‘I was just thinking that you’re going to make someone a bloody gorgeous bride one day.’
I made a dismissive sound.
‘What?’
‘Could you put me down, please?’ I bumped my hand on his chest, but he didn’t move.
‘You can’t argue with me. I have the photographic evidence.’ He wiggled the camera he still held in his other hand.
‘I appreciate the flattery but I’m pretty sure this is the last time I’ll be wearing a wedding dress.’
The smile faded as his gaze rested on me for a moment. Then, gently, he lowered me to the floor, ensuring I was steady before letting go entirely.
‘What makes you say that?’
‘Because I just don’t really see myself getting married.’
‘Why not?’
‘I just don’t.’
‘I didn’t know you were against marriage. Isn’t this all a little bit hypocritical, then?’
‘No! I’m not against marriage at all. I think it’s wonderful. I just don’t think it’s for me.’
‘Why not?’ he asked again.
I shifted my weight. ‘Would it be all right if we had this discussion when I’m not wearing a wedding dress? It seems a little incongruous.’
He nodded. ‘I agree. Do you need a hand to get out of it?’ He made a movement as if to turn me around to see the back of my dress.
‘Oh, yeah. Because that’s going to happen,’ I said, taking a step further away.
‘What? If I was Amy, you’d let me help.’
I fixed him with a look, trying to ignore how attractive he was when laughter filled those clear blue eyes. ‘The fact is you are not Amy.’
‘But we’re friends. Good friends.’
‘True.’
‘So, what’s the problem?’
‘There is no problem. But the fact is that I’m not about to stand in front of any man right at this moment, good friend or not, in a basque and stockings!’
Charlie’s face changed. ‘Basque and…’ His patriotic colourway returned, and he gave a quick little nod before mumbling something about needing a drink and heading off to the kitchen.
26
‘God, he’s adorable,’ Tilly stated quietly once he’d left the room. ‘I’m still amazed he’s not seeing anyone.’
I threw a glance towards the kitchen and then looked back at her. ‘I think he’s looking for The One. He’s done all the other stuff and is ready to settle down.’
‘And he can’t find someone wanting to be that? Bloody hell, I could get him a whole line up by this evening.’
‘I guess it’s not so easy when you’re shy like him.’
‘He must meet people all the time through work.’
