Page 174 of Bridesmaid Undercover
That’s a very Everly thing to say, and I love it.
“Then, let’s get going,” I say.
I glance at Maple one more time. She mouths “hold hands,” and I offer her a curt nod as Everly and I start to walk away.
Okay, this is your chance, Hopper, make the most of it. If you’re going to make a move…now’s the time.
Chapter Twenty-Three
EVERLY
Be cool, Everly.
Yes, he held the nape of your neck, but you need to remain calm and continue to assess the situation.
“Then let’s get going,” Hardy says, his eyes beaming down at me.
Are they really beaming?
Or is he just intoxicated?
Regardless, the way he looks at me gives me a trembling, nervous sensation that I haven’t felt in a very long time.
We both offer Maple a hug goodbye, and then together, Hardy and I head back into the house.
“So,” he says when we reach the kitchen, which has already been cleaned by the catering company. Man, they’re fast. “Did you have fun?”
“I did, it was such a good—” I start but pause in the middle of my sentence as I feel him gently take my hand in his.
Um, what?
Confused, I look up at him, searching for an answer, only for him to casually say, “Don’t want you tripping after all of those Jell-O shots.”
“You had just as many—what if you fall?” I ask, not even mad about this hand-holding. Actually, quite happy about it. His hand is so large that it completely encompasses mine, making me feel oddly protected. Like nothing can happen to me as long as my hand is in his.
“Why do you really think I’m holding your hand?” he says with a wink that makes me chuckle.
“And here I thought you were trying to be my knight in shining armor.”
“Hell, I was hoping you would be mine.”
I laugh again. “That can be arranged.”
Because the house is on a hill, we take the stairs down to the street slowly, but when we make it, I expect him to let go of my hand now that we’re safe and on even ground, but instead…he doesn’t.
He keeps me close.
“What car are we looking for?” he asks.
“Umm…” Still holding his hand, I look at my phone screen. “A black Tesla S. It’s one minute away.”
“Good.” He glances down at his shirt. “According to my nipples, a storm is coming.”
I don’t know why, but it makes me laugh hard.
It’s so ridiculous.
So stupid.
