Love Triangle Six Books of Torn Desire - Willow Winters Page 0,430

blamed for an employee mistake.”

“Drew…,” she starts.

“Doesn’t hurt to at least see what it looks like off the hanger.” I lift the dress and hold it out so she can get an unobstructed view.

She opens her mouth to protest when her eyes catch a glimpse of the detailing on the lace overlay. There are a few beads and sparkles, but nowhere near the over-the-top style of the dresses she’s been trying on. Longing fills her expression, her eyes glistening as they rake over the elegance before her.

“Come on,” I encourage, my voice softer. “Try it on.”

Unable to resist the temptation, she murmurs, “Okay.”

“Okay.” I hand her the dress, our eyes meeting before she turns around and disappears behind the curtain. She doesn’t even stop to peer in the mirrors to see how she looks in the current dress. It doesn’t matter. Once she tries on the one Judy brought in, she won’t want to give any other dress a chance.

As I’m about to head to the divan and sit, my phone buzzes in the pocket of my pants. I pull it out to see a text from Molly.

How’s it going? Did Brooklyn find a dress yet? She hasn’t sent me any photos.

That’s because she hasn’t found any she likes. Mrs. Bradford came by the shop last night and pulled a selection of dresses for Brooklyn to try on. She left instructions she’ll pay for the dress, but only if it’s one she picked out. And they’re all hideous.

I sit down and bounce my legs as I wait for Molly’s reply. I almost expect her to call.

What? That’s utter horseshit. Doesn’t that old shrew realize this is Brooklyn’s wedding, not hers?

I’m handling it.

A longer than anticipated period of time passes as I wait for her response.

How are you handling it?

Don’t worry. I promised I’d help her find the dress of her dreams. I’m not letting her walk out of here without it.

You’d better not. Keep me updated.

I will. Oh, by the way, I’m on to your scheming ass. I know you’re not sick, that this was your way of forcing us together. Remember that payback is a bitch…especially my version of payback.

I hit send. A few seconds later, my phone buzzes at the same time Brooklyn pulls the curtain back. Without looking at it, I shove my cell back into my pocket and lift my eyes to her. All the oxygen is instantly sucked from the room, my jaw growing slack as I soak in how unequivocally stunning she looks. When I saw the gown on the hanger, I thought it was beautiful. But the way it clings to her curves and seems to bring out the small flecks of gold in her green eyes… I’m stunned, mesmerized, hypnotized.

Blood rushes through my body as she saunters toward the podium, stepping onto it. The way she sways her hips, the confidence she exudes… I’ve never seen anything so attractive. I open my mouth to say something, to tell her how amazing she looks, but mere words won’t do it justice. There isn’t a single word in the English language to adequately relay how bewitching Brooklyn is in that dress.

As I watch her, her eyes bright, I can picture her on the big day. She wouldn’t want some extravagant hairstyle. Just a few curls in her dark locks, maybe pinned at the side of her head, cascading in front of her shoulder. Her makeup would accentuate the color of the dress—golds and browns.

From the instant I learned of her engagement, I’ve been against it. But now, jealousy fills me, raw and ugly. I hate the idea of her walking down the aisle to Wes. He’s a decent guy, but Brooklyn’s special. She’s special to me. And she deserves someone who treats her like the treasure she is. I’m not sure Wes truly appreciates her. I’m not sure I’ve ever appreciated her, either. I certainly could have fought harder for her, regardless of how na?ve I was as a teenager. That doesn’t mean I’m willing to give up on the idea of us now.

“Wow.” Judy’s voice breaks through the tension as she hurries inside, a shoe box in her hands. “That looks fantastic on you. How do you feel?”

Brooklyn studies her reflection in the mirror, unable to tear her eyes away. I don’t blame her. I can’t, either. The cut is perfect for her body type—ample chest, slender waist, curvy hips. I’m no fashion expert, but I don’t know many women who can pull