Chapter 9 #2
I sighed. All the while, my phone kept buzzing. I didn’t even bother to look this time. I didn’t know what to say, so I decided it was best to say nothing.
“Everything okay?” Bryn asked.
Not wanting to let them get in my head, I switched off my phone. I wanted to be completely focused on Bryn. When I glanced up at her, she was watching me with a concerned expression.
“Just the guys talking shit.” I showed her my phone screen now that it was blank. “They won’t bother us now.”
Bryn grabbed her purse, and we were about to leave when she stopped and turned to me. “Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked, uncharacteristically shy.
“Why? Are you having doubts?”
“About you?” She shook her head. “Never. I trust you.”
“I know.” It wasn’t something I took lightly.
I brushed her hair away from her shoulder, loving that I had an excuse to touch her even though no one was around. She smiled, and I found myself smiling back.
“I talked to Allie earlier,” she said, relief threading her words. “She apologized, and we cleared the air.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” I was grateful for it. “Do you feel better?”
She nodded. “I feel like she really listened to me.”
“Good,” I said, and I meant it. Because if Allie did anything else to hurt Bryn, we were going to have words. “What did you tell her about us?”
“Maybe it was wrong, but I decided to roll with it.” She winked, and I chuckled. “So now she and my mom, and whoever else they’ve told, think we’re dating.”
I thought it was interesting that Bryn had decided that it was easier to pretend we were dating than tell her family the truth, but I kept that thought to myself. As I’d told her last night, I would do whatever she wanted.
“How’d your mom react?” I asked.
“She was so happy and relieved, even if she didn’t say that. But Allie had a ton of questions, and now I’m worried that we’re walking into this woefully unprepared.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. “What kinds of questions?”
“Things like how long have we been together? How did this happen? Stuff like that. But hopefully, she’ll be having too much fun tonight to pay us much attention.”
I was skeptical. “Are you worried we won’t be able to sell it?”
She lifted a shoulder. “I like to be prepared, and I feel very out of my element here.”
Because of me? Because of the situation? Because she hadn’t dated in a long time? Maybe a bit of all of it.
“This doesn’t have to be difficult,” I said, eager to ease her worries. “Try not to overthink it. Most people know we’ve been friends for a long time. This is just a natural progression of our relationship. Besides, we can let our body language do most of the talking.”
“But if they do ask questions…” She rolled her lips between her teeth. “I think we should try to stick to the truth as much as possible.”
As if I needed the reminder. The bigger issue was trying to remember that for her, at least, this was all pretend.
I gave her hand a squeeze, wanting to reassure her. I certainly wouldn’t need to fake anything when it came to my feelings for Bryn.
She gnawed on the inside of her cheek, and I knew something was bothering her. But instead of pushing, I waited for her to speak.
“What if people think it’s…weird?” she whispered, and I hated the uncertainty in her eyes. She glanced away. “That we’re together because of…you know.”
Because of Derek.
“Bryn.” I grasped her chin, bringing her attention back to me.
“Yeah?” Her pulse was racing in her neck, eyes dilated. She seemed to like it when I took control. But that wasn’t what I should be focusing on right now, so I pushed away those thoughts.
“How did your sister react when you told her we were dating?”
She laughed. “Not surprised. Like…finally.”
Similar to some of my friends, then.
“And your mom?”
“She said it was great news.”
“That sounds really supportive to me. But regardless of what anyone else thinks, how do you feel when we’re together?”
Her shoulders relaxed. “I feel…good. Calm and centered. I always feel safe with you.”
My chest warmed at her statement.
“We enjoy being together, right?” I asked.
“Right.” She grinned.
“So it’s really not all that different from what we do at home. We’ve got this,” I said, releasing my grip on her chin.
“Yeah.” She exhaled quickly. “Yeah. We’ve got this.” I wasn’t entirely convinced she believed it, but it was a start.
I linked our hands as we made our way down the path that led to the front of the resort. It felt like the most natural thing in the world. We were almost to the main entrance when she stopped me.
She glanced around then pressed up on her tiptoes. When she spoke, her voice was low even though no one was around, apart from a few hotel employees. And they didn’t seem to be paying us any attention. “What about PDA? We don’t usually touch so much at home.”
