Page 3 of Dear Wedding Planner
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MILES
“Thank you both for waiting.”
I hear her before I see her, but I’d recognize that voice anywhere. I turn and see Veronica Gardner walking towards Mackenzie and me with the same dazzling smile that captured my heart when I was fourteen years old.
“It’s not a problem,” Mackenzie says, taking Veronica’s hand and shaking it.
When Veronica turns and extends her hand to me, I can't help but feel disappointed when I don't see recognition in her eyes. I know I don't look like I did back in high school. I'm about a foot taller and have spent many hours at the gym lifting weights, so I no longer look like a thin string bean, as Mackenzie so kindly pointed out to me.
“Hi,” is all I manage to get out when I shake her hand.
To say that I've only thought about Veronica a few times in the years since we graduated would be a massive understatement. She’s the one that I compare all other women that have walked into my life against.
“Before we sit down, can we get either of you something to drink? Espresso? Bottled water?”
I shake my head no.
“We’re fine,” Mackenzie says.
“Then why don’t we get started.” Veronica gestures to the loveseats in the corner.
My eyes drink in her curvy form as we follow her over. She has more of an hourglass figure than when I last saw her but judging by how all the blood in my body seems to be relocating to my cock, I appreciate it even more.
I find it hard to concentrate on what the two of them are talking about. My mind can only focus on Veronica—checking her left hand for a wedding ring, admiring the shape of her legs in heels, and listening to the melodic tone of her laugh.
“I’m sure we can find something for both you and your fiancé," she says, gesturing to me.
“I’m not her fiancé,” I blurt out before Mackenzie can correct her.
Veronica’s cheeks flush when she glances from me to Mackenzie and back again.
“I’m sorry,” she says. “I just assumed.”
“That’s my brother.”
“You’re brother?” Veronica’s gaze swings over to me, her brow furrowing.
So, she does remember me.
She studies me for a moment, but I can see it the moment recognition hits. The crease between her brows smooths out, and she gives me a tiny half-smile. It’s the same one she’d give me when we were lab partners senior year, and she'd catch me sneaking glances her way. It was my favorite hour of the day, getting to sit next to her.
“Miles,” she shakes her head. Her eyes sweep over me. “I didn’t recognize you.”
“It’s been almost ten years,” I say.
Mackenzie clears her throat, breaking this tiny moment between us. If I had that pillow my sister threw at my head this morning, I’d be tempted to smother her with it right now.
“I think that we’ve gone over everything we need to discuss," she says, standing up. "Send over the contract, and I will get the retainer check over to you."
Veronica and I both stand too. I’m reluctant to follow my sister out to the car, but she’s my ride.
“I should probably go,” I point to the door. “It was really nice seeing you again, Veronica.”
“You too, Miles.”
The sound of my name on her lips does more to my body than the hands of any of my exes.
