“Mmm,” Emma said from across the table. “Carly really outdid herself on this one.”
Carly owned A Piece of Cake bakery downtown. Mark had never been inside the bakery, but being part of the same circle of friends meant he’d gotten to enjoy her baking a few times anyway, and he hadn’t had anything yet he didn’t like. After cake and coffee, the music slowed again and the dance floor filled with couples. Even Trent had found a girl to dance with.
Mark seized the chance to make his exit. He wove between tables and out into the cool, crisp night. Overhead, the sky twinkled with stars. Looking up at them, he could almost think he was back in the desert. But instead of gunfire, the night around him was peppered with music, voices, and the tinkling of dishes. Right then, he missed the sound of gunfire, the adrenaline rush that came with it, the sense of calm that descended over him right before he jumped headfirst into the enemy’s lair.
He followed the path toward a fountain splashing at the other end. When he saw someone else sitting there, he started to turn away. He needed to be alone right now, had used up his capacity for casual conversation for the night, but her profile stopped him in his tracks. “Jess.”
She turned, silhouetted by the sliver of moon overhead. “Mark? What are you doing out here?”
“Same as you, I reckon.” He pushed his hands into his pockets and watched the spray of water as it splashed into the pool behind her.
She was silent for a moment, which suited him fine. “Just needed some air,” she said finally.
“Me too.”
“Beautiful wedding.”
“Yeah.” He watched her, captivated by the sheen of her lips in the moonlight.
“Think it’s too early to make an escape?” she asked suddenly.
He cocked his head. “I was just wondering the same.”
“I need to be out of here before they toss the bouquet.”
“Why’s that?”
She made a sound of frustration. “It’s just…a stupid, embarrassing tradition.”
Well, he’d never thought about it that way, but there was no way in hell he’d get out on that dance floor with all the other single guys here and try to catch flowers or anything else. “I can see that.”
“I don’t want to hurt Gabby’s feelings though.”
“I’m sure she’d understand. Just tell her you’re still feeling ill from the flu.”
Jess sighed. “That’s not even a lie. I think I’ll do that. Thanks, Mark.” She stood and started walking back toward the brightly lit tent behind them.
He stayed by the fountain, allowing the shadows to swallow him up. No matter how badly he wanted to see her to her car, for any number of reasons it was best to let her make her early exit alone.
***
Jessica woke up late the next morning, intensely grateful that the spa didn’t open until noon on Sundays. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she remembered the wedding. That dance with Mark. The crazy moment when she’d been sure they were about to kiss…holy crap. A burst of heat spread through her at the memory. Okay, she needed to step up her dating game ASAP because this attraction to Mark was getting out of control.
What was that about anyway?
Maybe it had to do with the thoughtful, honorable,sexyman he’d become. But he’d been all those things in high school too and look how that had turned out. Deep down, he was still the same man who’d cut her out of his life without a second thought, who’d do it again the next time he got restless. Couldn’t fault him for being who he was.
He wasn’t the man for her, and it was past time for her to suck up her pride and get back in the online dating game. Problem was, she was pretty sure she’d already gone out with every available guy in the area that she had anything in common with. Pitfalls of small town living.
Ugh.
She got up, lit some Nag Champa in her incense burner, and spent the next half hour cleansing her energy through meditation. By the time she’d finished, she felt much better—and more optimistic. The right man would come along. Of course he would.
In the meantime, she showered and got ready for work and then fixed herself a grilled cheese sandwich since it was closer to lunchtime than breakfast and she was starved. She washed it down with a much-overdue cup of tea. Her phone showed a text from Mark.
Okay if I stop by around 6??
She typed back:I’m working until 6. Make it 7?
