As we neared her car, she dug in her purse for her keys then turned to me. This part of the street wasn’t as busy since most of the shops had closed around five. It was just the two of us, and I leaned in, placing my arm on the side of her car.
Her pupils dilated, the blue blown out so much they were pools of black. The scent of her perfume mingled with the wisteria growing on the shop awning nearby, and it was intoxicating. I wanted to get drunk on her.
I wanted to kiss her senseless, tear off each other’s clothes. I wanted to spoil her, treasure her, devour her. I wanted to make her mine.
“Thank you for turning a sucky evening into a fun one.” She smiled up at me, her inky black lashes fluttering like the wings of a butterfly. If I just moved a little closer. Just a…
My breath caught at her innocent expression, at the way she was looking at me. With something a lot like desire. Did she…did she want this too? I inched closer, lust clouding my vision. I’d wanted this—her—for so long.
And then a car honked, and I remembered where we were and who she was. Liam’s sister.Your best friend’s sister.
I stepped back, not even daring to kiss her cheek, and said, “Good night, Wren.”
And then I turned and walked away, clenching my fists the entire time so I wouldn’t turn back and take what I wanted. What I so desperately desired. My body warring with my mind, battling with my heart.
I couldn’t have her. I knew this. I’d known it for years. But I wanted her all the same.
I’d never come this close to crossing that line, though. Never. Not once. But I’d let my guard down tonight, and I couldn’t let that happen again. I was just going to have to avoid her.
Chapter Two
When I arrived at Alpaca Acres, Harper was leaning against her car, coffee in hand. She glanced up and waved as I pulled into a parking spot. The sun was still low in the sky, warming up the earth. But soon, it would be the perfect lighting for our bridal shoot.
“Hey,” I said, shutting the door and going around to the trunk. “You’re early.”
“I just love it here.” She grinned. “Don’t you?”
I nodded, knowing exactly what she meant. Alpaca Acres was a bed-and-breakfast, alpaca farm, and so much more. It was magical—acres upon acres of wild flowers in a rainbow of colors. A beautiful historic home turned bed-and-breakfast, working farm, and restaurant with an emphasis on local ingredients. And the owner was the coolest lady—Susan. She’d had so many amazing experiences.
“Sasha’s getting ready. I came early to take some pictures of Daisy, Willa, and Larry.”
I laughed.Of course—the alpacas.They were like minor celebrities in town, second only to the reclusive romance author, Meghan Hart.
“So…” Harper butted my shoulder with hers while we waited for our client. “How’d it go last night?”
Harper knew all about my dating adventures, not that there were many. The past few years, I’d been too busy with my photography business and raising my son while navigating some health issues to even consider attempting to date. But now that River was at school full time, I’d finally ventured back into the dating pool with some excitement…but mostly trepidation.
“Great!” I said in a chipper tone, complete with a cheesy smile.
“Yay! That’s awesome.”
“Yeah,” I scoffed. “If by great, I mean that I was stood up by my date. Lucas canceled at the last minute without even attempting to explain or reschedule. I mean, he did it in a text message.”
“Oh no!” Her face fell. “That’s the worst. What a jerk.”
I just didn’t get it.Hewas the one who’d asked me out. He’d initiated it, and then…poof. He’d bailed. I didn’t understand what had spooked him. What had made him change his mind, but it felt like a bigger rejection than it should.
Why was I even surprised? The only men I could count on were my dad, my brother, and my son. And, well, Bennett.
“I don’t even know why I try,” I said. “I have the worst luck when it comes to men.”
“I used to be that way too,” she said with a sympathetic smile.
“And then you met Enzo.” I sighed, thinking of Harper’s swoon-worthy husband, Lorenzo Mancini. Just his name was sexy. “If only I could meet a hot Italian and have him fall madly in love with me. I mean, is there an app for that?” I teased.
She pulled me into her side as we walked toward the main building. “He’s out there. There is a guy for you. I know sometimes it’s hard to believe, but have faith.”
“Thanks, Harper,” I said, feeling marginally better. I just hoped I wouldn’t have to wait until I was nearly forty to find him like Harper had.
