Page 41 of Stick Fight

I nod, already guessing that it was her ex’s decision. I don’t say his name. I don’t want it lingering between us. Instead, I tip my head, voice gentle. “What is your first choice?”

A slow breath escapes her as I pull her into my arms, her body soft and warm against mine.

“I’m not really sure,” she admits, but there’s something wistful in her tone.

I brush my fingers along the curve of her back. “You’re telling me a woman who wants to design wedding dresses hasn’t spent hours thinking about her own perfect wedding?”

She smiles against my chest, her voice quieter now. “I think the most important thing to me is having the people I love around me. I guess that was always more important than the location.”

Something tugs deep in my chest at that.

“Shit,” I murmur, my hand tracing slow circles on her back. “I never thought about your friends. Did you call them? They knew you weren’t walking down that aisle tonight, right?”

She swallows hard, shifting on her feet. “I don’t really…” Her voice trails off as she takes a small step back, scanning the room like she’s searching for a distraction.

Her gaze lands on the wig, draped over the chair. She walks over, smoothing her hands over the curls as if the familiar motion steadies her. “I lost contact with my high school friends when I went to college. Then I met Todd and… well, we’re not exactly friends anymore.” She lets out a small, humorless laugh before tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “After that, I moved to New York. I was working all the time, and I never really had the chance to build many friendships.” She hesitates before looking at me. “Do you still have friends from high school?”

“A few.”

“You and Rip stayed close. That’s nice.”

There’s something in her voice, a quiet longing.Like she’s spent time on the outside looking in, like she’s forgotten what it feels like to belong.

It’s a gut punch, straight to the chest.

Gabby might not realize it yet, but if she lets them, I know the WAGs will take her in, no questions asked.She won’t have to feel alone anymore.But then again… if she’s only planning to stay in Boston for a short time, maybe she doesn’t want to get too close.

How much of her life did her ex and his father control?

I’m no therapist—hell,I’m not Melanie—but there are some things I can figure out myself.

“Did you eat?” I ask, changing the subject.

She shrugs. “Room service.” I glance around and spot a plate, mostly untouched. “I didn’t have much of an appetite,” she admits.

I nod, filing that away. “I’m sure there’ll be plenty to munch on later. Want to head up?”

“Just a second.”

She hurries over to the mirror, slipping the wig on. Once it’s in place, she slides a finger underneath and scratches at her scalp.

“Itchy,” she mutters. “I’ll be lucky to last an hour with this on.”

My fingers brush against the fabric of her dress, and a low, involuntary growl rumbles from my chest as I run thehideous, polyestermaterial between my fingers. “Actually… you’ll be lucky to last an hour with this on.”

She shivers, her breath hitching. “Romeo, you’re really starting to scare me.”

I chuckle, leaning in slightly. “Be afraid, Gabs.Be very afraid.”

But then I soften. “Seriously, we don’t have to stay long. Just make an appearance, watch some fireworks…”

“I’m looking forward to the fireworks, and we’ll stay as long as you want. I don’t want you rushing from your friend’s wedding.” Her eyes light with amusement. “Wait, what do you think your friends are going to say when they see you with…” She pauses, gesturing over her entire outfit with a sweeping motion.“This?”

I don’t even hesitate. “They’ll think I’m the luckiest guy on the rooftop.”

She rolls her eyes, but there’s no hiding the pink rising in her cheeks. “Oh, Romeo, you are such a sweet talker.”

“It’s not sweet talk if it’s true.” I wink, smirking. “And trust me, Red. I don’t lie.”

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