“Is this okay?” I asked, rubbing my thumb over the back of her hand.
She nodded. “Yes, but maybe we need a code word or something. You know—to discreetly check in or whatever.”
I thought about it for a moment. Then I said, “What about a signal?” I tapped my finger twice against her hand. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Good idea.” She seemed to relax a little then gave me two taps in response. “I’m good.”
Two taps to check in. And two taps in response meant all was well. Easy.
“And if we need to slow down or stop?” she asked.
“We need a word,” I said. “Something that might not ordinarily come up during conversation but is easy to remember. Maybe…Penny?”
“Penny?” she asked. “Like the coin?”
“Or one of your favorite authors.” I rubbed the back of my neck.
She dipped her head. “I like that.”
“I’ve got you.” I tucked her hair behind her ear, savoring the fact that I could touch her so freely. “You know that, right?” I cupped her cheek. If I moved a few inches closer, we’d be kissing.
She searched my eyes before she nodded. “I know. You’re always there for me.”
I rested my forehead against hers. “Always,” I vowed, moving my hand so that I was cupping the back of her neck.
I was so damn close to closing the remaining distance and kissing her. But at the last minute, I pulled back and pressed my lips to her forehead instead. I didn’t want our first kiss to be under the guise of a fake relationship. When I kissed Bryn, I wanted her to know it was real.
So, for now, I’d continue to be patient.
She was important to me. She was everything to me.
We met the others out in front of the resort, where a small bus was waiting.
I hung back, following Bryn up the steps, my hand on her lower back.
Inside, the champagne was already flowing.
Allie was holding a microphone and wearing a white top hat with a veil.
She introduced everyone as they stepped onto the bus like an emcee at the Hawks game.
“Next up is my beautiful sister, my bridesmaid,” Allie said in a dramatic, booming voice over the mic. “Bryn!” Everyone cheered. “And her handsome date, Frasier.”
Allie winked at me. Kit stood by Allie’s side, wearing his own black top hat. Her lipstick was already smeared on his cheek, and I’d attended enough parties as a young hockey player to know that we were in for one hell of a night.
Bryn sank down on one of the seats, and I joined her, wedging in close. She linked our hands, surprising me even more when she rested our clasped hands on her bare thigh. I blinked at her and then remembered why we were there.
Right. Our audience.
I could feel Allie’s eyes on us, and it was time to put on a show.
I switched which hand was holding Bryn’s so I could drape my arm over her shoulder, loving the way she nestled into my side. She smelled so damn good, and I was aware of every single place we touched, aware of the warmth of her skin. I pressed my lips to her temple, aching to explore more of her.
I double tapped her shoulder, and she double tapped my thigh, smiling up at me, eyes sparkling with mischief.
I knew that look. That look had led to countless acts of daring. Like the night she’d convinced Derek and me to strip down to our underwear with her so we could all swim in a fountain on campus. Or the time she’d persuaded Derek and me to sneak her into the rink after hours.
I hadn’t seen that look in a long time. Not since well before Derek’s death. Not since college, really.
And even though I knew it meant trouble, I found myself smiling.
She was so fucking gorgeous. And I was determined to make her mine.
Bryn and I chatted with a few of the other guests during the ride.
I’d met a couple of the guys earlier as I’d made my way around the resort, and they’d all seemed nice enough.
Some of them were hockey fans, and they touched briefly on the upcoming season.
But after that, everyone treated me like I was just like anyone else.
After a relatively smooth ride, we arrived at the beach bar. Bryn and I hung toward the back of the group. The place was poppin’, and the live band had drawn a crowd. It was clearly a favorite spot of both locals and tourists.
Our group found a large table and ordered food and drinks. I kept an eye on Bryn, loving how carefree she seemed. And I could tell from the way her smile stretched to her eyes that she wasn’t pretending for the sake of her family; she was genuinely having fun.
I ordered a drink, but I took my time sipping it. After a few drinks, everyone was singing along to the music. Allie and a few of the girls dragged everyone out onto the makeshift dance floor, which was really just a square of sand with colorful lights strung between the palm trees.
I watched on from the high-top table, nursing my drink. Bryn had always loved dancing, and she had this natural ability to move her body. I was in awe of her, as always.
She came over to the table, eyes bright and cheeks rosy. “Dance with me?”
