Page 129 of Bridesmaid for Hire
He doesn’t answer, he just takes a seat next to me on the bench, puts his arm around me, and pulls me into his chest.
When his lips are next to my ear, he says, “Much better.”
I want to roll my eyes.
I want to tell him he’s being ridiculous.
But I don’t have it in me because I’m comfortable.
He’s holding me.
And he seems clearheaded, which tells me one thing: everything he’s been saying all day…maybe it’s true.
After a few seconds of silence, I ask, “So you are feeling better?”
“Yeah,” he answers as his face brushes up against my hair. “Why did you leave?”
He remembers me being there? Does he remember the snow angels he was making before we snuggled under the covers?
“Wanted to give you some space.”
“I don’t need space from you, Maggie.”
And there it is again, another sign.
A sign that has my stomach twisting in knots.
And to my surprise, he leans down and presses a kiss to my shoulder. It’s soft and sweet, nothing overtly sexual, but it feeds into my muddled romantic mind, the one that has been washed with rom-coms and books that promise me the happily ever after I’ve always dreamed of.
It makes me think that there could be something here, between us.
Too scared to say anything, or to admit the thoughts racing throughmy head, I decide to enjoy the moment with him. The sun’s setting in earnest now, turning the sky from a deep orange to a midnight blue, the stars peek out, acting as our guides, the water carrying us into this next chapter.
A chapter that I don’t think I completely understand.
“Glad you’re feeling better,” Haisley says as we step off the boat and make our way to our golf carts that are all lined up and ready for us.
“Thanks,” Brody says. “I’ll be sure to return the clothes.”
Hardy holds up his hand. “Keep the Speedo, man—I don’t think anyone is going to do it justice like you did.”
Brody chuckles, the sound deep and a touch sleepy. “Thanks. Maybe I’ll frame it along with the torn-up swim trunks.”
Hudson leans in. “I’ll give you a thousand dollars if you frame the ripped trunks and gift them to my father.”
Brody laughs and weighs his hands. “Thousand dollars or losing my job. Hmmm…I wonder which way I’ll go.”
Hudson chuckles, pats him on the back, and then heads out.
“Anything going on tomorrow?” I ask Haisley. “Want to make sure I’m available for any plans you might have.”
“Day after tomorrow we are in full-on pre-wedding mode, so I think we’re just taking it easy tomorrow with a simple pool day.”
“Sounds good. You have my number if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” She winks and then takes Jude’s hand. “Ready?” He nods and they head off.
I feel Brody rest his hand on my lower back. “Ready?” But the way he says it, in this deep, almost guttural way, it’s like he’s asking me if I’m ready for more.
