Stalking His Bride - Lucy Darling Page 0,24

be careful that we’re not getting wrapped up in what happened to you and Reed. That was an isolated situation. Now we’re just going the extreme other way when it comes to James and me.” That’s the truth whether I want to admit it or not. I have to be conscious of that fact.

“Maybe.” Her face scrunches. I can tell she’s not buying it, though.

“I don’t want to talk about it. This night is about you.”

“Fine, but I’m telling you that Reed and James are a lot alike in many ways. Neither do things they don’t want to.”

“Reed let you come out tonight.” I steal a chip for myself.

“He would never get between us.”

“I know, but I thought it might be harder.” James' eyes had raked over me before I’d left, but he hadn't stopped me. I am in a strapless dress that hugs me tight around the top and flares out at the waist. I told Tinsley to wear something simple. I adore this style of dress but what I love more are my heels.

I could run in heels if I actually ran. My mom has had me in them since I can remember, dressing me up like a doll. Now that I am away from her, I can pick what I want. I feel sexy. James kissed me and told me he’d handle Reed. Secretly I wanted someone to have to handle James, which is stupid because I want tonight to happen for Tinsley. My thoughts are all over the place when it comes to that man.

“We’re at a Mexican restaurant and I’m pregnant. I think he knows it’s not going to be some crazy night.” Yes, those things are both true. I listened to Tinsley when she told me to plan something we’d have fun doing. Flashing cocks aren’t really our thing. Tinsley actually doesn’t care for much male attention at all, and I don’t want to draw extra attention to her after some of the things she’s been through.

“You do know this isn't just a restaurant, don’t you?” I smile. She glances around. James helped me find this place. Her eyes go wide for a minute.

“Salsa dancing! We haven't done that in forever.” She starts wiggling around in her chair. We spent many nights trying to teach ourselves how to salsa. I have no idea why. We spent one whole summer obsessed with it. I think it had something to do with all those new dance shows that started airing on TV.

“We’ve also never done it in front of other people,” I point out. She glances around the restaurant. James told me around ten they will start to remove tables and the place usually becomes slammed.

“I think this is why people drink.” She has a very good point, but really I don’t care. People can stare. I am here with my best friend. She is marrying the man she’s been in love with her whole life. That is worth celebrating. As for me, I really need to stop caring about what others think I should or shouldn't be doing. Tonight I’m going to do whatever I want.

15

James

“I hope you’re happy with yourself.” I look over at Reed, who looks like he’s about to come out of his skin. I know the feeling.

“Were you really going to tell her no?” I ask him. He gives me a look. He would never tell Tinsley no if he didn't have to. I know because I am in the same fucking spot with Carly. What I can do is control some aspects of things to put me somewhat at ease. But there is no way that I’d be able to tell her no.

Her mom has done that enough to her. I’m not going to clip her blossoming wings. Each time Carly’s phone went off, I noticed it was her mom’s name lighting up the screen, causing her lips to turn down in a frown. Every time she got off with the woman it would take me a good hour to get her mood back up. My mouth between her pretty thighs always worked the best.

I try not to let it bother me that she hasn't said one word to her mom about me. She’ll talk about Tinsley or how her new place is coming along, but not a single word about me. It’s probably a good thing I can’t hear what her mom is saying to her. I’ve never wanted to choke a woman before, until now. I see many