Now, I just look at him like he is crazy. “She’s Liam’s sister.”
“And?” he continues to press.
“The guy would kill me, and let’s not have him convicted of murder on his wedding weekend. Besides, there are far too many risks if Hailey and I are just that… a little fun.”
His hearty chuckle has me scanning the area because it draws attention to us. “A little fun? Are you kidding me? You just spewed out some lies there. But hey, you keep being miserable in that little world of yours.”
“I’m not miserable,” I defend. “I have work, friends, I might even get a dog.”
Keats seems skeptical as he rests against the bar with ankles crossed. “Sure. I’m just saying that maybe let down a wall or two. Liam will be away on his honeymoon for a few weeks, and it’s a stressful time at work. It’s a good time to have someone make you laugh, and so be it if it involves no clothes.”
Glaring at him, I need to wrap this conversation up. “Maybe you should go focus on your girlfriend who didn’t catch the bouquet yet will still probably bring up the topic of marriage about ten times tonight.”
Keats glimpses cooly down to his drink then back to me. “Not a concern. I’m popping the question next week, actually. Besides, she didn’t catch the flowers… Hailey did.”
Rolling my eyes, I struggle to keep my smirk from inching wider. “That is the case.”
He winces when he sees something over my shoulder. “Eek. I think Sam is about to do the worm on the floor.” I follow his line of sight and see one of the groomsmen heading to the floor.
“Hazards of it getting late. I’m going to grab some air.” I begin to loosen my tie as I walk through the crowd of people chatting, drinking, dancing, or simply sitting at tables trying to solve world peace.
When I reach the outside roof terrace, I’m relieved with the breeze and noise floating into the background. A few people are out here chatting quietly, but it’s my internal magnet that leadsme straight to Hailey who is sitting on a lounge sofa and seems lost in thought.
My feet are already taking the steps before I can even contemplate. “Is the spot next to you free?”
The hanging lights give enough glow that I’m able to see her warm eyes sparkle. “It is.”
She scoots over, and I join her, our bodies touching as there is only so much space. Leaning forward, I rest my elbows on my thighs, and my hands hang between my knees. “Good catch.”
Hailey glances down to the flowers in her hand. “I wasn’t even trying.”
“Still. Just a shame that you have about ten women back in there who are not impressed.”
“Oh, I know. Who knew it was such a vicious sport.”
A few seconds of silence surround us, except it’s peaceful. “Are you having fun?”
“Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be? It’s a happy day for my family.”
“Good. It’s a party, that’s for sure.”
She chuckles softly. “Is this you trying to make small talk? We can let certain memories go, it’s fine.” I hear a little agitation in her voice.
“No. It’s not that. Literally, I came out here for some air and you just so happened to be here wanting the same.”
“Okay.” She bounces her eyes to the flowers in her hand and back to me. “I’m not sure why I’m carrying this around.”
“Because you’re reflecting on the fact that you will be a beautiful bride one day.”
My words cause her eyes to flare slightly, through me even. Maybe she knows that the thought of her with someone else makes me bananas or that she’ll… never bemybride.
“I’ll take the compliment, I guess.” She presses her lips together and slides her gaze to the lights hanging over the balcony edge. “You’re a good guy, Oliver.”
“So I’ve been told.”
She bumps my arm with hers. “It’s not a bad thing. Besides, I know you have another side to you.”
There is our reminder of our road trip, and she realizes it, too.
