AllFreeNovel
Share Us
14
Katie’s eyestraveled from the trim haircut to the familiar face she knew so well, from so long ago.She remembered the soft brown eyes and the cleft in his chin she adored.The smile lines had deepened on his cheeks.But something was different.The eyes that met hers today weren’t warm and worshiping.She had snuffed out the light in them and wiped out the hope—they were gone now.The dark pools of brown had changed, and glimmers of fury smoldered in their depth.Katie shivered as their eyes met.
“I—I didn’t really expect to see you,” she mumbled.She had known he was going to be her plus one, but now that Chase was actually here—in flesh and blood and inches from her face—she stuttered, at a loss for words.
“You wouldn’t, except I promised Laurie.”Chase straightened his back.
There was a moment of awkward silence.
Katie bit back her tongue and the quick lashing at the tip of it.Perhaps it was the disappointment or her wounded pride that made her want to strike back.But she realized she had no right to expect anything different after what she’d said and done.She’d wounded him.It was written all over his face.She read it as her heart sank.But it was too late.The words spoken years ago could not be unspoken, nor could she gather them up and stuff them back into her mouth.In one moment, she had killed the light in his eyes and smashed his heart.
“I—I’m sorry,” Katie whispered.
He gritted his teeth.
“I’ve thought of it.The words I used were hurtful, but I was young and impetuous.”
Chase shook his head.
“I’ve said it many times out loud when I’m alone—and wanted to tell you in person,” Katie said.
She’d had plenty of time—ten years—to relive this part, over and over again.The hurt look on his face had burned into her mind.Yet she’d stuck to her guns, refused to take back what she’d said, and left town without a look back at the man whose heart she had broken.
A fork tapping on a glass got the attention of the crowd and quieted them.Toasts were raised to the happy couple.The DJ announced the newlyweds and spun the music to their favorite tune as Laurie and Ryan stepped onto the dance floor for their first dance.Then the bride danced with her father, joined by the groom’s parents and the wedding party.
Katie watched as the wedding guests joined in on the dance floor, her feet tapping on the floor and her body swaying slightly to the music.It’d been too long since she’d had fun, and she was determined to enjoy it, even if it was from the sidelines.She glanced across the room and saw a group of people standing and talking.One of them seemed familiar, but she couldn’t place a name with the face.Maybe he felt her stare.The man turned around and spotted Katie.As he broke away from his group and started walking, and it was clear he was heading toward her, Katie cringed.
“Do I know you?”he asked, placing his hand casually on the back of her chair.
Katie blushed.“I don’t think so.”
He leaned in, peering over her, staring intently before a smile broke.
“Why, if it isn’t Katie Simmons.”
She scrunched her nose, trying harder to place him.“I think I know you—”
Mary swiveled her head, hearing their conversation.“Brad!”She jumped out of her chair, scratching the floor as she pushed its legs out and startling Katie, who wondered if Mary remembered her crush on him in elementary school.
He laughed, turning into her outstretched arms to hug her.
“When’d you get back?”Mary asked.
“Last night.”
“Where are you staying?”
“At the hotel.”
Mary put her hands on her hips.“You should have called.Jim’s got room at his house.”
“No, I’m good.”Brad smiled.“It’s just for two nights.”
“You’re leaving tomorrow?”She made an O with her lips.
“Afraid so.I’ve got a busy schedule at work.”
“Well, it sounds like you’re doing well,” Jim said.He stood up and clapped Brad’s back.
They shook hands.
The DJ put on a snappy tune.“C’mon, everyone, I want you all on the dance floor.If I haven’t seen you wiggling your booty and shaking your legs, I’m gonna call you out.”
Holding the palm of his hand out, Brad whispered in Katie’s ear, “Would you like to dance with me?”
She got up from her chair and slipped her hand in his.
