Page 40 of The Wedding Engagement

Arran glanced over to give her a smile.

“Was it as bad as you thought?”

“To be honest, no. It wasn’t. Once we were there and started talking to the brides, I enjoyed myself and even forgot that they should’ve been my wedding band.”

A sense of relief warmed her. “That’s good. So you think you’ll be okay on the day, when they’re playing the evening reception?”

He nodded firmly. “Absolutely.” They reached the junction and he let go of her to execute the turn. “You know what?”

“What?”

He gave her a warm smile. “Being there with you helped.”

Her breath snagged like it had when he’d held her close on the dance floor. “I’m glad I was there.”

She allowed herself to study him and the contented expression on his face for a few more seconds, before dragging her eyes away and onto the dark scenery ahead.

“By the way,” Arran asked, “what do you want for your birthday?Not long to go now until the twins’ big day, and I already got you the sonic screwdriver.”

“That’s okay. You don’t have to get me a present.”

He pursed his lips and shook his head. “Oh, yes I do. We’re best buds now. I get something for Sam, and so I’m getting something for you.”

Liv laughed. “There’s really nothing that I want.”

He smiled knowingly. “I’ll just have to go with my gut, then.”

Chapter

Ten

Climbing the stairs to thefirst floor, Arran cast his gaze around the pub and settled on where the guests of honor were seated around a table with Maya, Elise, and Nico. His gaze did linger somewhat longer on the birthday girl in particular, though, his pulse firing a little more rapidly in response.

He made his way over, pleased to see that the one remaining seat was next to Liv. He placed a hand on her shoulder as he reached them, the heat from the contact driving up his arm and into his chest, zapping his heart. “Many happy returns, Aggie.”

She gave him a show-stopping smile that electrified his skin, and when she got to her feet to lean up and kiss his cheek, it scrambled his brain.

Arran moved over to embrace Sam, trying to regain his bearings. “And happy birthday to you too, you complete tosser.”

Sam grinned. “Thanks, pal.”

Arran greeted the others, then took off his jacket and settled in the seat next to Liv. “So.” He rubbed his hands together. “What did I miss?”

“An argument,” Liv replied, raising her eyebrows.

“Anargument?” He dropped his jaw in exaggerated surprise. “On the twins’ sacred birthday?”

Liv sniffed, giving her twin a mock-stern stare. “Sam says Matt Smith was the best Doctor Who.”

His jaw dropped for real, and Arran shot Sam a look of horror. “You’re joking.”

“Nope.” Sam took a swig of his beer. “Matt’s the best.”

Liv glanced at Arran. “Everyone knows the best Doctor is—”

“David Tennant,” Arran finished for her.

“See,” Liv accused Sam. “You know nothing, Sam Holland. I hereby claim your best friend for myself because we are more attuned than you and he.” She took hold of Arran’s hand, the soft pads of her fingers burning into his skin and making the hairs on the back of his arm stand on end.

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