Page 2 of Unveiled

She felt heat rise under his gaze, his smooth, cultured words practically caressing her skin. What was it about this guy? Her fingers tingled where they lay in his, and awareness streamed through her body. He casually stroked the back of her hand with his thumb before releasing her and reaching for his whiskey.

He took a sip, his eyes raking over her from head to toe. “You look nice.”

“Thanks.” Adalyn gestured toward the bar. “My cousin, Rose, is getting married soon. I was kind of obligated to come here for the bachelorette party.”

“Would that happen to be Rose Norman?” he asked.

Surprised, she turned to him. “You know her?”

He nodded. “She’s marrying my friend Aaron.”

“Small world.” She grinned. “Is that what brought you here, too?”

“It is. Are you a bridesmaid?”

“Yep.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t even know why I’m here. We’ve never even been that close. I’m only here to round out the dozen attendants she needs.” She made a face. “Seriously, who does that? A dozen bridesmaids and groomsmen?”

Jaxon’s eyes twinkled with mirth. “It’s a lot, that’s for sure. Thank God I’m not in the wedding party.”

Her heart dipped, and she pushed the irrational pang of disappointment away. “You’re not?”

He rolled the glass between his hands. “Nope. I ship back out of here in a couple days.”

She digested that bit of information. “Are you in the military?”

“Yep. So why aren’t you out with the girls?”

She blinked at the abrupt change of subject. “They hit up a gentleman’s club down the block. I decided I’m done with men this year.”

A deep chuckle fell from his lips. “Sweetheart, that’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard.”

A smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “Sad but true.”

“Maybe you’ll change your mind.”

“Was that an invitation?” she quirked a brow at him. “And what about you? Not hanging out with the guys?”

His shoulders tensed slightly. “I… don’t do well in loud, crowded spaces.”

Sympathy swelled in her chest, and she glanced around the bar. “If you want to leave⁠—”

“No way.” He bumped his shoulder against hers. “I’m having a good time right here.”

She dipped her head, heat blooming across her cheeks at his compliment. His eyes bored into hers, and she squirmed under the scrutiny.

“I like you, Adalyn. Tell me more about yourself.”

“Well.” She bit her lip for a moment. “I own a bridal salon back home called Something Blue. It’s fairly new, so it takes up a lot of time. But I love it.”

“Ah, a romantic.” He shot her a grin, and she couldn’t help but smile back.

With a conciliatory shrug, she admitted, “I love helping women find the dress of their dreams. It’s symbolic in a way, I think. The perfect dress is the beginning of a good marriage. As a woman, I know what makes me happy—what makes me feel good. I think the same should apply to a marriage. Communicating how you feel and never settling for less than what makes you happy.”

Jaxon nodded appreciatively. “I can see that. So you were engaged to the lyin’, cheatin’ fool?”

“Unfortunately.” She made a face. “He was more my mother’s type than mine. She seemed to think he was perfect for me.”

“So why did you go along with it?” His bright blue eyes drilled into her, and she nervously licked her lips.