarcastic comments at the reception, I can’t say I’ll hold back.
I suppress a smirk as I tuck my phone into my pocket. The only thing I got from this conversation was maybe I’m into feet? Because fuck, even her feet turn me on. So goddamn pretty. Just like the rest of her.
“The fuck’s up with you over there?” Wade asks, watching me as he straightens his tie and turns to enter the wedding chapel in Cave Run Park. Today is Cole and Ginger’s wedding.
“A man can’t have his privacy?” I retort, shaking my head and feigning a scowl.
“Just never seen you grin down at your phone like that before.” Wade smirks as he pulls the heavy wooden door open.
“Or grin, period,” Nash adds with a deep chuckle as he runs a hand through his disheveled hair, a regular look since he found out his wife was pregnant. Though I’ve never seen him happier.
Nash and Wade are right. I shouldn’t be grinning at my phone, but this is the first time I’ve heard from Olivia since the night I took her home from the Horse and Barrel.
I shouldn’t be happy to see her name light up my phone, especially when for once it seems she’s actually staying away from something dangerous.
Me.
Olivia
“Oh my God, that’s incredible,” CeCe says from behind me as I slip on my 1920s flapper headpiece.
“Thanks. So’s yours,” I say, trying to push down the flush creeping up my neck from Asher’s text.
It’s the first time I’ve spoken to him in almost two weeks.
I’ve been avoiding him like the plague, but texting him now was strategic.
I had to do something to break the ice so it wouldn’t be awkward as all hell today.
What I didn’t expect was for those butterflies to resurface the moment he answered.
CeCe turns her head to the side. The lacy headband that holds her feather and flower is similar to mine, though hers has little jewels that surround her face, whereas mine is just lace and feather.
I give myself one more glance and then back away, letting the other girls have the mirror.
Cole and Ginger’s wedding is, of course, picture-perfect. The May sun is shining, the insects are buzzing, and the green space outside the wedding chapel is alive with laughter and chatter as I look out the window from our dressing room.
Ginger practices her vows in her own mirror.
She looks incredible; her ivory lace dress fits perfectly, little pearls dot the back, and the long skirt drapes all the way to the floor.
Our dresses are also long and flowy but keep with the flapper style, figure-hugging with a slit up to the thigh, which shows off CeCe’s adorable six-month baby bump beautifully.
The heart-shaped bodice is strapless and the whole dress is covered in a sheer beaded overlay.
I added my own little flair with vintage earrings and dramatic eye makeup.
Our hair has been styled expertly by the girls at Bendall’s Salon in town. We all have long loose waves down our backs and our makeup is dramatic and period perfect. It’s definitely the most fun I’ve ever had with wedding attire, but I wouldn’t expect anything less than fun from Ginger and Cole.
I take a deep breath, counting down the minutes until I see Asher again.
I can’t take back the fact that I blurted out everything I want and need in a man like a drunken prom queen.
All I can do is make sure nothing like that happens again.
I’ll be drastically limiting my drinks tonight.
Best behavior Liv reporting for bridesmaid duty.
“How are things going with your house?” CeCe asks now, fiddling with her hairpiece in the mirror.
“I’m hoping it will be fully demoed by the end of the month,” I answer, based on the daily updates Shane’s been giving me.
“And you’ve got Asher helping you source the wood for the cabinets?” Ginger asks before applying a little more lip gloss. “Have you seen him since he took you home?”
Shit.
I wince and brace for it.
“He took you home ?” CeCe’s face is animated, like a surprised little mama cartoon character. “Why didn’t I know this?”
“It was this one’s fault.” I hook a thumb in Ginger’s direction. “Too many pitchers at the bar. Besides, it was no biggie. He was leaving anyway.”
“He practically dragged her out,” Ginger adds with her trademark smirk.
“It’s nothing. It was just embarrassing. I haven’t been back to the bar or had a drink since.”
“The way he was holding you at the bar told a different story.” Ginger grins.
“Holy shit, what am I missing staying home?” CeCe quips.
“Nothing, I promise.” I look at both of them. “When I first met him I assumed he was just like Nathan. A bad boy, a player. But now I’m not so sure. He’s … a mystery.”
CeCe and Ginger know all about Nathan because it was them I called crying when I found him in bed with my best friend.
“Mysterious men are the hottest.” CeCe giggles. “Nash was a mystery when we started um, hanging out.”
“Code phrase for fucking like bunnies.” Ginger laughs.
I trade my gaze between them. “Well, we’re definitely not doing that. He’s an acquaintance at best. One who keeps popping up to save my ass.”
“And one you definitely think is hot as hell,” Ginger adds with a snort. “Even though you refuse to admit it.”
“Semantics,” I retort in my best Ginger voice. “Look, Asher Reed isn’t my Prince Charming. But I have faith my soulmate will come.”
I’ve been feeling better the last couple weeks. Something about being on the ranch, breathing in the fresh air, my morning porch chats with Dean. It’s been calming, peaceful.
“Until that prince comes, just thank the universe for vibrators.” Ginger laughs just as Camilla, her mom, knocks on the door with Mabel in tow.
“It’s time, ladies.” She smiles widely as she starts fawning over her daughter.
CeCe points to me, trying to sound firm. “Now’s not the time, but there’s more here. You’re definitely attracted to him.”
“Okay, officer.” I laugh. “If there’s anything to tell you, I promise you’ll be the first to know.”
We shuffle out of the room, and I try hard to fight those butterflies in my stomach just thinking about laying eyes on my acquaintance.