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I put my hand on her knee, reassuring her. “The perfect shade of cream was the one you picked. You’re marrying Liam freaking Taylor, Jess. It’s going to be amazing,” I grin and shake her leg excitedly.
“God, you’re right. I’m glad you’re here to bring me back when I overthink,” she says, shaking her hands out to loosen up a bit. “So, tell me, how’s the hen do planning? What did you and Grayson concoct?” she asks with a sparkle in her eyes that makes me double take at first, but I quickly remind myself that she has no idea about Grayson and me.
“That’s for me to know and you to find out.” I tap the side of my nose, remembering that there are still a few things we might need to go over. I make a mental note to ask Grayson, which includes talking to him, something I’ve not done since he sent that topless photo to me after our fake date. I’m avoiding him because I don’t know what to say to him yet.
“I’m just glad I don’t have to sort that out. I’m grateful you’re doing it.”
I nod. I’m glad she feels that way because this wedding might just be my demise, especially with the amount of extra time I have to spend around Grayson. I’m still spending a stupid amount of time convincing myself that I do not want to repeat of our night together. Nope, never.How many times do I need to say it before it I really believe it?
“So, the boys have their suits, we have our dresses, and you have yours. Your to do list is looking manageable again,” I say, not letting my thoughts drift to the tall, tattooed best man whose bare chest I’ve stared at far too many times already this morning.
“Okay, no more. My liver will never recover.” Jess hiccups and stands; I don’t have the heart to tell her that she’s got several pieces of glittered ribbon attached to her bum. Instead, I chuckle to myself, enjoying the moment.
Jess tipsily staggers upstairs. Liam is away for business tonight, and I know that’s another reason she’s feeling strange. Just as I think I should follow her, I hear Liam’s voice through her phone. I’m guessing they’re on a video call and I definitely want zero part of interrupting that.
I quickly pack up the wedding menu explosion and hope that Jess doesn’t want to touch it again until the card arrives. I think she needs a break from it all. Hell,Ineed a break from it all. I have nightmares about the many colour palettes and decorations she asks my opinion on.
Walking up to my bedroom, I hear Jess and Liam laughing, and my heart stutters. I’m so happy they have each other, even if it makes me occasionally nauseous at how perfect they are together. I hate comparing because comparison is the thief of joy and all that, but… my love life feels like a big hot mess. I’ve only slept with three people, and I’ve barely dated because I’ve been busy building my career. I do not regret a single second of that, but sometimes it can be lonely. I do try, I’ve been on dates, but every guy I meet turns out to be an arseholes or boring as hell. Or Grayson King, who is only afriend.
I’ll never admit this to anyone, and I hate being this person right now… but sometimes you feel better when you admit things out loud, so here goes. I feel like I’m that woman who is meant to be the bridesmaid and never the bride, or the aunt and never the mum.
I throw myself onto my bed, my head still slightly buzzing from the tequila. “No, Nora, you will not wallow in self-pity. That is not a part of the plan. We don’t do pity parties. They’re not conducive. At all,” I mutter to myself, yawning in the process. Just as I’m about to get ready for bed, my phone pings.
Grayson:Don’t forget, I’m taking you for youryes dayon Saturday. Be ready at 9.
My tummy does a stupid little dance at the sight of his name, but I quickly squash that because, no, we’re friends and that’s how we’ll stay.
Me:Did I agree to that?
Grayson:If you want to get the hang of what happens on Saturday, then start right now. Say yes, because it’s happening, regardless.
This is a bad idea. Yielding so much to this man is going to make me vulnerable and the last time that happened…
But apparently, my self-control has disappeared and is replaced by complete curiosity as to what the hell he’s going to do with me for a whole day. A whole day where I have to say yes to him.
The thought makes me a little giddy.
Me:Fine, yes.
Chapter 12
Grayson
Knockingloudlyonherdoor, I check my watch. It’s 9am on Saturday and we’re already wasting daylight. I should’ve told her 8am or even better, I should’ve dragged her arse to my gym and watched her work out first. Damn, I missed an opportunity there. I want to get as much as I can out of this ‘yes day’ with Nora and see how far I can push her.
Bang, bang, bang.
I call her phone again, but just as the rings sound in my ear, the click of the lock opens the door and there she is, in a crop top and leggings so tight they should be illegal. My eyes do a quick sweep of her toned body, and the way sweat is glistening over her chest finally settling on her face, which is not surprisingly set in a scowl with her brows almost touching. “What are you… Oh my God, it’s Saturday.” She throws her palm to her glistening forehead. Turns out, my fantasy of seeing her sweaty from working out just came true. I wonder what else I could manifest today.
“Did I interrupt something?” I swallow, ignoring the raging hormones sweeping over me.
“I was just doing a Pilates class on this app I found.” Her chest heaves up and down and a droplet of sweat disappears between her cleavage. I have to look away to stop myself from wondering what she would do if I just bent down and ran my tongue over her skin.Nope, let it go, mate.
“Well, come on, it’s ‘yes day’ and I’m hyped for it.”
She rolls her eyes but steps aside to let me in. I try to ignore the fact that she smells good even when she’s sweaty and head to the kitchen. “Go shower, because ‘yes’ starts now,” I yell over my shoulder.
I rummage through her kitchen cupboards, hoping to find some of that granola she makes and when I spot it, happiness fills my body. “Fuck yes,” I say whilst bringing out the whole tub. I’m halfway through my second bowl when I hear Nora’s tiny feet padding along the hallway.
