Page 13 of Thorn Kiss
“They’re not what I was promised and this smiling bitch is not helping?—”
“Brittany.”
Her curses about me and the roses carried through the courtyard, earning glances from the folks working tirelessly to execute her budget Pinterest vision.
“Fuck me,” I sighed, letting the smile drop.
I needed to massage my cheek muscles after that. This was the last time I was doing a friend of Evie’s a favor. I’d even given them a friends and family discount, but I was about to tack on a fee just for being a bitch. I understood that weddingswere stressful and sometimes couples got anxious, but I was not a punching bag. If anything, I’d do the punching. It wouldn’t be the first time I wrestled with a bride.
Raking my fingers through my hair, I tucked the bouquet under my arm. Would insurance cover it if my floral shop happened to catch fire and turn every rose to ash?Probably not.
Rows of chairs created an aisle in the middle of the courtyard behind the hotel. Like the porch, it wrapped around the entire building, offering plenty of space for events like this one. I’d lost count of how many times I’d stood here in my life for birthdays, funerals, weddings, baby showers, and everything in between. Then again, Whynot Stay was really the only venue in town that could host this many people aside from the high school gym, football field, or a church.
I wove through people, half-decorated tables, and stacks of folded chairs, making my way toward the front of the hotel and the courtyard. My steps slowed as a familiar voice rose, low and rough and sending a shiver down my spine.
Fuck. I froze in place, hiding behind the fountain at the center as I spotted him.
Him and . . .her?
My heart launched to my throat as Dallas Whynot opened his truck door for the woman I’d seen in the death cab earlier.
This time, I really got to see her. Dark hair, long legs, andfuck.She was stunning.
Who was she? I’d never seen her before. I knew everyone in our little town, which meant she was a guest. And a terrible driver.
Dallas opened the iron gate into the courtyard for her, their voices warm and friendly. I spun around and clutched the bouquet to my chest, my cheeks hot as they walked by. Maybe he wouldn’t notice me and I could quietly slip away without being perceived?—
“Hey you,” Dallas called.
Shit.I suddenly wished I could turn into a rock and get lost in the cobblestones.
I turned around slowly, offering them both a smile.
“Hi,” I said.
The woman’s blue eyes immediately widened. Her cheeks turned pink as she stared. Did I look that bad?
Between Dallas and her, I didn’t know what to say, so I went with the first thing that came to mind. “Beware of the bride.”
Dallas’s dark brows raised. It was one of my favorite expressions he made. Soft amusement, a little perplexed, a hint of concern. He was always quiet and steady. Patient. Kind. Too kind really, it was annoying.
His biceps bulged as he hoisted the suitcase and duffle bag into his arms. I wasn’t the only one staring at him,shewas too.
“Jeez. That bad?” he asked.
“Yeah . . .” I trailed off. I had run out of words. That always happened around him now. Nine months of tiptoeing.
“I’m so sorry I almost ran you over,” the woman blurted out.
Dallas’s head whipped between us. “What? When did that happen?”
“It’s nothing,” I said. “Don’t worry about it.”
Her face was brighter than a fresh sunburn. “I really love your hair.”
“Thank you.” Dammit. I couldn’t hold a grudge against her unbearably endearing awkwardness. Kill me now.
Dallas had soft eyes for her. “Okay, well, let’s get you inside, Madi. I know you’ve had a long day.”
