“I’m trying. It’s stuck on something,” he says, his breath stirring the hairs at the nape of my neck. The warmth of it sends an unexpected shiver through me. “I have an idea.”
I let out an ear-piercing screech when he pulls the zipper down instead of up. Frantic, I cup the front of my gown, hoping not to flash everyone—especially him.
“Tristen Davis.”
“Sometimes you have to go backward to go forward.” A perfectly timedziiipsounds and he cinches the back of the dress. “Got it.”
I jump away from him, mumbling a rushed thanks as I dive into the huddle of curious bridesmaids, their eyes bouncing between the two of us.
He shakes his head, his dark shaggy hair whipping back and forth. Lines of annoyance crease between his brows, the ones that my brother calls Tristen’s Reese Lines. It’s quiet for a moment before he finally speaks up.
“Well, I probably should get going.”
“We’re going to the Denver Bazaar next if you want to join us,” Julia suggests.
I’m barely able to contain my groan.
As if he’s expecting me to say something, his eyes meet mine.
I duck behind Lola’s larger frame.
He clears his throat. “The Bazaar? Eh. Sounds like a lot of shopping. Not really my thing. I’ll let you ladies enjoy the rest of your day.”
Everyone says goodbye, and he shuffles through the archway into the main shop without a second glance behind him. As soon as he’s gone, my heartbeat slows and my nerves fizzle out, and the sweet comfort of my control eases back into me.
“You ok?” Lola asks, pushing lavender-colored glasses higher up the bridge of her nose. It’s the same purple shade as the highlights through her hair. “Boyfriend problems?”
I blink a few times, confused. “You mean my ex that’s in prison?”
“Uh, I mean the one that just left.”
“Tristen?!” My jaw drops. “No, no. Absolutely not. We can barely stand each other.”
“That’s not what I saw.”
I bristle at her matter-of-fact librarian tone. “Then you need new glasses.”
“Reese,” Maya hisses.
“It’s okay,” Lola says with a booming laugh. “The more she complains, the more she proves my point.”
Mia and Nia nod in unison, adding fuel to my irritation.
“There’s no point to be made besides that the man drives me absolutely crazy on a daily basis.” I tap my finger into my palm, emphasizing each word.
“I think I read a similar romance book last month,” Maya chimes in, smirking.
I throw my hands up and let them flop back, sending a puff of glitter from my dress. “Even if he were the last person on earth, I would never in a million years consider datinghim.” When none of them appear convinced, I add a resounding, “I don’t even like him,” like it’s an open-and-shut case.
“Famous last words,” Nia remarks, raising a perfectly plucked brow.
They chuckle for a moment before turning back to eachother to discuss different shoe options. Lola climbs up on the alteration podium with nothing but smiles, but my mood has soured at their poor attempt at matchmaking.
Tristenthe-bane-of-my-existenceDavis... How does the man get under my skin even when he’s not around?
Chapter Two
REESE
