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We are officially friends!
I feel confident in saying step two is completed, and it feels oh so good.
Over the last couple of weeks, since Nashville really, Clay and I have communicated in some way every day. Through lots of texting, a few phone conversations, and one time even a FaceTime call, not one day has passed without some kind of contact. The Clay I knew before that unfortunate day in New York also seems to have slowly returned. He went from his answers being short and him being broody to more full and detailed, and he laughs now. I swear he has the best laugh. It’s not loud and over the top, but it makes you smile no matter where you are or what you are doing.
“Would you stop fidgeting? He’ll be here any minute,” Cora whispers. She and I are standing in the lobby of the Four Seasons in Austin, and we’re waiting for Avery, Ash, and Clay to join us. I had been hoping to see Clay before now, but with delayed flights and hair and makeup appointments, it just didn’t happen.
“I can’t help it. Every time the elevator opens, my nerves spike and then crash when it’s not him.” Is he nervous like I am, or is it just me? Then again, he has bigger things to be nervous about tonight than me, and I must remember that.
“You have nothing to be nervous about,” Cora scoffs.
“Oh, because making someone fall in love with you is so easy.” My hands run across my stomach to attempt to settle it. I’m wearing a short sparkly silver dress with spaghetti straps and tall silver heels. My hair is done, and my makeup is smoky. I feel good, and I hope he thinks I look good too.
“You’re not making him do anything. The boy was halfway there before, he just needs to put everything behind him and see what’s right in front of him. Worry less. Have more fun.”
“Such sound advice,” I tease, but I really do hope she’s right.
And then the elevator door opens and he steps out. He’s looking down, so he hasn’t seen us, and I take the few seconds to drink him in while my heart hammers in my chest. Memories are great, but they don’t hold a candle to seeing him in person, in vivid 3D.
His hair is shorter on the sides, leaving the top long. His skin is smooth, and just that subtle change narrows his face, bringing out his cheekbones and the sharp edge of his jaw. He’s wearing a black blazer over a black shirt, dark denim that molds to his thighs, and the same boots from New Year’s, and he’s carrying a large black Stetson to put on later.
Before Clay, I never ever thought the cowboy look would do it for me, but he makes my mouth water. How does the world not see what I see?
“Breathe,” Cora whispers.
Right. I’ve stopped breathing, and I gasp for air. It’s then that he raises his head and his eyes lock on mine. A full range of emotions passes through them as he makes his way to us. I wish I could read them, but quickly enough, he shutters them.
Well, all but one: heat. There is nothing cold about him today, and as his gaze drifts down the length of me, his free hand tightens into a fist down by his side.
“Like I said, worry less and have more fun. I mean he definitely looks like he’s up for some fun tonight.”
I choke on nothing, and Cora shoots me a mischievous look as Clay stops in front of us.
“Cora.” He greets her with a nod, and then he turns those whiskey-colored eyes back to me. “Emma,” he says, voice a little deeper, and then he bends down to kiss my cheek. Every part of me lights up, and I reach for his arm to steady myself. He smells expensive and comforting at the same time. He smells perfect, and I want to bathe in the deliciousness of him.
“Everybody ready?” Ash asks from behind him. I never even saw them approach.
“Yep, let’s do this,” Cora answers, knowing I can’t as I’m openly staring at Clay.
Together as a group we turn for the door where there’s a car waiting. Ash takes Avery’s hand, her personal bodyguard Blair walks with them, Cora follows, and Clay and I take up the rear.
“You look b-beautiful,” he says, and my cheeks heat as I smile up at him.
“You clean up pretty good yourself.”
He switches his hat to his other hand so his free one can settle on my lower back. I don’t ask him if he’s ready for tonight; I know deep down he’s not, so I’ll be his rock and his support if he lets me. Earlier today, when we traded texts, he told me he’d changed his mind. Instead of a root canal, he’d rather have all his teeth ripped out with pliers.
“How was the rehearsal?” I ask him, and his shoulders tense.
“It was fine,” he says, but that’s all I need to hear.
Fine.
He’s not fine.
All around, people begin to recognize us. One or two of us alone get spotted here and there, maybe, but all five together? Definitely. Phones go up as we close in on each other, but just as quickly Blair has us out of the lobby and into the waiting car.
“I miss this event being in Nashville,” Ash says on a sigh. We all understand what he’s saying. We could leave from our own homes and then return to them. No hotels, no crowds, no leaving families, just a nice night out.
