Page 68 of Let's Kiss and Tell

“Just checking,” I say.

“You look beautiful—I mean, thedresslooks beautiful,” he amends. “You should get that one.”

“There’s like four more dresses to try on.”

“Lucy, if they look anything like this one, I don’t think I can handle seeing you in four more dresses,” he says.

“You’ll live.” I turn back toward the dressing room. “Don’t forget what this one looks like.”

“Trust me, I won’t.”

This time, I put on a short lilac dress with a bead fringe. It’s cute and fun, but I still think it’s gorgeous. Drawing the curtain and revealing the new outfit, I do a little twirl.

“Jesus,” Marsh says under his breath. “I mean, yeah…I like this one too.” His eyes trail down to my legs and my feet that are currently on tiptoes.

“Okay, wait, I want to show you one more!” I run back inside the dressing room.

I disregard the blue velvet dress hanging and go for the black dress with beige and brown flowers all over it, almost giving it a golden hue. It looks breathtaking on the rack, and I hope it fits in all the right places.

Once I slip it on, I admire the detailing. The intentional lace bra trim that’s meant to be peeking through, how it’s a subtle mermaid shape fitted at my bodice, yet flaring out with a column skirt. It would look perfect with black strappy heels.

Marsh’s face immediately drops when I step out. I can’t read him.

“I-I know,” I say. “It’s a lot. I wouldn’t wear it to the rehearsal dinner, but I just wanted to try it on and—”

“I love it,” Marsh says softly, his eyes traveling all over my body and finally locking his gaze to my eyes. “I just…”

“It’s too much?” I look down at myself.

“No.” He smiles. “I think this is the dress…”

My eyes widen. “Likethe dress?”

“The dress,” he says.

“Wait, we’re both talking about the dress for the wedding, right?”

“What? No, I meant for the office.”

I let out a laugh. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?”

“I’ve been told I can tell a joke,” he says.

“Have you now?”

“Yes, my niece will stand by that. You can ask her.” Then I get that feeling in my stomach again and all the hairs on my arms stand. It’s a throwaway line, but it’s inevitable. Meeting Marsh’s family, getting to see a whole other side of him, makes me nervous. “But, in all seriousness,” Marsh continues, “anything you wear is perfect. I think it’s clear you could wear anything and still be the best-dressed person there.”

“Even pajamas?”

“Especially pajamas.”

There’s a warm feeling I’m not quite used to. It’s not lust or attraction this time. There’s this undeniable connection between the two of us. Maybe it’s friendship…but what if it’s something more?

“I’m going to change and then probably go with the first one for the rehearsal dinner and this for the wedding,” I say. “Does that work?”

“Were you not being serious about pajamas?” Marsh frowns. “ ’Cause I was really looking forward to showing up in matching ones.”

I playfully push him, which causes him to stumble back and laugh.