Page 27 of The Complication with the Best Man

He goes on to explain each of the appetizers on our plate and tells us to let him know if we have any questions. We thank him, and he ventures back into the kitchen.

“So, what’s this Buzz Wheel thing he’s talking about, and why is it talking about Palmer being pregnant?”

“Just one of the perks of small-town life.” She rolls her eyes. “It started a long time ago and was basically a gossip blog. Nowadays it’s an app that churns the Lake Starlight rumor mill. People can send gossip in and include pictures if they like, and it refreshes every day. You never know who’s watching.”

My mouth drops open. “Are you serious? That sounds horrific.”

She shrugs. “It sounds invasive, but honestly, it’s a small town. If you’re the topic at hand, then yeah, it sucks. But if you’re the one reading, it tends to be entertaining. Depends which side of the fence you’re on.”

I can’t imagine having all my shit out there for anyone to read. Then I realize…

“They didn’t report anything… about us, right?”

Harper laughs, and I watch the easygoing façade slip off her like the bridesmaid dress she wore the night we slept together.

“Don’t worry, Finn. Your dirty little secret is safe with me.”

eleven

HARPER

Isomehow make it through dinner without either strangling Finn or blurting out he’s going to be a daddy.

A big part of me did want to lay it out there, but my uncle’s restaurant is not the place. There’re too many people around, too many prying eyes and listening ears. Finn’s face was fear-stricken when he thought our little tryst was on Buzz Wheel, so no way he could handle the news we’re pregnant after one night together. But we need to have the conversation this weekend. Tamra not coming is actually a blessing in disguise, even if it means I have to be alone with him for the next two days.

The worst part is, I’m still attracted to the damn guy. When he walked in the door wearing a deep blue button-up and charcoal dress pants, his hair slicked back, I instantly felt my libido roar to life. But he’s not mine to gawk at. I’m only carrying his baby, he’s marrying someone else.

This situation is already messy enough. It doesn’t need to be further complicated by my attraction to a man who isn’t available.

We finish dinner, and I’ve made notes in my phone about all of Finn’s selections. After thanking Colin for all his help this evening, we make our way out of the restaurant and onto Main Street.

The sun is just setting and has painted the sky in hues of burnt orange and golden yellow. It’s beautiful, and if we were on a date right now, it’d be the perfect romantic backdrop.

“I’ll meet you at the flower shop tomorrow morning then?”

Finn is looking at me in a contemplative way. I’m not sure what’s going through his head. “Harper, I just want to say how sorry I am that you’ve been caught up in this. I know it’s not an ideal situation, but I appreciate you being so professional and helping us out with everything for the wedding.”

“Well, you’re paying me.” I give him a wan smile.

The way he’s looking at me reminds me of how he looked at me the night of Palmer’s wedding before he invited me back to his room. His gaze travels from my face, down, and back up again.

I clear my throat and pull my gaze. “Okay, well, I texted you the address for the flower shop, but it’s right down the street there.” I motion in the direction of Bloom.

He’s still looking at me as if he wants to take me back to his hotel room again, not saying anything.

“I’m going to go.” I turn to head to where I’m parked down the street.

What the hell was that about? He’s an engaged man. There’s no way he was looking at me as though he wanted me to be his dessert. I have to be imagining things.

* * *

I’m settledinto bed with the TV on, thinking of all the things I have to do next week—book an appointment with my doctor, get prenatal vitamins, head to Sunrise Bay to The Story Shop and see if they have any books on pregnancy to educate myself, and find the app Palmer told me to sign up for that will send me a weekly update as to whether my baby is as big as a pea, a walnut, or a melon.

My phone buzzes on my nightstand, and I pick it up to see my cousin Jack’s name on the screen. I’m surprised he’s calling since we usually communicate through memes. He lives out in Los Angeles with his wife, Shelly.

“Hey, Jack, how’s it going?” I answer.

“That’s what I’m calling to ask you.”

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