Page 7 of The Wedding Driver
“What are you saying?” She clutched her chest.
It was rare that Foster ever discussed his daughter. He was a private man who kept his personal torment to himself. Occasionally, when his ex-wife would go missing, he’d open up about his past, but he never let her in too deep.
He turned, catching her gaze with more intensity than she was used to coming from him. “I’ve always been afraid you might tell me how you feel. Last night, when I asked you to stay, I figured it was a mistake. I worried I might even cross the line. I’ve never been sure what I’d do if either of us ever made a move. I’m still not sure.”
“We’re talking in circles.” She rubbed her temple.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that,” he said. “Tell me what you want.”
She admired his bluntness and now it was her turn to do the same. “How about a boat ride?”
“I’ve given you plenty.” He chuckled. “You almost always help me put her away after I take your clients for a ride. Not to mention other times when helping your family with different things.”
She reached for a hair tie to put her locks into a ponytail, but there was none around her wrist. Shit. Her mother had made her remove it for the wedding. She always carried one in case she needed to fiddle to calm her nerves. Five times today she’d wanted to put her hair up and each time she ended up wiggling her fingers and darting her gaze while having an uncomfortable conversation with someone.
Only this time, she wasn’t going to hide her feelings. “I was thinking more along the lines of heading up to West Dollar Island with a picnic or something.”
“I see.” He rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “You’re talking about going on a date.”
Her heart thumped to her throat and then dropped into her stomach like a brick. “That’s what I’m asking.” The chatter of wedding guests clapping and cheering grew louder. She stole a quick glance toward the front lawn. Tiki and Lake were making their way down toward the docks, hugging and waving to family and friends.
Tonya had minutes to firm this up.
“All right. Do you have plans tomorrow?” He inched closer. Too close. So close the tips of his toes touched hers.
“I don’t.”
“You do now.” He lifted his hat and pressed his lips on her cheek, letting them linger. They stayed there for a good minute. And then another one. It wasn’t awkward, but it wasn’t a simple kiss on the cheek, either. “Be at my place by nine.”
“Okay,” she managed to croak out.
“Bring a bathing suit, sunscreen, and towel. I’ll take care of everything else.” He stepped onto the boat and pointed. “Here comes the bride and groom.”
Glancing over her shoulder, she swallowed the thick thump that had formed in her throat. This was exactly what she’d wanted when she decided to follow her heart and tell Foster she wanted to explore more than a friendship. Only, she expected to be shot down. She had mentally prepared herself for him to tell her it was best if they didn’t step out of the zone they were in, not jump off the cliff.
Tiki glided onto the dock in her fabulous wedding dress designed by their sister. Lake was all smiles as he turned and waved to the crowd.
“Thanks. This was the best party ever.” Tiki handed Tonya her bouquet before pulling her in for a brief hug. “You’re amazing.”
“Right back at you, sis.” Tonya smiled. “Have a great honeymoon.” She turned her attention to the groom. “You better treat my sister like a queen.”
“You know I will.” Lake gave her a big hug. “We’ll see you in a week.” He took his bride’s hand and helped her onto Foster’s boat.
Tonya undid both the bow and stern lines with happy tears shining in her eyes.
“See you tomorrow.” Foster tipped his hat and tapped the throttle.
Tiki tilted her head and narrowed her stare, but said nothing as the boat picked up speed, heading out into the bay.
Tonya blew out a long breath.
Time to go bathing suit shopping in Tayla’s new collection.
3
Foster hadn’t been on a date since he married at twenty-two years old, fifteen years ago. His marriage had lasted eight years, and only the first couple could have been considered good, although that was debatable. His daughter was the only reason he could even describe that time in his life as decent.
However, there was nothing left to try to salvage by the time Lisa had turned three. Victoria had totally checked out of life. Things went from bad to worse, and then Lisa died.
