Page 31 of Unpredictable
I knew he had more questions, but I wasn’t ready to answer them. So, I darted out from behind the curtain, grateful for the excuse to escape.
“We’re over here,” I called, forcing a smile when her eyes met mine over the racks of dresses. “Come give us your opinion.”
The tailor fitted Harrison with a more appropriately sized jacket, while I attempted to regain some of my composure. How the hell did Harrison know about Ryan? And what did he know? Not much other than Ryan’s name, if his questions were any indication. Still…I racked my brain.
But when Harrison emerged from behind the velvet curtain, all other thoughts fled my mind. Never had a man looked as handsome in a tuxedo as Harrison Hayes, and it wasn’t even tailored. He wasn’t even wearing a button-down shirt or a bow tie. Just a plain gray T-shirt. But damn, did he look good.
Olivia whistled as Harrison stepped onto the dais in front of the mirrors. “Wow, Dad. Lookin’ good.”
“Thanks,” Harrison said. “Juliana, what do you think?”
I avoided his gaze, keeping my attention fixed on the length of the pants, the fit of the jacket. “It looks very nice.”
He stared at me in the reflection in the mirror, but I studiously avoided him. Harrison was too perceptive, and he seemed to see right through me. I couldn’t handle his scrutiny or his questions. I made a few suggestions, all without ever meeting Harrison’s gaze.
“Come on, Olivia,” I said, while the tailor finished taking Harrison’s measurements. “Show me what you found.”
She floated over to the bridal side of the shop, and I knew I’d made the right decision in bringing her here. She wasn’t the type of bride to get hung up on labels, and she wanted something unique.
“Not many girls share this moment with their dad. You guys are close, huh?”
She grinned, and I could see the resemblance to Harrison in that expression. “Always have been, especially after my parents divorced.”
I nodded. And even though I knew I’d regret it, I found myself asking, “And your mom?”
Olivia admired the beading on a gown. I felt like I was holding my breath; this afternoon had gone from one difficult conversation to another. Though usually, I wasn’t so invested in the whereabouts of the bride’s mom.
“She had to work.” There was a bitter undertone to her voice.
She wasn’t the first bride who had a strained relationship with her mother. But I didn’t want anything to mar her excitement over trying on dresses. And I felt like my question had cast a shadow over the whole affair.
I placed my hand on her shoulder. “Well, I know your dad’s happy to be here. And if you want, I can take pictures of each dress so you can send them to your mom.”
“Whatever.” Her eyes remained on the dress. “I mean, she’s probably more concerned with her dress for the wedding than mine.”
I cringed but tried to hide it. Instead, I absorbed myself with the veils, trailing behind Olivia as she admired the various styles—lace, beaded, cathedral.
“Sorry,” she said. “I’m not usually so snarky. I’m just stressed about London and the wedding. And I’m going to miss Connor like crazy.”
I nodded. “I bet. But you know what? You don’t have to worry about the wedding. Your dad and I have it covered. And it’s going to be beautiful.”
“I know.” She glanced up at me and smiled. “I trust you. You and my dad make a good team.”
I wondered if she was hinting at more. Or if she knew about our tryst. Surely not, but I tugged at my shirt, feeling like she sensed something between us. So, I changed the subject.
“You guys have a good relationship. I’m jealous.”
“I’m lucky,” she said, fingering the lace edge of a veil. “Despite my dad’s hectic schedule, he’s always made me feel like I’m number one.”
My throat was clogged with emotion, so I merely nodded.
Everything I learned about Harrison only made me like him more. And that scared me. We had a connection that went beyond lust. And as much as I wanted to ignore it, I wasn’t sure I could.
Chapter Ten
“Harrison.” Juliana’s voice rang out through my house, and I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Harrison?”
She’d arrived a little early, though I should’ve expected that. I’d always been known for my punctuality, but she took being on time to a whole other level. I’d made it a sort of game, trying to beat her to a destination, but she always arrived first. Which was why I’d been about to jump in the shower when she and her team had arrived to set up for Connor and Olivia’s surprise engagement party. I’d since showered and dressed and was about to put on my tie when she’d called for me.
