Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 92422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
He hikes a brow. “You took off in Vegas.”
Well…there’s not much I can say to that, is there?
Before I can respond, he reaches out and snags my fingers, drawing me close enough to wrap up in his arms. I hate just how comforting I find the gesture.
“Does it really bother you that much to have your photo taken?”
I chew my lower lip, unsure how to respond.
The truth isn’t an option.
Even though it’s tempting to blurt it out and clear my conscience. I hate all this lying. When I made the decision to step away from my old life, it never occurred to me that I’d make such good friends and it would become necessary to hide the truth. Or that I’d constantly need my guard up in order not to make a misstep and reveal too much.
But can I trust Colby to keep my secret?
We might be married, but we barely know each other.
In the end, I shake my head. “I’m just not very photogenic.”
“I don’t believe that for a second. You’re gorgeous.” His eyes narrow. “I get the feeling there’s more to it than that.”
“Nope. Looks like your Spidey senses are on the fritz.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry. My father told everyone that he’s done and asked for some privacy.”
I’m curious if his fans will abide by the request.
Unfortunately, it looks like I’m about to find out.
Colby slips his arm around my waist and steers me back to the table.
His mother’s sparkling gaze bounces from him to me and then back again. “All right, I want all the details. How long have you two been going out? You’re so comfortable with each other. It’s really lovely to see.”
Oh crap.
It probably would have been helpful if we’d concocted a story, since we’re not about to reveal the truth.
A nervous laugh escapes from me. “Oh, no. We just—”
“Got married,” he says.
My jaw turns slack as I stare at Colby with wide eyes.
One glance around the table tells me that I’m not the only one stunned by his response.
21
COLBY
Well, fuck.
That’s not how I planned to share the news of my nuptials.
Needing to occupy my hands, I pick up my glass and drain the water. From over the rim, I stare at my parents and mentally prepare myself for their reaction.
There’s only one other time that they’ve been rendered speechless.
That was more than four years ago.
And Britt?
Her eyes look like they might fall out of her head and roll around on the table.
If I were smart, I’d have kept my big trap shut.
I have the feeling that if we were to do a deep dive into my psyche, we’d find that what I’m really trying to do is bind Britt even tighter to me so she can’t escape.
At every turn, that’s what it seems like she’s trying to do.
And I can’t fucking stand it.
This is the first girl I’ve met who isn’t impressed by my family or that I’m headed to the NHL after my senior season. She doesn’t melt into a puddle when I flash my dimples.
I have the sneaking suspicion she wouldn’t look twice in my direction if I didn’t chase her ass down on the daily.
Like seriously…who is this chick?
And why does she act like I have a highly infectious disease she’s deathly afraid of catching?
It’s a conundrum that needs to be solved.
Mom is the first one to regain her power of speech as she waggles her finger between the two of us. “I’m sorry…did you just say you’re married?” There’s a pause. “As in—married?”
“To each other?” Dad tacks on, as if trying to play mental catchup.
I glance at Britt. Her lips are smashed so tightly together there’s a good chance they’ll disappear.
“Yup.”
Mom clears her throat. “Okay. Um…when did this happen?”
I have to hand it to the woman. She’s cool, calm, and collected.
Just like always.
There’s not much that rattles her.
Luckily for me, we’ve always been tight. I couldn’t have asked for a better mother. No matter what happens in my life, I can always turn to her for advice. Or at least with help breaking something to my father.
“Last weekend.”
Dad scrubs a hand over his face and mutters, “In Vegas, I presume.”
“Which means that congratulations are in order.” Mom glances around for our waitress who hustles over as soon as they make eye contact. “Could we get a bottle of your best champagne, please?”
“Of course.” The woman vanishes as swiftly as she appeared.
Within five minutes, our crystal flutes are filled with golden bubbly liquid. I’ve never been one for champagne. If I’m going to drink, it’s beer. But I’m thankful that Mom is attempting to smooth over the situation since Dad hasn’t said much.
I’m sure I’ll get an earful later.
When she raises her glass, the three of us do the same. “Gray and I want to welcome you to our family, Britt. We look forward to spending more time together and getting to know you on a deeper level.” Love shines brightly from her eyes as she turns her attention to me. “Colby is an exceptional man, and if you married him, then you recognize it as well and that’s all I’ve ever wanted. That also tells me you’re special because our son doesn’t open his heart to just anyone.” Her gaze settles on my father. “I wish you two just as much happiness as we’ve found.”