Page 21 of Wedding or Not

“It was. Thanks for improving my performance.”

“Anytime you want help taking risks, I’m your man.”

I’m not sure he intended the comment to come across the way it did because he blinks and jerks slightly, as if he just heard what he said.

I look at the floor and try to hide behind my hair, but it’s not an unpleasant feeling.

I can’t seem to stop smiling.

Wes glances over again to my sisters. Then murmurs, “Walk me out?”

“Yeah.” I’m relieved even though there is no sensible reason to escort him the short distance to the end of the front walk.

When we’re outside, the brisk night air cools me down and relieves me. We walk down the front step and then the sidewalk that leads to the paved drive in silence.

Reaching it, we both stop.

“Well,” I say, hugging my arms to my chest.

I wish he could stay longer. I wish we could hang out. I wish I had a clue about what is happening here.

“Well.” He clears his throat. “Thanks again for letting me join. It’s nice. Having a big family like that.”

“It is. It’s not been the same without Mom and Dad, but it still… it still feels like family. You and Jake can join us anytime you want. No one would mind.”

“I know. Maybe we will occasionally. Although it’s already Dad’s bedtime.”

I chuckle at that. “He gets up so early.”

“Yeah, he does.”

When I risk a quick glance up at his face, Wes’s eyes are dark in the light of the moon. Dark and soft and something else that makes my breath hitch.

I stare up at him, my lips parted slightly.

“Well.” Wes shifts his weight from foot to foot.

“Well.”

“Well.” When he hears himself repeat the word again, he huffs in amusement.

So do I.

“So tomorrow we’ll run into each other at Rooster’s,” I say, finally landing on something to get us past the moment.

“Sounds good. I’ll see you there.”

“Yeah. See you there.”

Shit, I’m starting the repetition again. Why can’t I make my brain work?

Wes turns to walk away but then swings back around. He opens his mouth like he’s going to say something but doesn’t. Instead, he leans closer.

And I know—I know, I know—he’s about to kiss me.

And I want it so much.

More than anything.