Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
“Like I’d tell Raine anything after tonight? As for Mom, your secret is safe with me, but who?”
“I’d rather not say but I made a mistake and I’ve been paying for it for the past nine years. Don’t get me wrong, Eli is the best thing that’s ever happened to me but he’s a constant reminder of my foolishness.”
“I hope you never say that around him.”
“Of course, I don’t. I should probably be going back inside and clean up. I know you don’t want to hear this but cut Raine a little slack. She’s not all bad and you and I both know it. Sometimes she just gets into one of her bad moods and woe betide everyone around her.”
“But she’s too old to just say whatever pops from off the top of her head.”
“I know but think about it, okay. Take care of yourself, okay. And tell Ethan I said hello.”
Riley gave her a faint smile in response. She wasn’t sure what she’d say to Ethan when she saw him again.
They hugged before parting ways.
As Riley drove home, she tried to figure out her mother’s cryptic words. It occurred to her that her mother had almost slipped up in a previous conversation they had about Ethan. She’d been on the verge of saying something but had stopped herself.
“Oh, Mom, what have you done?”
10
Riley was avoiding him and Ethan couldn’t figure out why. Whenever he called her she kept the conversation brief. He’d asked her out a handful of times but she always had an excuse. When he’d go by her house she was never home. He figured she was probably spending time with Megan or her family but she had gotten into the habit of letting him know when she was going out. She was deliberately avoiding him and he intended to get to the bottom of it.
He really thought he’d made some headway with her but it seemed every time he took two steps forward, Riley would take one giant one back. No more. It was time to have it out with Riley once and for all.
Ethan had offered to drive her to the rehearsal but again Riley had said she had to ride with Megan insisting it was the Maid of Honor’s duty to stick by the bride’s side. That excuse was getting old and he was glad the wedding was tomorrow so she could stop using it as a shield against him.
She looked so beautiful in a golden dress that seemed to make her dark skin shimmer. As part of the bridal party they all sat at the same table and while he couldn’t keep his eyes off her, Riley turned away every time he caught her looking in his direction.
He glanced at his watch several times during the night, unable to wait for the festivities to be over. He sent a silent prayer of thanks when they finally were. Riley attempted to make her exit but she wasn’t quick enough.
Ethan caught her by the arm. “Where are you going?”
She moistened her full lips. There was a look of guilt in her big brown eyes. “I uh, I just had to go to the ladies room. Then I’m going back to Megan and Jackson’s house to stay the night with the rest of the bridal party.”
“Tell Megan you’ll meet up with the rest of the girls later. You and I are going to have it out once and for all.”
“I can’t just leave her like this, she needs me.”
“My sister is capable of taking care of herself. I’m sure she won’t mind. In fact, why don’t you ask her now?”
Megan joined them arm and arm with Jackson. “I can’t believe I’ll be Mrs. Jackson Knight, tomorrow. Wasn’t the dinner lovely? And Mom only cried twice. She says she’s warming up for tomorrow.”
“Someone is quite the chatterbox tonight.” Ethan smiled affectionately at his sister.
“I’m just so excited! I don’t think I can sleep tonight and I’ll walk up tomorrow morning looking like a raccoon.”
Jackson leaned over and dropped a kiss on Megan’s forehead. “But you’ll be the loveliest raccoon there ever was.”
Megan giggled. ‘I’m not sure if I should be insulted by that or not. So Riley, are you ready to go? We’re all going to ride to my house together.”
“Actually, Megan, Riley is coming with me. We have a few things we need to iron out. But afterwards, I promise to bring her back in one piece.”
Megan glanced back and forth between him and Riley and then she shot him a sly smile. “Sure Ethan.”
“We’re just going to talk,” Riley insisted.
Megan’s grin widened. “It’s none of my business. See you later tonight, Ri.”
When Megan and Jackson walked off, Riley turned to glare at him. “Whatever has to be said could have waited.”
“I don’t think so. Come on, let’s go.”