Page 114 of Between Regrets and Promises

“Can’t argue that.” I walk out of my room, and she follows me down the stairs. “Is there a reason you’re following me?”

“No, came up here to distract you,” she says once we reach the living room. She throws me a smirk over her shoulder.

“Distract me from what?”

“Sophie’s shopping bags. I was under strict orders not to let you see what she bought until she was ready to show you.” She flashes me a devilish grin, which can’t be good.

“Wasn’t she supposed to drop you off after shopping since she’s going to her circle group?” I grab my watch from the coffee table and snap it on.

“We were running behind so she’ll take me home before she goes to the meeting.”

I check my watch and see it’s only 5:15.

Maddie notices my confusion and continues, “She wants to get ready for your date before the meeting so you two lovebirds can leave right after it’s over.”

“Ooh,” I say, it finally clicks.

“Which means you can’t see her until later. No peeking either.”

I furrow my brows. “Isn’t that rule only for the wedding day?”

She shrugs. “Same principle.”

Moments later, Liam comes barreling through the door with a girl under his arm.

Oh fuck.

Maddie swallows, straightening her spine. Liam obviously had no idea she’d be here tonight, but fuck did he pick the worst damn time to come home.

“What’s up?” He nods. “I forgot something in my room. C’mon, Cheryl. This way.”

“It’s Cindy,” she says, giggling.

Maddie’s jaw tightens, and she pretends it doesn’t faze her, but we all know her thing for Liam is more than attraction. He’s an idiot for not taking notice.

Or maybe he does, and he’s even more of an idiot for ignoring it.

I don’t know what to say to Maddie, so I keep my mouth shut. Nothing I say will make her feel better anyway.

“Soph?” I knock on her door.

“Mason?”

She scrambles on the other side. “Hold on.”

Chuckling, I put my hand on the doorknob and turn it. “I’m coming in.”

“You’re so impatient.” Sophie giggles when I enter. She’s struggling to hold her dress in place.

I stalk toward her, raising my brows at how damn delicious she looks. “Whatcha got going on here?”

“I was trying to zip up my dress, but…” She shrugs, and I motion with my finger for her to spin around and face the mirror.

Stepping behind her, I grab the zipper and slowly pull it up while locking gazes in our reflection. She inhales sharply once I get it zipped to the top. Gently placing my palms on her shoulders, I push her arms down and slide my hands down her fingers.

“Breathtaking,” I whisper into her ear, burying my nose into her hair. “Are you sure you have to leave?”

“I wish I didn’t…trust me.”

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