Page 38 of Without a Hitch
“Did you need something?” he asks, but I hear the teasing tone. He’s not about to make this easy on me.
“You called me first, arsehole,” I remind him, then shake my head. I always sound more British when my emotions are out of whack. “But actually, I did need something. I have a, uh, job opportunity for one of Jenna’s bridesmaids. I believe her name was Abby Chambers. She and I had a lovely chat at the reception, and I think—”
“I think you’re full of shite, mate,” he mocks.
“Bugger off. Seriously, I just need her number.”
“Jenna? Lochlan’s on the phone. He’s looking for Abby.”
I hear their murmurs but can’t make out their words. Then his voice is back. “Okay, I’ll meet you over there. Sorry, Loch. Abby apparently has a rule about giving out her contact information. You’re shit out of luck.”
“Bloody fucket,” I bite out.
“Whoa. Someone’s gotten under your skin.”
“Whatever, Tyler. Have a great trip. We’ll catch up when you get home.”
“You know,” he drawls. “I was calling to tell you that Audra Foundry has a wedding next week.”
“Have fun. I don’t do—”
“You might want to take a look at their wedding website, especially at the wedding party. I think you’ll find it interesting. Talk soon.” He hangs up.
I toss my phone away in my hurry to Google the Foundry wedding.
It takes only a moment, which isn’t surprising. The only family with more money than the Foundrys might be the Westbrooks. I scan the header, searching for the wedding party. When I find it, I click it so many times my computer freezes. Not cool, Loch. Not cool at all. Slowly, the page loads, and I scroll down with as much patience as I can muster until my gaze lands on the wedding party.
Abby Chambers, Bridesmaid
“Angie?” I bellow and hear her drop something just outside my door.
She remembers herself and uses the old-school intercom she insisted I install when she came to work for me. “Yes, Mr. Blaine?” She asks, not bothering to hide the snark in her tone.
“I changed my mind. Tell my parents I’ll meet them at the Foundry wedding. And please RSVP for me.”
“May I ask what changed your mind?”
“No.”
I swear I hear her laughter through the thick wall.
Okay, Pepper. This time I won’t let you escape so easily.
CHAPTER11
LOCHLAN
The Foundry/Bamford Wedding
The music starts, and I feel her before I see her. I turn my head just enough to see the women walking down the aisle, but my body zings in anticipation for only her.
Pepper is more beautiful than I remembered, and her face has been at the forefront of my thoughts for weeks. Her dark hair cascades over one shoulder in waves so shiny the light reflects off them like diamonds.
She hasn’t noticed me yet because she’s too busy whispering orders as she marches down the long path of the old Catholic church we’re in. She wears a lavender slip dress designed by my sister. It hugs every curve and dips low between breasts that taste like salty wildflowers. My mouth waters when I remember the freckle on her sternum like she’s a mirage in the desert of my desire. I mentally slap myself. I would kick the shit out of my mates for having thoughts like this.
I chance a peek at my overly sentimental father, who always seems to read my mind, but his teary-eyed gaze roams over the wedding processional. For once, he isn’t focused on me, so I turn my attention back to Pepper.
I feel it the second she recognizes me. As her gaze locks on mine, her sharp intake of air might as well have been sucked straight from my lungs. Her long, slow exhale caresses an uncomfortable pang I haven’t wanted to address, and I smile when she lifts her chin and marches forward.
