There’s a nervous twinge in my abdomen, as if from that information alone he’s figured out everything that’s been going on and is about to reveal it to the whole table. I focus diligently on loading my fork with more beans.
“Hey,” Alex says with a giggle, her cheeks rosy from the champagne, “wouldn’t it be funny if you guys had been on the same flight and not even realized?”
My neck is hot as I shove the beans into my mouth, keeping my gaze averted from Luke.
“Oh, I think she was too busy on that flight to look for my kid brother,” Michael says, mirth glimmering in his eyes.
Alex chortles, then her face grows serious as she glances across at Michael. “Oh, I didn’t tell you, honey. She has actually beenseeingthis mystery plane man.”
I take a long slug of champagne. I can feel Luke’s eyes on me, and sweat gathers on my top lip. I wipe at it discreetly, willing my erratic heartbeat to settle.
Michael tosses me a grin. “Well, I hope he’s good enough for my new little sister,” he says affectionately, and I grimace so hard I nearly break a tooth.
“Actually,” Alex adds with a smug little smile, “I think she might be falling in love with him.”
OhGod.
Michael’s grin widens. “Really?”
“It’s not…” My face is in flames. “I don’t think… It’s only been a few weeks.” I can’t bring myself to even so much as glance in Luke’s direction. If only these two knew what kind of trouble they’re causing.
“Oh, come on,” Alex needles. “You’re so smitten.”
Luke’s gaze is boring a hole into me now and I raise a hand to my burning cheek, shaking my head.
My mother leans closer beside me, angling to speak to Alex, her voice brimming with excitement. “What’s this about Harriet being smitten?” A shadow crosses her brow. “It’s not another American man, is it? Because if I have to fly over here for another wedding—”
“Jesus,” I mutter, pushing my chair back with a scrape. I snatch up my champagne glass and drain it. “I’m going to go and make sure the reception hall is all set for tomorrow.” And I stalk out of there, refusing to look at Luke.
34
Ienter the empty reception hall and click the door shut, letting the darkness of the room swallow me.
Bloody Alex. I can’t believe she said I was falling inlovewith Luke. That’s absurd. Even though I didn’t see his face, I know that would have freaked him out. We’ve only known each other for two and a half weeks, for Christ’s sake. That would be enough to freak any man out. Compared to me, Dena is probably looking like a far more reasonable option right now. And let’s face it, he didn’t seem too fussed about her being here, what with all that head kissing at reception earlier.
I fumble along the wall for the light switch and find a whole panel. I flick one, which floods the room with bright light. Blinking, I glance at the panel and press the one labeled “dance floor,” turning off the rest. The room goes almost dark, except for a few colored lights over the dance area and a spinning ball that ricochets light around the room. Without music playing it feels kind of surreal, which matches my mood perfectly.
Heaving out a sigh, I wander around the reception hall, absently checking the place settings and the table decorations, making sure everything is as it should be. It looks really good, and the hand-lettering on the place cards adds a nice touch. All our hard work has paid off.
I hear the door open and glance up in surprise. Luke’s tall figure is illuminated by the light outside, then the door clicks shut and I see his shadow moving between the tables. My pulse ramps up as he nears, a roller coaster of nerves crashing through me. No doubt he’s come to tell me that we need to cool off, that it’s all over. He must be terrified by that nonsense Alex was spouting.
He stops a table away from me, hesitating. I can see the outline of him and the spinning light flicks over him, briefly revealing his features, but I can’t make out his expression.
It’s probably just as well. I’m not sure I want to see the horror on his face. Unless he finds the whole thing hilarious, like that time he teased me for begging him. Or he might even pity me. That would be the worst, I think. See, this is the problem with letting your guard down—
“Hey,” he says softly, interrupting my spiraling thoughts.
“Oh, hi.” I keep my voice light, reaching to straighten a place setting.
“You okay?”
“Yep.” I swallow, hoping he’ll get this over with and not drag it out.
He takes a step around the table towards me and, instinctively, I step in the other direction, inching away from him. I can’t get too close in case I lose it.
He’s quiet for the longest time, just standing there as the lights spin around us in the dark.
God, I have to say something.
