Page 16 of Surprisingly Us

She swats my arm. “She’s devastated. Absolutely traumatized by the whole thing.”

I glance over at the redhead. Her eyes are still on me, her mouth still making eating cake look like foreplay. She doesn’t look traumatized at all.

“Then why’d she come?” I ask.

“Because it’s for family and that’s important.”

I shake my head. “You’re losing me again.”

Lettie sighs. “You’ve seenWedding Crashers, right?”

I smirk. “One of my favorites.”

“Of course, it is.”

“Remember when Vince Vaughn hooks up with the bridesmaid and she turns out to be a real nut-job?”

“Yeah?”

She motions toward the redhead.

“Now I’m confused. Is she vulnerable from a breakup or a clingy basket case?”

“Um, both! Her vulnerability makes her attach to guys really quickly. That’s not your style, so you should definitely avoid her.”

I take another look at her defensive stance and my smile widens. I have no intention of talking to the redhead. In fact, tonight is an exercise in will power. To prove that I can fight against my baser urges, and not fuck a fellow guest.

“I see. You’re eliminating the competition because you want me all to yourself.”

Lettie’s nose scrunches up again. “What? No.”

“Come on. You saw me across the room and you thought,now there’s a man who could show me a good time.”

“I did see you across the room and I thought,that man in the purple suit needs a friend.”

I chuckle, but I can hear the hint of defensiveness in my tone. “It’s periwinkle.”

Her eyes drop to scan the full length of me. “Okay, sure.”

“And it’s Dolce & Gabbana.”

“That’s great.”

“A June wedding is the perfect occasion for this suit.”

While most of the men at this wedding are wearing black or navy, and the groom and groomsmen are in tan suits, I like that I stand out in this suit. And I know I look good.

Ramsey wanted me to wear a navy suit, but I figured if I’m going to give up my style for the foundation board, I’m going to have one last hurrah. Besides, this ensemble is tame compared to others. This one says, I know how to dress so I’m going to show you.

Lettie’s lips press together, then she smiles up at me. “There’s no need to get defensive. I like your periwinkle suit.”

Her hand reaches up to my lapel, her thumb sliding over the material there while her fingers press against the fabric beneath. She’s not touching me, but that simple movement has me entranced. Our eyes lock and I remember what it’s like to be in her presence. The way she always made me feel grounded. Even when my world felt overwhelming.

I inch closer and she abruptly drops her hand.

“So, we’re good? No trying to sleep with Becky?”

“Who’s Becky?” I ask, still a bit woozy from Lettie’s presence.

---