Zev’s family had tried their best to help Carly through the tragic loss of her best friend and the breakup, but it had been too painful to be near them, and she’d eventually pulled away. She hadn’t seen them in years, and then last summer she’d run into Beau and Charlotte when she was home visiting her parents, and they’d realized they didn’t live far from each other in Colorado. It had been weird at first, seeing Beau so in love with someone other than Tory, but Carly had really liked Charlotte, and she’d pushed those memories away for fear that they might hinder their friendship. They’d become close friends, and she was happy for them. Even though she was nervous about seeing Zev, when they had asked her to cater the wedding, there was no way she was going to let them down.
Now, with her stomach in knots, she was questioning that decision.
Jillian waggled her brows and said, “Or maybe Carly’s daydreaming about Zev.” She was just as feisty and pushy as always.
“I am not,” Carly insisted, despite the fact that her body had been humming since she’d first seen him, and she could barely look at him without going weak in the knees.
Jax, the most even-keeled of Zev’s brothers, said, “That’s his loss, Carly. I’m sorry for what he put you through.”
“Thanks, Jax.”
“I’m sorry for what happened, too,” Jillian said. “That was a horrible time for everyone, but it was a long time ago. Zev is a different person now, and you guys were great together.” She tucked her burgundy hair behind her ear, gazing across the tent at Zev. “Just look at him. He doesn’t even look like he did when you two were together. He has an edge to him now. I think his longer hair fits his mysterious image. Don’t you think, Car?”
Like metal to magnet, Carly’s eyes found Zev. She’d been stealing glances at him throughout the evening, trying to puzzle together the lanky teen she’d known with the gorgeous man before her, sporting chiseled, rugged features and thick scruff.
“Yes,” Carly said too breathily, and quickly schooled her tone. “I mean, it’s fine. Whatever. He always had good hair.” Even as a kid he’d worn his hair shaggier than his brothers. She used to love to run her fingers through it. Her hands itched with the desire to touch it again, and frustration stacked up inside her. “Why are you pushing him on me, Jilly? You know how he hurt me.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t help it,” Jillian said. “You two are like two sides of the same coin.”
“I’m over him. Tell her, Cutter. Tell her I’m over him.”
Cutter put his arm around Carly and said, “She swears she’s over him.”
“Seriously?” Carly glowered at him. “After all the times I’ve had your back, that’s how you’re going to play this?”
Jillian answered before Cutter could. “It doesn’t matter what you’ve told him. The electricity zinging between you two could light this tent on fire.”
“She’s right, Carly, but you know I’ve got your back.” Cutter looked at Jax and Jillian and said, “I know Zev’s your brother, but if he stirs up trouble with Carly, he’ll have me to deal with.” He glanced in Zev’s direction and said, “Although he looks nice enough.”
He looks like the guy who ruined years of my life, and still manages to make my stupid heart race.
“He’s more than nice enough,” Jillian said protectively. “Zev’s a good person.”
“I didn’t say he’s not. I said he’d have me to deal with if he messes with Carly,” Cutter clarified.
“While you two debate the values of Zev, this good guy is going to grab one of Morgyn’s hot sisters for a dance. It looks like Pepper and Amber are free.” Jax looked at Cutter and said, “What do you say? You want to ask one of them to dance?”
“I’m always up for dancing with a fine woman,” Cutter said with a smirk.
Carly rolled her eyes.
“Wait,” Jillian said. “The only single guys here that I’m not related to are Cutter and Duncan, and I’m not dancing with Duncan.” She took Cutter’s hand, and Cutter looked at her lasciviously. “Get those dirty thoughts out of your head, cowboy. You’re getting to dance with me, and that’s it.”
“Stronger women than you have said the same thing and ended up warming my mattress,” Cutter said.
“That stops now, cowboy,” Jax warned as they walked away, leaving Carly alone.
The Bradens had a huge extended family, with cousins in several states, and