But like it or not, Sam was her date for the weekend—and her neighbor for the remainder of the summer. Not to mention her partner in the possibly doomed engagement ring mystery. How was she supposed to avoid temptation for another month?
His arm rested against hers in the confined space. The elevator seemed to have grown hot and stuffy, the walls pressing in on all sides. She focused on breathing and resisted the urge to fan herself.
She cut a glance Sam’s way. What was he thinking over there?
And why the heck was it taking so long for this stupid elevator to travelone floor?
Not a moment too soon the doors whooshedopen, and Sadie stepped from the confined space into the gloriously spacious and air-conditioned lobby.
“Hang on a minute.” Sam guided her out of the flow of traffic, and they stopped beside a table with a beautiful pink peony arrangement.
“As I was saying before... Tag’s brother, Brendan, came down sick last night—a stomach flu or something.”
“Oh no. That’s terrible.”
“He’s the best man... so I offered to step in, fill his shoes so to speak.”
“That’s very nice of you. Oh, wow, you have a lot to do. You’ll need to get fitted for a tux—you’ll have a speech to write.”
“I know, there’s a lot to get done this afternoon. I really hate to desert you like this...”
She waved him off, predictably disappointed and relieved atthe same time. “Not at all. I’ll be perfectly fine. There’s a beautiful pool right outside and a novel with my name on it.”
He flashed his dimple. “Thank you for being so understanding.”
She fought the urge to kiss his cheek right there in that hollow spot. “Not at all. I’m glad you’ll be able to help out.”
They headed toward the restaurant. This was definitely for the best. Less time together equaled less temptation. And if the news had deflated her, it only proved that she needed to avoid his company even more than she’d suspected.
***
Sam finished buttoning the shirt and slid into the black jacket. As far as he could tell, it was a good fit. Tag had been grateful he’d offered to step in. His cousin even offered to move someone else into the best man slot and allow Sam to serve as simply one of the groomsmen.
But Tag had always been closer to Sam than anyone else in the party, and if the bride were any other woman, Tag would’ve asked Sam to fill the role.
He pushed the curtain aside and joined his mom and cousin outside the fitting room. Unused to wearing a buttoned-up shirt, Sam tugged at the collar.
Upon sight of him, his mother clasped her hands at her chest, and laugh lines fanned from her eyes. “Oh, you look so handsome, honey. It’s a perfect fit, don’t you think, Tag?”
“I think so, but maybe we need an expert opinion. Could you go get the saleslady, Aunt Beth? I think I saw her over there by the ties.”
His mom scooted off, eager to be of assistance and no doubt brimming with joy that Sam had stepped in to save the wedding—surely a sign he was ready to mend fences with Tag.
“I wanted a minute alone with you.” Tag’s brown eyes sharpened on Sam. “I haven’t had a chance to thank you in person for what you’re doing. I can’t tell you what it means to me.”
“We’ve been through a lot. It’s time to move forward.”
“I know I don’t deserve your generosity.” A shadow flickered in Tag’s jaw as it tightened. “But I appreciate it—and so does Amanda. I wanted you to be my best man all along, but I couldn’t ask you after what I did.”
Something in Sam softened at his cousin’s contrite expression. He gripped Tag’s shoulder, staring him square in the eye. “She was never meant for me, Cuz. I can see that now.”
“I wish I could do things over again. I handled it so badly. I’m ashamed of that. I hope you know I never meant to hurt you.” He blinked back tears. “I know that doesn’t change anything or excuse what I did, but...”
“I know you didn’t. Let’s just rebuild from here, all right? We all need a little grace sometimes. I’ve needed it from you a time or two.”
Tag’s mouth quirked to the side in a droll smile. “Not like this, you didn’t. But if you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I’ll strive to be more like you. You’re a good man, Sam.”
Sam swallowed hard as he clasped Tag’s hand and pulled him in for a shoulder bump. “Already forgiven, Cuz.”
