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She grabbed one of the cups, not really caring which she got. “I’m actually more of a cider girl.”
“Cider?”
Becca lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip of the coffee she’d grabbed. She let the taste flood her senses, warming her from the inside out. “That, and water. While I have an occasional coffee, I don’t depend on it like a lot of folks do.”
He put one of the cups down on the floor near his feet and took a swig of the third. “I guess that makes you the smart one.”
She hid her smile behind her cup. “Maybe, maybe not.”
They sat in surprisingly comfortable silence. Something about the cool, dim morning made everything feel new and fresh.
Taking in a deep breath, she exhaled with a sigh of contentment. “I have to say, if there was ever a day where I might need the pick-me-up, this would be it.”
“Why is that?”
Becca made a face. “Today is final fitting day. We have to get the dresses checked one last time. That means several hours with you-know-who.”
His expression mirrored her feelings exactly. It was so spot on that she let out a giggle. His grimace softened and he grinned right back.
She took another sip of her drink and held it between both of her hands, contemplating what had spurred his visit. Not only had he brought her a drink, he’d brought her a backup, too. It was really very sweet.
His thoughtfulness—combined with the way he could dance—was quickly earning him some major points. She peeked at him, not for the first time admiring his sharp jaw and rugged looks. He was a guy every girl dreamed of meeting.
Ethan caught her eye and chuckled. “What?”
Shaking her head, she mumbled, “Nothing.”
He continued to stare at her for a few moments before shifting his attention elsewhere. His eyes remained focused, deep in thought. Then he heaved a sigh and glanced at her.
“What’s next?”
“What do you mean, what’s next?”
Ethan shrugged. “Well, with the wedding in a few days and Jack thinking there’s someone trying to sabotage everything… what’s next?”
Already, Ethan was thinking ahead. She’d managed to get him on board with saving this wedding from the only likely person that was set to destroy it.
Tina.
“I suppose I’m going to go to the final dress fitting. You’re going to practice your speech.”
He made a face and she laughed.
“Come on, it won’t be so bad. It’s already written. How hard can it be?”
She didn’t miss the way his eyes darted away from her, hardening as his gaze settled on his feet. Becca hesitated. Something was bothering him. She couldn’t tell if it was the way she had brushed off his question or if it was the speech itself. Hadn’t he admitted that he didn’t like public speaking?
Only a few moments had passed, but it felt like a lot longer as the silence stretched between them.
She reached out and touched his forearm. “Hey, it’ll be okay. I think you’ll be great.”
Still, he didn’t say anything. His eyes remained hard, locked on the floorboards.
Becca squeezed his arm and offered a reassuring smile. “I could help you practice if you wanted to get more familiar with the speech. Maybe that will help take the edge off. Whatever you need.”
He peeked at her and for a moment, she thought he might say something,anythingthat would help his reaction make sense. But then he stood and flashed her a smile.
“So, about this afternoon. You said you have to go to a dress fitting? Can I come?”
