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“At least a couple inches with more forecasted. I want fresh snow for my fairy-tale wedding day.”
She was getting married at a beautiful venue, so a snowy backdrop would be perfect. “I’ll be sure to pack my boots.”
“Make sure you pack sexy lingerie too.”
Did a lacy black bra and matching thong count? I didn’t own any real lingerie. Nor did I have the funds to spring for anything fancy. In my limited experience, men seemed to prefer naked to anything else. Here was hoping if I did in fact decide to sleep with Shawn, he wouldn’t be picky about my attire.
“Oh my God, I almost forgot to tell you. Max is coming to the wedding.”
My pulse leapt at the name of her older brother. Max was the type of guy crushes were invented for. All of Kate’s friends had drooled over him while we were growing up. He’d been a senior in high school when we’d been in the awkward middle school years and only just discovering boys. He’d always been nice to me, considering Kate and I were often joined at the hip, but he’d never paid me much attention otherwise.
“Great news. Will there be tension?”
Max and their parents had gone through a big falling out years ago. No one talked about it. The only thing I’d ever gleaned from Kate was that her parents didn’t agree with his life choices, whatever that meant. But it was good to know he’d be there on such an important day for his baby sister.
“There may be some stress. To be honest, I’m surprised Max accepted the invitation. Hopefully, I don’t come to regret it.”
No one wanted a bride to be upset during her wedding. I hoped everyone would put aside their differences for the weekend. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“Yeah. Hope so. I’ve gotta go. My mom is stressing out about the table arrangements. I can’t wait to see you tonight.”
“I can’t wait, either. See you then.”
After disconnecting the call, I finished packing everything I would need and grabbed a cereal bar, figuring we’d grab lunch somewhere along the way. I was ready to go by the time Shawn texted to let me know he was outside.
Great timing. I threw my heavy coat over my arm, knowing I’d need it at some point, and turned off the lights to my studio apartment. All ready.
Shawn’s shiny red BMW was parked outside at the curb. I assumed he’d get out and help me with my suitcase and garment bag. Instead, I heard the sound of his trunk popping open.
Okay. Not exactly gentlemanly, but once I slid into the passenger seat, I could see he was on a call.
I expected an apologetic smile, but instead he held a finger to his lips as if I needed a reminder to keep quiet. I could easily hear the conversation being broadcast over the speaker. Though I disliked being treated like an intruder, I dismissed Shawn’s behavior as the result of stress from his job as a financial advisor. However, I didn’t appreciate his glare as I quietly pulled my seat belt over. The click as it caught was not in my control.
Sitting in the passenger seat, careful not to move a muscle or breathe too loudly while he conducted a work call was not my idea of the start to a romantic weekend. I forced myself to relax, however, and took the opportunity to let my mind wander. Car rides were the absolute best for allowing me to decompress, and since this one was at least four hours, there would be plenty of time to do so. I liked my job in marketing at the Manhattan firm, but between the ten-hour days and commuting from Jersey to Manhattan, it left little time to unwind.
I turned to study Shawn. He was handsome in a clean-cut, former-frat-boy, probably-spent-too-much-time-on-his-hair kind of way. He’d been charming over our last three dates. Held open doors, paid for dinners, and kissed me good night without any pressure for more.
Yet I couldn’t help but wonder if it was an act. The guy seemed to have a veneer to him. A fakeness of sorts. I knew this was a jaded way of viewing someone who’d done nothing wrong, but I couldn’t help myself.
After thirty minutes, Shawn finally ended his work call.
“Sorry about the call. The guys at work can’t do a thing without me.” He put his hand on my knee and squeezed.
His tone rubbed me the wrong way. From the conversation I’d overheard, he’d forgotten to do something before taking off for the long weekend. I took a deep breath. Whatever. It wasn’t my concern. We had an entire weekend to look forward to.
Tonight, we had informal plans to meet the bride and groom-to-be for drinks. The rehearsal and dinner would be tomorrow, and the wedding on Saturday. Then we’d drive home Sunday morning after brunch. Plenty of time for us to get to know each other better. “Hopefully you won’t have to work once we get there.”
“No way. I can’t wait to spend all my time with you.”
When he touched my thigh, there were no butterflies, zings, or chills. This wasn’t boding well. Not even his suave good-night kisses could make my heart race or my chest burn with pent-up desire.
Then again, had anyone achieved that feat? Not if I was being honest. How sad to think the best erotic experience of my life had been in a dream.
At least Shawn had been patient and never pressured me into moving too fast. I wanted to take this weekend to get to know him. Three dates on Saturday nights where you put your best foot forward in a crowded restaurant wasn’t a test of compatibility. But this weekend definitely would be.
I tried to recall what had attracted me to Shawn in the first place. His boyish smile. The fact he already knew my friends and was part of the group. The way his teeth were perfectly straight and white.
My eyes rolled internally. Jesus. That was ad copy for a toothpaste commercial, not the makings of a lasting attraction.
