Page 3 of The Curvy Girl's Father of the Bride
It’s almost seven now, and the first course is being served, but I’m reluctant to touch my food. “Shouldn’t we wait until Jeremy gets here?” I whisper to Dad.
“Go ahead, honey.” He points to my plate. “They wouldn’t have served us if they wanted us to wait.”
I poke at my salad taking in the aroma of olive oil, garlic and vinegar, still hesitant to take a bite.
Suddenly, the door of the dining room swings open and my heart skips as Jeremy strides into the room, a picture of pure masculinity and grace. Dressed to the nines, his salt and pepper hair is styled to perfection, his chiseled jaw is set firm and his beautiful lips look more kissable than ever.
Whether he’s late or not, Jeremy radiates a presence that demands attention. His dark, captivating eyes scan the room before his gaze latches on to mine as if we both have internal compasses programmed to find each other.
Time stops while I’m trapped in his hungry stare. It’s raw and primal with the kind of intensity that pins me in place and sends a rush of heat coursing between my thighs. It’s a look that says he truly sees me, in all my vulnerability and knows exactly what I want. In a flash, it’s gone.
My system is throwing conniptions as Jeremy heads to the bridal party table.What was that look about?I watch as he leans over his daughter and plants a tender kiss on her cheek. Gilly’s face lights up as she beams at her dad, eyes shining with love.
Jeremy stays standing and banters with the guests seated near the bride-to-be. Even from this distance, I can see his lips curve into that heart-stopping smile of his, and hear the ripple of laughter as it spreads like wildfire across the table. He has a way with people, a natural charm that can put anyone at ease.
He takes his time, making a stop at each table to greet the guests. I’m unable to tear my eyes away, my pulse stuttering every time he looks up and catches me. Then he strides towards us, the muscles of his powerful thighs rippling with every step. I realize I’m holding my breath when he pulls out the chair next to me.
My heart leaps into my throat when he bends, his perfect profile mere inches away from my cheek. “Hope you don’t mind if I join you,” he says, the sound of his deep voice sending tremors through my body. I swallow hard, glancing at my father who’s as nonchalant as ever.
“Of course not. Consider us your refuge in the storm,” my dad offers with a chuckle.
“God knows, I need a place to hide.” Jeremy rolls his eyes and even a stranger could tell the two men have been friends for decades.
Jeremy slides into his seat, and his nearness makes me woozy and excited all at once. I haven’t seen him since we checked in. This is what I’ve been waiting for. I don’t know why I’m so nervous, but I can’t even face him. I peer down at my plate letting his intoxicating scent waft over me. Whatever cologne he wears is unmistakably him—the same scent I’ve inhaled during every hug throughout the years. I bask in the mix of aromas—rich buttery leather, the faintest hint of fresh pine and an undercurrent of something mysteriously warm and inviting.
I feel his stare scorching my cheek and finally turn to him. When our eyes connect, his mischievous grin sets off an electrical storm in my system. I smile, doing my best to play it cool even though my cells are sparking and zapping against each other. Is Dad picking up on my reaction? Is Jeremy flat out flirting or am I imagining things? “You look beautiful tonight, Louisa,” he says softly, making my heart pound harder.
“Thanks. This is the first time I’ve worn this dress,” I sputter, feeling my cheeks heat. His lips curve into a knowing smile, as though he’s aware of the effect he’s having on me.
“The dress is perfect,” Jeremy murmurs, his voice dropping an octave lower. “The color works wonders with your blue eyes. They’re just ... striking in this light.” His gaze flicks to my neckline then back to my eyes, subtly intimate in a way that sends a wave of hope fluttering through me.
Jeremy’s compliment lingers in the air, as the server delivers his salad. I try to eat even though I’m hyper-aware of every glance he casts my way, every word he says, any slight reveal of his interest in me.
By the time the main course is delivered, slow-cooked beef served with a creamy mash and a side of veggies, Dad, Jeremy and I are back to normal, whatever that is—
Normal as in I’m not a quivering mess of nerves. The conversation flows easily. Dad and Jeremy reminisce, alternating stories about me and Gilly when we were young. Jeremy questions me about my latest real estate deals and listens attentively when I answer.
Then we move on to the Galápagos Islands adventure he’s planning, and swing around back to work, as he and Dad discuss a plot of land that just came on the market. Jeremy suggests I handle the deal which would give me an outrageous commission, and Dad prods me, urging me to take the job, but I decline. I’ll help Dad with any of his solo ventures, but I make it a point to stay out of Jeremy’s business. Obviously, if he needed my help, I’d be there for him in an instant, but he has one of the best brokers in the country on staff.
Time seems to pass in a blink. Before I know it, the waiter is clearing our plates and serving dessert. As we dig into a decadent chocolate mousse, Jeremy turns to me, his dark eyes gleaming under the ambient lighting.
“So, you two,” he starts with a playful smile. “I trust you’ll both be at the stables tomorrow bright and early for the ride around the ranch.”
“Of course,” Dad responds and wipes his lips with a napkin. “I saw it on the itinerary, but wasn’t sure if it was strictly for the bridal party—”
“No please. I’d love a little break from any and all discussions about wedding plans. Gilly’s getting married the day after tomorrow. Don’t you think what’s done is done, and I should be allowed to kick back a little?” Jeremy chuckles. “Help me out here.”
“We’ll be there, buddy, no problem.”
“And you’re okay with that, Louisa? You’ll be joining too?” Jeremy grins, showing off a set of perfect pearly whites that have me momentarily entranced.
“Absolutely.”
“Then it’s a date. I’ll let the staff know we’ll need two more horses. See you at nine.”
Chapter four
Jeremy
