Page 23 of Unpredictable
“I—” I wanted to say,So have I. But I wasn’t ready to face my feelings. Wasn’t prepared to move on, despite what my body said. So, I swallowed back those words and said, “You should forget that night ever happened.”
His emerald eyes blazed with heat. “I’m not sure I could, even if I wanted to. Can you honestly tell me you can?”
I glanced away. “I already have.”
He scoffed. “Let’s try that again. Look me in the eye and tell me the truth.”
I met his eyes, steadying myself with a deep breath. I couldn’t say I’d forgotten about it, nor that I ever would, so I settled for something that was true. “It won’t happen again.”
“The problem is,” he said in a gruff voice, “I think we both want it to.”
Damn him for being so perceptive. I guessed that was part of the territory of having a daughter. But holy Batman, the words he used coupled with the gravelly tone of voice made me quiver with anticipation.
“You ready?” Olivia peeked her head into the conference room.
I took a few steps back, feeling as if I’d been caught doing something I shouldn’t. Harrison smiled as if unaffected, and I tried my best to ignore Olivia’s questioning gaze. If we were going to pull off this wedding, there was a lot that needed to be done. Lusting over the father of the bride wasn’t one of the items on my checklist.
Chapter Eight
“That’s amazing news,” Reg said after I told him Connor had proposed to Olivia.
I sank down on the grass next to him, still trying to catch my breath. The man was a beast. And I was glad we’d continued our Sunday morning runs, even after all these years. He’d been one of my best friends since he’d joined the Heatwaves, and he was Olivia’s honorary uncle. He was like a brother to me.
“I guess. Why do you not seem surprised?”
He took a swig of water. “Why are you surprised? That boy is head over heels for your daughter. Surely you see that.”
“Yeah. Of course. But…don’t you think it’s a little fast?”
He leaned toward his foot. “Is it? It feels like they’ve always been together.”
“Less than a year.” Even though I was supportive of Olivia, it was fast.
He laughed.As if this were a joke.
“Reg.” I scowled. “I’m serious. And to make matters worse, they’re practically running to the altar.”
“Well, Olivia’s not one to rush into anything, so she must have a good reason.”
“True, but this isn’t like her, and I feel a bit blindsided by it all. She tells me she’s engaged, and then we’re meeting with the wedding planner a few days later. Setting dates. Making plans. I’m sure I looked like a fucking deer in the headlights.” I took a swig of water, needing to cool down. Problem was, it was going to take more than a few gulps. Even now, days later, I was still thinking about Juliana.
“I would too,” Reg said, and I realized I’d zoned out. “God, I remember when Jas and I were planning our wedding.” He shuddered. “Too much money. Too many decisions. But, hey, you have it easy—you just have to foot the five-figure bill.”
“Six.”
“Six?” His eyes went wide, and he choked on the word. “Holy shit. Six figures?”
I laughed, grateful that money wasn’t a concern. Grateful that I could shell out six figures on a wedding for my daughter without so much as batting an eye. And that was why I’d worked so hard all these years—for her. Everything I did was for Olivia; she was my heart.
“I can’t believe our baby’s getting married,” Reg said, and I knew come wedding day, he’d be bawling.
He’d been there with me since the beginning. While most of our teammates were out partying, doing stupid shit, we’d stayed home with Olivia. He’d attended dance recitals, graduation, and now…her wedding.
“I know,” I said. “I can’t believe it either.”
“So, who are you going to take as your date? Because you know Cam’s going to be there with her latest boy toy.” He rolled his eyes.
I frowned, knowing he was right. And knowing my ex, she wouldn’t just bring her latest boy toy but also her usual circus of drama. I let out a deep sigh, hoping that maybe, for once, Cam wouldn’t try to make it all about her. Still, that didn’t change my answer.
