AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I leapt up, my chair skidding, grappling with my purse like a boy had never called before.
A name lit the screen, backed by a model-gorgeous man. White teeth gleamed against bronze skin, set off by deep dimples. Dark hair, damp from running up and down a soccer field, curled over a square forehead.
Daniel Villarreal
My sister’s fiancé.
Daniel and I had met, of course, and he’d stayed with my family for New Year’s. I’d called to say congrats when he and Alexis got engaged. But he wasn’t in the habit of phoning me.
When I picked up, his voice, usually warm and cheerful, was hoarse.
“Christina, hello. Is this a good time?”
“Absolutely. I’m studying for finals and I need a distraction.”
“I’m sorry, I’ll call back later…” He broke off with a yawn.
“It’s fine,” I said hastily. “You sound like you’re coming off a bender. Or were you on call?”
“On call, of course.”
Daniel sounded drained, nothing like the guy who glowed with post-game sweat in the photo on my screen. Maybe being a first-year resident did that to you. That, or being long-distance with my sister.
“Do I want to know how long you’ve been awake?” I asked to fill the awkward silence.
“Twenty-four hours. Look, I won’t take too much of your time. Alexis says the nicest things about you, and I’m really looking forward to becoming family.”
“So am I. I’ve always wanted a brother.” I crossed and uncrossed my legs.
His tone turned wistful. “Your sister…well, I don’t know how to say this.”
“Talk to me, Daniel.” I spun my chair in a circle. I’d heard that lovestruck, Alexis-worshipping voice from countless guys.
“She’s so amazing, so incredible, so perfect. So…far away.”
My chair bumped the desk. “Because you’re long-distance?”
“Sure. I guess that’s good.” He tried a laugh. “I wouldn’t be able to concentrate if she were around.”
“What about when you’re married? She’ll be around you then.”
“My God, I didn’t — I didn’t mean it like that, Christina.” Fatigue thickened his words. “She’s the woman I’ve always hoped for.”
“And you’re visiting a lot, right?” I asked quickly. “Alexis said—”
What had she said?I wish I could see Daniel more. It’ll be amazing when we’re finally married.
“We visited last month. It was…magical. That’s why I’m calling. I want to do something really special for your sister.”
I closed my laptop on the pink bridesmaid dresses. “You already have! Your proposal, the Valentine’s Day gifts, the ring — my friends were drooling when they saw it.”
“It’s not enough. Whatever I’m doing, it’s not enough.”
“Yes, it is!” I snapped.
“I want to surprise her,” he went on, like he hadn’t heard. “You know her so well. What would take her breath away?”
Don’t you know her so well?I wanted to ask.You’re the one marrying her.
