“Already?” someone whined, clearly drunk.
A glance at my watch told me we’d been here longer than I’d realized.
“Don’t worry.” Allie linked her arm through Bryn’s, and I was glad to see they were getting along and having fun. “The party’s not over yet.” Allie winked at me over her shoulder, her cheeks pink from the alcohol.
And Allie was right. Because the party kept going—on the bus, where the drinks continued to flow. Several of the couples were making out, including the bride and groom. Bryn and I kept stealing glances at each other, and then we’d laugh.
When we got back to the hotel, Bryn and I followed the others down to a fire pit on the beach. There were only a few open seats left, which left Bryn on the opposite side of the circle from me.
Every time I looked at her, our eyes caught and held briefly. And then she’d smile and look down into her glass.
I couldn’t help but watch her. Hell, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was like the puck in a play-off game, and my attention followed her at all times. Like it was my goddamn job.
Even when one of the other guests engaged me in conversation, my attention was still on Bryn. On the way the firelight flickered over her skin. Her musical laughter. The delectable color of her lips and cheeks.
Fuck me.I was so gone for this woman, it was ridiculous.
CHAPTER TEN
“Who wants to go first?” Allie asked, holding her glass aloft. Some of the liquid sloshed over the edge, and she giggled as Kit reached out to steady her.
I laughed, sipping my own drink. I felt light and floaty—like nothing could touch me.
I was tempted to blame the buzz on the alcohol, but it was more than that. It was Frasier, and the way he’d touched me, watched me. All evening, he’d made me feel wanted and desired, and I thought I might combust.
I’d forgotten this sensation. Forgotten what it was like to crush on someone. And I found myself wanting to “lean in” to it, as Georgia had suggested. It might all be pretend—at least for Frasier. But if anything, that made it easier for me to let go.
“First for what?” one of the other bridesmaids asked, interrupting my rum-fueled musings. I kicked off my shoes, burying my toes in the cool sand.
Allie beamed. “Truth or dare, of course.”
A few people groaned, including me.
After a fun evening at the beach bar, the party had moved back to the resort. My body might be sitting in a chair in frontof a bonfire, but my mind was still stuck on that dance on the beach. Talk about bringing the heat…
Holy shit,Frasier had some moves.
How that man was still single was beyond me. Sure, he could come off as intense, grumpy even. But beneath the intimidating exterior, he was a teddy bear. Definitely boyfriend material.No.Husband material.
He was kind and caring. He was loyal and generous. He’d always been there for me…and maybethatwas the problem. MaybeIwas the problem.
He was always too busy with hockey or me to leave time for anything else, like dating. He claimed that wasn’t true, but I didn’t see how it could be otherwise. I wanted Frasier to find happiness, but the idea of watching him with another woman sent such a visceral reaction through me that I thought I was going to be sick.
I am so screwed.
Because I was coming to realize that not only was I attracted to my best friend, but the feelings I had toward Frasier went so far beyond mere attraction. And I wasn’t sure what to do about that. If I evenshoulddo anything about it.
When I glanced up, Frasier was watching me with a concerned expression. He looked as if he were about to get up and cross the circle to me, but I shook my head. His shoulders relaxed ever so slightly, but then he placed his hand over his heart. His eyes locked on mine as he tapped twice.Are you okay?
The bridge of my nose stung. I didn’t know whether it was the alcohol or my emotions, but I loved this man for checking in with me. I loved that he knew me so well.
And even though I was far from okay, he made me feel like I could be. So I placed my hand over my heart and tapped twice. He nodded, seemingly satisfied—at least, for now.
“First of all, everyone put their phones in a pile,” Allie said. “Or here.” She stole Kit’s hat and turned it upside down before passing it to the bridesmaid next to her. “Put them in here.”
I didn’t know whether that made me feel better or worse. At least no one would be able to record whatever was about to go down. But I wondered how far some of Allie and Kit’s friends would take a game of truth or dare.
“You too, Allie,” I said when I noticed she hadn’t added her phone to the pile.
