Love Triangle Six Books of Torn Desire - Willow Winters Page 0,432

argue, my face heating. If she could pick up on that after only a few minutes, what does everyone else think?

She narrows her eyes, giving me a knowing look. “You can’t fool me. I make a living off love. I know it when I see it. And you love her. I see brides and grooms on a daily basis. I’ve yet to see a groom look at a bride the way you looked at Ms. Tanner when you saw her in that dress.”

“Like I told you…” I avert my gaze. “She’s just a friend.”

Judy places her hand on my forearm and I peer at her. “And I’ve never seen a bride look at a groom the way she looked at you.” She withdraws, giving me a comforting smile. “For what it’s worth.”

“Thanks.” It’s all I can manage.

“I hope it works out.” She takes the signed receipt from me, then hands me my copy and my credit card.

“Me, too,” I mumble.

“What’s going on?” We both snap our eyes to see Brooklyn walking toward us, her brows furrowed.

“Nothing.” I shove my card into my pocket. Brooklyn looks at Judy, then back at me as I struggle to come up with a reason as to why she caught me signing something.

“I just realized who your friend is,” Judy flounders, coming to my rescue. “My boyfriend is a huge hockey fan. Andrew was gracious enough to give me an autograph for him. Of course, I’d like one for myself, as well.”

She reaches into the desk and produces a blank notecard, pushing it toward me.

I grab the pen and scratch out my name once more, scribbling the signature I use when signing autographs.

“Tell him I said thanks. I’m glad someone still knows who I am.”

“Are you kidding me?” she scoffs, playfully jabbing me. “Everyone knows the name Andrew Brinks. You’re hockey royalty. Not many players can go from barely seeing any ice time to being star center and leading his team to the Stanley Cup in just a few months. That’s like saying no one knows who Gordie Howe is.”

She walks across the reception area, leading us toward the door. I get the feeling this isn’t the first time she’s done something like this. Then again, she is in sales. Learning how to read people and say what they need to hear is essential in that profession.

“That’s sweet, but I’m no Gordie Howe.”

“You’re just modest.” She winks, then turns to a stunned Brooklyn. “Ms. Tanner, it was a pleasure. I’ll call you when your dress comes in and we’ll arrange your fitting. I expect it will only take about six weeks or so with the rush order on it.” She reaches into her pocket and withdraws a business card, handing it to her. “If you have any questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

“Thanks.”

Judy meets my eyes. “Mr. Brinks. Have a nice day. I’ll be rooting for you.”

I simply smile as I hold the door open for Brooklyn and exit the shop.

“Typical salesperson,” she scoffs as we head toward the Common where I parked.

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, come on. She said she was rooting for you after fawning all over you. She didn’t even realize you were no longer playing professional hockey.”

“Yeah.” I play along. “Typical salesperson. Hungry?”

“Starving.”

“Want to grab lunch somewhere?” I pass her a devious smile.

“What did you have in mind?”

I look at the sky, the sun trying to peek through the clouds. “I think it’s the perfect day for a trip to the beach.”

Her laughter fills the air. “How did I know you’d say that?”

“Because you know I’m a nostalgic bastard.” I sling my arm around her, grateful when she makes no move to push away. Just like old times.

“That I do.”

Chapter Sixteen

BROOKLYN

Blissfully content with a belly full of greasy food, I steal a glance at Drew as he turns down Molly’s street. After leaving the dress boutique, we drove out to Revere Beach, where we gorged on whole belly clams, lobster rolls, and roast beef sandwiches, much like we used to nearly every weekend growing up. For the few hours we spent staring at the small waves in the chilly air, things were the way they used to be. Before life got complicated.

When Drew pulls into the driveway, we both scrunch our brows as we stare at the house, not a single light on, Molly’s and Noah’s cars gone.

“That sneaky little shit,” Drew mutters.

“You think she planned this, too?” I ask as he puts the SUV into park.

“I don’t