I chuckled, allowing her to lead me out to join the others. The salty air was warm, the music had a sultry beat, and I glided my hands down her arms, guiding her hands to my shoulders. She watched me with rapt attention, draping her arms around my neck.
I hated that I had to question if what she was doing was all for show. But when I slid my hands down her back, I reveled in the way her pupils darkened in response. That was real, and I clung to the idea that her desire for me wasn’t an act.
I placed my hands on her waist, guiding her, letting her feel the beat as I swiveled my hips. She followed along, arching one brow, clearly surprised that I was not only a willing participant but a skilled partner. That’s right, angel.
She leaned in, her lips brushing my skin and sending a shiver of pleasure down my spine. “Where’d you learn to dance like this?”
“Lost a bet with Gabe.”
She laughed, the sound light and full of happiness. “I think you could have a real shot at winning the Mirror Ball Trophy if you’re ever on Dancing with the Stars.”
Now it was my turn to laugh. “Yeah. That’s never happening.”
I’d enjoyed dancing more than I’d expected. I liked the challenge, of course. I loved anything that required me to be physical or challenged me mentally. But there was no way I was going to dance on live TV in front of millions in a tight-fitting sequined costume.
“Really?” She pouted.
“Angel,” I chuckled, the endearment slipping out before I could stop myself. “You’re the only partner I want to dance with.”
She grinned. “That’s sweet. But seriously? I would love to go on that show someday. The costumes. The talent. Ugh.”
I chuckled. “I’ll stick to the ice. It’s enough that I learned a lot, had fun, and improved my agility.” I did a maneuver to demonstrate.
“Clearly,” she said. “I mean, damn, Bear. You’ve got some moves.” She had no idea. Her cheeks were flushed, and I was dying to kiss her.
Shoot your fucking shot. Gabe’s voice rang in my head.
I brushed Bryn’s hair aside, meeting her gaze. Blue eyes full of trust and desire. The tension between us pulled taut. I leaned in. She licked her lips, and I wanted to taste them. She looked like she wanted me to taste them too.
But maybe what I’d mistaken for desire was actually just the effects of alcohol. She was buzzed and loose, her inhibitions lowered.
Regardless of the rum and our fake relationship, I knew she was attracted to me—last night had definitely shown that.
But I needed to tread carefully. We might be pretending we were dating, but the last thing I wanted was to fuck up my chances with her and ruin our friendship.
Because more than anything, that’s what I feared. Losing Bryn for good.
“Bride tribe,” Allie called out, waving her white top hat in the air, the veil fluttering behind it.
I leaned down and whispered, “Bride tribe?” in Bryn’s ear.
She rolled her eyes, but she was smiling the entire time. “Oh yeah. I’m lucky Allie didn’t make us wear the matching sashes she got us. Unfortunately—” Bryn adopted a sad expression, though I could tell she was trying hard not to laugh “—nobody could find them at the hotel.”
“That is unfortunate,” I said in a solemn tone.
She gave my arm a playful shove as we waited for the others to gather around for whatever announcement the bride was about to make.
“Okay, gang,” Allie said. “The bus is here to take us back to the hotel.”
“Already?” someone whined, clearly drunk.
A glance at my watch told me we’d been here longer than I’d realized.
“Don’t worry.” Allie linked her arm through Bryn’s, and I was glad to see they were getting along and having fun. “The party’s not over yet.” Allie winked at me over her shoulder, her cheeks pink from the alcohol.
And Allie was right. Because the party kept going—on the bus, where the drinks continued to flow. Several of the couples were making out, including the bride and groom. Bryn and I kept stealing glances at each other, and then we’d laugh.
When we got back to the hotel, Bryn and I followed the others down to a fire pit on the beach. There were only a few open seats left, which left Bryn on the opposite side of the circle from me.
Every time I looked at her, our eyes caught and held briefly. And then she’d smile and look down into her glass.
I couldn’t help but watch her. Hell, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was like the puck in a play-off game, and my attention followed her at all times. Like it was my goddamn job.
Even when one of the other guests engaged me in conversation, my attention was still on Bryn. On the way the firelight flickered over her skin. Her musical laughter. The delectable color of her lips and cheeks.
Fuck me. I was so gone for this woman, it was ridiculous.