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“I’m doing just fine with what I have,” he muttered, not bothering to meet her gaze.
They were both quiet as the tension between them returned with a vengeance. He couldn’t believe he’d let his insecurities ruin what they’d had to begin with.
“Maybe we should head back. I can start working on this at home, and I’m sure Katrina will want you around since the wedding is getting closer.” It took a great deal of strength to meet her eyes this time, and he wasn’t surprised to find her looking at her feet.
“You’re probably right,” she muttered. “I have a lot to do for my book, anyway. I think I’m going to have to change the setting.”
He wanted to ask about her book. From what he’d deduced, she was a fiction writer. She kept her cards close to her chest, but it didn’t take much to piece it all together. Based on her body language, there wasn’t a single chance he’d get her to open up.
Not about her book.
And not about that kiss.
He might as well cut his losses and just push forward like nothing had changed.
Becca’s voicefilled Ethan’s small room. He had listened to the recording of the speech over and over, well into the early morning hours. Using the printed speech to follow along, he’d managed to get a good portion of the thing memorized.
Now, as he listened to her voice, he found himself daydreaming about that kiss. For no other reason than the feelings she stirred within him, he couldn’t bring himself to focus. He had a lot to do today, and already he found himself procrastinating.
A knock at his door dragged him from his thoughts and he shut off his phone before whoever it was had a chance to hear it. Shoving the phone into his pocket, he pulled the door open, surprised to find Andrew.
“I’m working on the speech, it’s gonna be ready?—”
Andrew beamed at him. “No, buddy. I’m here to get you for the bachelor party. We’re heading out to Billings. Grab what you need for the night and head out to the trucks.”
“But it’s still morning?—”
“I’m just the messenger, dude. Let’s go.” Andrew walked away holding his arm even though it was well stabilized in the sling.
Silently Ethan wondered how Andrew was going to handle a bachelor party with the pain he was obviously dealing with, but he concluded that wasn’t his issue.
The whole grouparrived at the club that had been hand-picked by the best man. The lights weren’t as dim as the seedy places Ethan knew existed. Sure, the music was still loud, but the atmosphere just made a person want to hang out with friends.
There was a bachelorette party that had gravitated toward their group. While they were all amicable, the guys in their group weren’t doing much to lead the women to believe anything more than chatting would be happening.
Even more surprising was that Ethan found he wasn’t nearly as interested in the attention as he used to be. Once upon a time, he would have draped his arms around two women and pulled them both to the dance floor to see just how much fun they could have. He would have reveled in their attention, knowing there would be no attachments and he wouldn’t have to worry about who to call or send a message to later on.
No attachments.
That was the way he’d led his life before.
Before what, exactly? Nothing had really changed—nothing except Becca.
Simon stumbled into him, his laughter even louder than the music. “Sorry about that!” He pulled his phone down and clicked the side button. “I was making a video to send to Katrina.”
Ethan stared at the groom-to-be. Was that even allowed? He couldn’t imagine Katrina would like seeing what the men were up to this evening—especially not with the other women hovering.
Simon laughed again. “I know what you’re thinking. But she’s not going to be upset. We trust each other. I could be here surrounded by women and Katrina wouldn’t care.”
The look on his face was enough to drag yet another laugh from Simon.
“Okay, she might be a little jealous—and she might tease me about it. But the fact is, she knows there’s no one I would rather be with than her. No one compares to her. I don’t want anyone else.” He lifted his face to the ceiling. “And I’m getting married to her!”
Several shouts and cheers erupted around them, dragging Ethan from their conversation. He glanced around at all of Simon’s supportive friends, but only one thing stuck with him. The way Simon described how he felt about Katrina.
Was it possible Ethan was developing similar feelings for Becca?
Someone else nudged him and he glanced over to find Jack sidling next to him. His eyes were trained on the group and a small smile touched his lips.
