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“I can’t wait for our wedding night.” He walked toward me and put his hands on my hips before leaning into my ear. “I’m going to rip the wedding dress off of you.”
“Oh, so I better choose wisely.” I winked at him, laughing, and kissing him gently, murmured, “Can you drop me off at the boutique? I don’t want Scar to wait for long, and I’m already late.”
Shane let out a soft sigh, looking at me apologetically. “I can’t, babe. I’m sorry. I have some errands. But Callan will drive you.”
“No, it’s fine,” I said softly, but Shane had already reached for his phone and dialed Callan’s number.
“Don’t worry, babe. I don’t need him today. I’m going to my father’s company,” Shane stated, his phone near his ear as he waited for Callan to pick up. He winked at me reassuringly, and I knew it was pointless to object. Shane was very protective over me, and I knew he would feel calmer knowing Callan was with me. Besides, he liked to have things his way. Although, I didn’t like the idea of having Callan with me in the bridal shop. I felt like it would be a little awkward. Shane finished the conversation with Callan and turned to me, kissing my forehead before he said, “Done. He’s ready to take you there. Enjoy your day, soon-to-be Mrs. Vergoossen.”
“Yeah, you too, Mr. Vergoossen,” I replied, and Shane stole a soft kiss before he headed out of the closet.
I inhaled deeply, pulling myself together. I quickly put on a black-floral-print romper that tied at the back of my neck, with a silky belt around my waist, and did my hair into a sleek low bun. I fixed my makeup and headed outside, where Callan was already waiting for me.
LUCKILY, THE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE I had booked myself an appointment at was located on 5th Avenue, so about ten minutes later, I greeted my friend. As soon as we parked by the boutique and I stepped out of Callan’s SUV, Scar’s face brightened up, and she ran toward me with her arms spread and a broad grin.
“Hey, boo!” Scarlett pulled me in for a friendly hug. “Oh my God, I missed you so much!”
“I missed you, too!” I squeezed my friend in my arms. It felt amazing to have her here with me after so many weeks. We stayed in constant touch, voice messaged, texted or video called each other every now and then, but it wasn’t the same. The video calls couldn’t replace face-to-face meetings.
Scarlett pulled away and looked at me, still grinning. “You look amazing, Mel! New York does good things for you. Or wait.” She leaned to whisper in my ear, her tone teasing, “The legendary Shane Vergoossen does good things to you.”
I blushed, chuckling. “You have no idea.”
We both giggled, and I let out a sigh of relief. I was so glad to see my friend. “You look gorgeous, too, Scar. This green dress suits you.”
“Thanks, babe.” She blew me a kiss and winked. God, I missed her easygoing, positive attitude. “So, tell me. Are you pregnant?”
“What?” My heart skipped a beat, and I looked at her with surprise and shock.
“Relax, I’m kidding.” She chuckled. “But you have to know that everyone at Stanford gossips about you. Some even make bets whether you went nuts, you’re pregnant, or the sexy Mr. Vergoossen is forcing you to marry him.”
I burst out laughing. “What? Why?”
“What do you mean, why?” Scar asked sarcastically. “You ran away from your engagement party to Theo just a couple of weeks ago, and a few weeks later, you’re getting married to another man. Let’s not forget you’re only nineteen.”
“It does sound crazy, doesn’t it?” I furrowed my brows, feeling giddy.
“If you ask me, you lost your goddamn mind!” Scar joked. “But I get it. Shane Vergoossen is a fucking Greek god. I’d lose my mind for him too.” She brought her hand near her mouth and lowered her voice. “For sure, I’d lose my panties.”
Scar winked teasingly, and I burst out laughing. Suddenly, her facial expression changed, and her eyes grew wide as she gazed at something behind me. I turned around to check what she saw, and I noticed Callan walking around the car before standing right behind me. I instantly figured that Scarlett had to recognize him.
Callan cleared his throat, his hands crossed on his abdomen as he spoke. “I’ll be around. Call me when you’re done, Miss Atwood.”
Feeling awkward, I let out a quiet breath. “It’s okay, Callan. You’re free to go.”
“I’m sorry, Miss Atwood. I’m not allowed to leave. Boss’s orders.”
I rolled my eyes. “I swear Shane is exaggerating now.”
“Can’t blame him.” Callan lowered his voice. “I would be, too.” He nodded before he briefly glanced at Scar, who was watching us, hypnotized. “I’ll wait in the car. Excuse me.” He walked to the other side of the car and got in.
I turned to look at Scar. She raised her brow, her arms crossed. “Why the hell is your ex-boyfriend your bodyguard now?”
“He works for Shane,” I admitted.
“Does he know?” Scar watched me, frowning. I knew she wouldn’t judge me. After all, she’d always been the one with crazy ideas and the YOLO mantra, yet I couldn’t help but feel judged.
“You mean that Callan was my first boyfriend?” Scarlett shook her head yes. “No. I didn’t tell him.” My gaze dropped down, and I fidgeted my fingers nervously.
