You're The One (Very Irresistible Bachelors #1) - Layla Hagen Page 0,56
“When do you have time for a girls’ night out?”
Josie’s cheeks went pink. She glanced at me with wide, pleading eyes, but I had no clue how to save her from this.
Skye and Tess were looking at her expectantly.
“Umm... I’m not sure. I have a few events in the evenings next week, but I’ll check and let you know.”
“We could also have lunch together if you’re pressed for time,” Skye suggested. Right... time for me to step in.
“Skye, Tess, stop pressuring her. She said she’ll—”
Tess glared at me. “You, dear Hunter, cannot make any demands. At all. You let us all get our hopes up with the wedding.”
Okay. Point taken. I was not yet forgiven.
“I’ll let you know,” Josie repeated.
“Now that’s settled, let’s focus on dinner before everything gets cold.” Amelia’s voice was calm and warm, as usual. I was man enough to admit I’d been avoiding eye contact ever since this conversation started, but now I gathered enough courage to look at her. She didn’t seem nearly as annoyed as Tess and Skye. She didn’t seem disappointed either. The knot between my shoulder blades loosened a little.
We enjoyed dinner, talking about everything except Josie and me. Every time the conversation veered dangerously close to honeymoon talk, Ryker expertly changed the subject. I was impressed by his skills. Then again, he was a master at avoiding uncomfortable conversations.
After dinner, I pulled Amelia aside in the living room.
“Amelia, I want to apologize. I’m sorry you got dragged into this. I’m also sorry about not telling you from the start. I genuinely thought it was for the best.”
“I don’t doubt you had great intentions.”
“You’re not mad.”
“My boy....” She gave me a knowing look. Honestly, I preferred her calling me using my middle name too—even if it meant I was in trouble—because at least then I knew where I stood. But that knowing look always felt like a trap.
“I see how you look at her. That’s not someone who’s just pretending for the immigration services.”
I’d been spot-on. This was why Amelia had been so blasé about everything.
“Amelia....”
“Hunter Jonathan Caldwell.” There she went with the middle name. I braced myself. “I might not be your mother, but I know you as well as she does. Whatever is going on between you and Josie, it’s good for you. Don’t contradict me. And don’t ruin this.”
“Didn’t even cross my mind, ma’am.”
She was obviously not done with me, but I was saved by Josie, who hurried toward us.
“Amelia, can I steal Hunter for a minute?”
“Sure.”
Josie motioned with her head toward the corner farthest away from where the group was perched on armchairs. I felt Tess’s gaze drill into the back of my skull even from the distance.
“Thanks for rescuing me,” I said.
Josie folded her hands over her chest, narrowing her eyes. “I’d been watching you for a while.”
“And you waited to rescue me... why?”
“Because you didn’t deserve it. You didn’t rescue me.”
“From what?”
“Girls’ night out. They’ll drill me, won’t they?”
“They will,” I confirmed.
“So why didn’t you do something about it?”
“I don’t engage in fights I can’t win,” I said solemnly. Besides, I couldn’t deny it... the idea of my cousins questioning Josie was very amusing.
“Oh, Hunter. At least tell me Amelia drilled you good.”
“She used my middle name.”
Josie laughed, throwing her head back. “I feel vindicated.”
“You’re having a little too much fun with this.”
“What are you gonna do about it?”
The urge to kiss her was overwhelming, but I fought it. After coming clean to the family about the immigration services, explaining this would just bring another round of questions, and neither of us was ready for that.
“Should I come clean to my parents too?” Josie asked.
“What’s your gut feeling on this?”
“I don’t think the immigration services will bother with them. They usually conduct their inquiries in the city where the couple lives and works.”
“If you want to tell them, go ahead, Josie. Whatever is easier for you.”
“I’ll think about it.”
We returned to the group after that. Tess, Skye, and Amelia were looking at us. I could practically see a spark going off in Tess’s mind. She patted the empty spot on the couch next to her.
“Josie, let’s look through your calendar.”
Josie threw me a desperate glance, but before I could come up with anything smart, Ryker gestured for me to join him and Cole. They were still at the dining table.
“So, now that we know you’re actually not off the market, let’s go out,” Ryker said.
“We can even be your wingmen, in case you lost your game