Chapter 5
Rylee
Today I have my last dress fitting, and Avery promised to stop by so she can hear the details of Jase in person. She shows up as they are finishing up the last-minute nips and tucks to the dress.
"Oh, you totally ditched spa day for this guy. Please tell me it was worth it," Avery says as she flops down on the chair next to me.
Yesterday was a spa day for the bridesmaids, and I was going to stop in, but the day was going so well with Jase that I skipped it.
"Totally worth it. He took me anywhere on the island I wanted to go.
He held my bag and didn't complain once when I stopped to take photos, and even let me take a few of him.
We spent the whole day together and even watched the sunset in Mallory Square, where he kissed me and then asked me out on a real date tonight. "
Avery lets out a squeal in a way only someone truly happy for me could.
I go to change out of the dress and check my phone.
Jase: Can I see your bridesmaid dress?
Me: Will you tell me where we’re going tonight?
Jase: No...
Me: Then, no.
I include the winking face emoji and change out of my dress.
Jase: Exploring the city isn't the same without you. Can I pick you up early?
My heart flutters. He wants more time with me, and I certainly want more time with him.
Me: How early?
Jase: Now? Or as soon as you can get ready.
Me: I won't be able to get away for a few more hours, but I’ll let you know.
"I don't have anything to wear," I say when I step out of the changing room.
Avery checks her phone and sends off a text. "Come on. There’s a super cute shop a few doors down."
As we walk, Avery keeps looking at me but doesn't speak.
"Okay, what is it?" I ask.
"I love how happy you are, and I want you happy, but I want you to be careful. This guy appears out of nowhere after seven years, and I worry about you."
"I’m being careful, I promise. But if this is the only time I can spend with him before we go back to letters, I need to take it."
"I know, just be a bit guarded, is all."
She drops the subject as we step into the clothing store.
After spending an hour trying on dresses, I settle on an off-the-shoulder dress that’s tight at the top and then loosens up around my waist. It’s a long dress with a high slit that shows off my legs.
Though it’s a casual dress, it’s perfect for the relaxed vibe in Key West. It's not what I would typically wear, but Avery says it's the dress that will make him swallow his tongue, and she hasn't steered me wrong before.
When I get back to my room, I send Jase a text.
Me: I just got back to my room, so I’ll be getting ready if you still want to meet up early.
Jase: Yeah, I do. I’ll head over and wait in the lobby. Text when you’re ready, and I’ll come to your door.
Of course, he will. Jase is the perfect gentleman. After getting dressed, I put some curls in my hair but decide to keep my makeup light and natural. I send him a quick text as I slip into my sandals and put what I need into a smaller purse instead of the bag I’ve been carrying around.
That's when he knocks on my door. I take a deep breath and check that it’s him before opening the door. When I see him, I freeze. He's drop-dead handsome in dark jeans and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up in that sexy way we girls love.
Jase is doing some looking of his own. "Damn, Rylee, I don't know if we’ll make it out of this hotel tonight."
That catches my attention. "Is everything okay?" I ask, still caught up in the way the jeans hug his muscular legs.
"Yeah, baby girl, everything is fine. That dress is going to have me hard all night." He reaches for one of my hands, and I look down at my feet as a blush heats my cheeks.
He places a finger under my chin and tilts my head up. His thumb runs over my cheek, which is still stained red. "That was my terrible way of telling you that you look breathtakingly beautiful." His voice is gruff, and I can tell he means every word.
"Thank you," I whisper.
He turns and holds his hand out for me to take. When I do, he leads me downstairs and out of the hotel. I don't ask where we’re going. We could be walking across the island for all I care. I simply like walking with him, hand in hand.
We talk about my day, the dress fitting, and even my talk with Avery.
"Your cousin is worried about you, and she’s right to tell you to keep your guard up. Even though I get it, I plan to prove myself, and I won’t disappear."
He takes me to a restaurant not far from the hotel. It’s right on the beach, and we have breathtaking views of the sunset over the water.
"I can't believe you remembered." I don't mean to say it out loud, but it slips out.
When we passed this place yesterday, I made some off-the-wall comments on how beautiful it must be to eat dinner by the water and watch the sunset.
"I pay attention to everything you say or write to me. So yes, I remembered." He gives my hand a gentle squeeze before leading me to our table.