Page 77 of Take Me
“The rules for stuff like what you’re supposed to wear to weddings.Or how to write love letters or do crafty shit like calligraphy or making wreaths out of feathers or putting pretty shells on a bridal veil.”
Now I’m confused.“Why would you want to do any of that?You’ve got me for calligraphy, and the rest of that?—”
“I’m not saying I want to do that stuff.”She sighs like she can’t find quite the right words.“Just that I wonder sometimes if Neil would have married me if I knew the difference between an Asscher and a cushion cut diamond.”
“Would you want to still be with Neil?”As soon as I ask it, I wish I could claw back the words.I’m afraid of her reply.Of how her eyes skitter away like she’s not sure she should answer.
“No,” she admits, but it’s timid.“He’s better suited for Annabelle than he ever was for me.”
That wasn’t a resounding“Of course I’m not still in love with Neil, don’t be silly!”was it?I try asking a different question.“Would you have wanted to change just to be with a guy who didn’t love you completely the way you are?”
She stares at me blankly for a second.“No.”
“Then there’s your answer.”When she opens her mouth to argue, I interrupt.“Look, I know we’re just faking this romance thing, and I know there’s an end date on how long we’re pretending we’re a couple.But even before we got naked together, you’re still the coolest chick I’ve ever met.And now that we’ve shampooed the cookie a few thousand times, I can tell you right now that whoever you marry someday will be the luckiest son of a bitch on the planet.”I’m on a roll now and not stopping, because this is important.“You’re funny and smart and kind, plus you’re a fabulous mechanic.But you’re also sexy as hell and give the best goddamn blowjobs in this universe.”
That might’ve been a step too far.
But Erika’s smiling as she sets down her water.“Is that a fact?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Would you really do my calligraphy for me?”
“You bet your sweet ass I would.”A thought flickers through the back of my brain.“I’d also make those feather wreaths for you, because you know what?”
“What?”
“I took all the peacock feathers from that honeymoon suite after Sam and Maxine’s wedding.”
Her eyes go wide.“You’re kidding.”
“Nope.The card said to take them, so I did.”
“What were you planning to do with them?”
“Besides making a wreath?”I grin and get up from the sofa, reaching a hand down to help her up off the floor.
She allows me to hoist her to her feet, bringing us close enough to touch.Her eyes blaze with heat as I reach up to brush her hair from her face.“I also took the card with all the sexy suggestions.”
Her pupils flare as she licks her lips.“Did you now?”
“So what do you say we forget about wreaths and find our own form of creative expression?”
Grinning, she peels off the jumpsuit.“Wreaths are overrated.”
“Fuck the wreaths,” I agree, dragging her back to our bedroom.
Chapter12
Erika
“Dearly beloved.”
Crossing my legs, I settle in to watch Jake and Cassidy get married.It’s a beautiful church, brimming with light from the big stained-glass windows.Cassidy’s dress is frothy and white, and she’s wearing her hair in an updo.I can’t see the seashells on the comb of the veil, but knowing they’re there makes me happy.
“—marriage is the joining of two individuals pledging eternal devotion and love.”The minister drones on, and I try to pay attention.But it’s tough when my gaze keeps snagging on Mason.
He stands between Kaleb and Cal at the front of the church, the best-looking groomsman in the bunch.Mason’s dashing in a dove-gray tux, with a bold cobalt tie that brings out the blue in his eyes.He’s tamed his rumpled dark hair into a look that’s morepolished gentlemanand a little lessguy who bent me over the kitchen counter last night.
