Her luck with men was non-existent.She’d dated Dave for more than two years when he landed a job in Boston.She should have known how he felt about her when he took the job without even talking to her.
When he’d asked her to go with him, it came across more as an afterthought.And she didn’t want to live in Boston.Sure, it was fine to visit, but she couldn’t imagine trading small Bayberry for a big bustling city.She would be a fish out of water.
Apparently, he thought he was far enough away that he could juggle two relationships without either woman finding out about the other.That lasted for five months before it blew up in her face.
She had a long history of picking the wrong guy.This New Year’s she should make a resolution to take the year off from dating.It sounded like a reasonable plan.
Sadie’s nose curled up.“We don’t want to talk about him and ruin tonight.But I do have a confession to make—”
“Sadie!”Reed approached them.“Oh.Hi, Abby.I want to introduce you both to my best and oldest friend, Brad Pearson.”Reed was smiling.
When Abby focused on the man next to him, her mouth gaped.There stood Mr.Grumpy Pants.Her thoughts stuttered.Her gaze moved to Sadie, who wore a guilty expression.The whole time they’d been discussing Mr.Grumpy Pants, erm, Brad, her friend had known exactly who he was.
“It’s nice to meet you.”The man held his hand out to her.
And then she recalled what Reed had said.This is his best friend.There was no friendliness in the man’s eyes.They were guarded and held secrets.What kind of secrets, she wondered.
Her gaze moved to his hand.She could feel Sadie and Reed looking at them.Abby reluctantly reached out and placed her hand in his.Once more she was jolted by some sort of current that arced between them.This time he was the one to quickly pull his hand away.
She forced a smile to her lips.“It’s nice to meet you too.”
No, it wasn’t.Not at all.But she wasn’t about to let on that he got to her.
When she cast a glance in Sadie’s direction, she could see the amusement dancing in her friend’s eyes.Oh, boy, were they going to talk later.
Chapter Four
No.Itcouldn’tbe.
Brad stared at the most beautiful—most irritating—barista he’d ever had the displeasure of meeting.His hand still stung where the hot coffee had splashed—not that he’d let on to her.
He remembered how their fingers had brushed.He’d noticed a strange sensation like a tingling in his fingertips.The next thing he knew, the barista had yanked her hand away before he’d had a firm grasp on the cup.
Hearing his name called drew him back to the present.He turned his attention to Sadie.She was also beautiful but not nearly as striking as Abby.He sent her a smile.“It’s nice to put a face to the name.Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”Sadie’s smile was radiant.“And we’re so happy you could be here.”
“I have to say that I’m curious to see Bayberry.”He wasn’t.Not really.“Reed has really talked up this place.”That much was true.
“It’s the best small town you’ll find anywhere.”Sadie said it with confidence.Then she glanced over at Abby.“And I’m sure Abby will be willing to show you around.”
Abby’s big brown eyes momentarily widened.“Me?”She pressed a hand to her chest.“But, uh…” It was like she was desperately searching for any excuse to get out of spending time with him.“I’m working tomorrow.”
He wasn’t used to a woman finding excuses to avoid him.Usually it was the other way around.
“I’m sure you can take some time off.”Sadie glanced over at Reed, and without a verbal question, Reed nodded to her in response.She turned back to Brad and Abby.“We would like you both to stand up for us.Will you be our maid-of-honor and best man?”
Brad should have expected this, but he didn’t think they’d get around to figuring out the wedding details so quickly.Was this Sadie’s way of getting Reed tied down before he realized that he’d made a mistake?
In that moment, Brad realized they were looking expectantly at him.He nodded as his gaze moved to Reed.“You know I’ll always be there for you.”
Reed stepped forward and clapped him on the back while the women hugged.Just then they were joined by two more good-looking women.He’d give it to this town—there were a lot of beautiful women.
Still, this wasn’t the right place for Brad.But as his best friend looked at his fiancée, it was obvious Reed was crazy about Sadie.Brad wasn’t giving up.He just had to modify his plan and convince both of them that their future was in Chicago.Seemed simple enough.
Sadie turned to Abby.“Please… Could you show Brad around town tomorrow?”Was that a pleading look on Sadie’s face?“We would do it, but my parents want to have lunch with Reed and I.”
He noticed how Abby glanced his way.When their gazes connected, she immediately turned her head.Then she stumbled over her words as she said, “Uh, yeah.I’ll, uh, get someone to cover for me at the coffeeshop.”
