When they got to the restaurant, they had to wait for a few minutes for the room to be ready, something Mrs.Wentworth was not happy about, and she was already discussing her dissatisfaction with the manager.
Carli tried to calm things down.“It’s fine.I’m sure several of us could use the ladies’ room before we sit down to eat.”She tipped her chin at Mercedes, who nodded and followed her into the bathroom.
The room was luxurious, and she gaped at the upholstered chairs and baskets of beauty products lining the marble counter.
Mercedes waved her hand around the room.“I’d better enjoy this now.I doubt my wedding rehearsal dinner will be this nice.”
A strange expression on her face, Carli swiveled her way.“So, Mercedes, want to tell me what’s been going on with you and my brother lately?”
How did she handle this?She’d never want to lie to her best friend, but she also didn’t want her upset right before her wedding.“What are you talking about?”Best get clarification on exactly what she meant.
“The sly glances and winks today.The clandestine kiss behind the presents at the bridal shower last weekend.”
Drat.She’d seen that.Was she mad?“I don’t want to do anything to upset you before your wedding.”
Carli’s eyes popped open.“The two of you haven’t slept—”
“No,” she interrupted.“We’ve kissed.That’s all so far.”
“I warned him,” Carli said.
“About kissing me?”
Carli closed her eyes, then opened them again.“I don’t want him to hurt you.He doesn’t have the best staying power with girlfriends.”
“He won’t hurt me.He hasn’t stayed with most of his girlfriends because some only used him to brag about being with a Deaf guy, and some of the Deaf ladies only wanted him because he’s Deaf.He’s looking for someone to want him for himself, regardless of his hearing status.”
Carli’s face softened.“I understand that completely.”
Mercedes shrugged.“Besides, it’s only been kissing.”She wouldn’t mention some of the wandering hands at times.
The grin on her friend’s face made Mercedes relax.“Did you like them?”
Mercedes couldn’t stop the smile that blossomed on her face.“I won’t kiss and tell.”
“The blush on your cheeks,” Carli pointed a finger her way, “gives me the answer.If he does something stupid, though, tell me.I’ll kick his butt.”
“I’ve got an older brother; I know how it’s done.I can kick his butt, too.”She’d rather do other things to it, like stare at how good it looked in the dress slacks he wore tonight.
“We’d better get back out there.Hopefully, my future mother-in-law hasn’t insulted the manager of the restaurant and gotten us kicked out.”
Mercedes touched her hand to her chest and imitated the woman in question.“They wouldn’t dare do that to a Wentworth.”
The women laughed and joined the rest of the party.Mercedes wended her way until she was beside Evan and made sure to get a seat next to him.Because she might need to interpret for him.Right?That was a good reason.When he caressed his hand up her thigh, she found another good reason.One no one else had to know about.Not tonight.Once the wedding was over, they could be freer with their affection.They’d both decided they didn’t want to upstage Carli and Blake’s big day with an announcement of their new coupledom.
The food service began as soon as they sat, with drinks and appetizers being brought out.Mercedes had never seen some of the items on the platters.
What is this?Evan asked, trying to be unobtrusive with his question as he indicated something slimy and green.
I haven’t got a clue.I may stick with the bread until the main meal comes out.They’d been given a choice earlier in the week and had put in their orders for either beef, chicken, or fish.
The bread was soft on the inside and crusty on the outside, and Mercedes groaned at the honey butter the servers brought with it.Her hips wouldn’t be happy when she couldn’t fit into her jeans.
Stop worrying about your hips, Evan signed to her unobtrusively.
She cocked her head.How did you know what I was thinking?
He gave her that charming grin that showed off his dimple.I’ve known you forever.I can see it in your eyes.You want that butter but think you can’t have it.It’s okay to indulge yourself every now and again.Plus, I love your hips.
