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Peyton’s eyes widen in surprise as her mouth opens and closes.
“I see you’re at a loss for words. That doesn’t happen very often.”
“This isn’t a joking matter, Finn,” Peyton deadpans, tears welling in her eyes.
Fuck. This is not how I had expected this to go. Sure, I knew she’d be sad that I didn’t include her in the planning, but I didn’t plan on her being this upset. I can’t stand it when women cry. It breaks my heart. And it’s even worse when I know deep down that I’m the cause of her tears.
“Come on, Peyway. Don’t cry.”
“Don’t fucking call me that. Only Marissa can get away with calling me that.” Peyton wails as she drops her head in her hand. Muffled sobs reach my ears as I push to my feet, coming to her side of the table.
“I didn’t mean to not include you in the planning, but you can’t keep a secret to save your soul.” I drop to one knee, awkwardly running my hand along her back as patrons turn in our direction. “Please stop crying, Peyton.”
“I’m not crying because I’m mad.” She sniffs, grabbing a few napkins from the dispenser and blowing her nose loudly. “I’m so fucking excited for the two of you!” she shouts, throwing her arms around my neck, causing me to lose my balance.
“Thanks, Peyton. I was worried there for a minute.” My shoulders sag in relief as I place Peyton back into her chair and push to my feet. “So, you in?”
“Am I in? Are you kidding me? Let’s go!” Peyton squeals in delight as a large hand covers her mouth.
“I take it you told her?” Campbell smiles down at Peyton as she tilts her head upward and scowls at him.
Everyone in town has been taking bets on when these two will pull their heads out of their asses and give each other a chance. The love-hate relationship they have with each other seems to be more for show than anything because anyone can see the chemistry between them. I know Campbell just got divorced, but he does nothing to hide the way he feels about Peyton. I just hope she’ll find it in her heart to give him a chance. He isn’t my favorite person in the world, but everyone deserves a chance to be happy with the person they love.
“Yes. But she hasn’t said yes to being Marissa’s maid of honor yet,” I respond, shaking my head at their antics.
“I’d say by the noises coming out of her mouth that she agrees….” His voice trails off as he pulls his hand away from Peyton’s mouth, a look of disgust on his face. “Did you just lick me? What are we, five?”
“I couldn’t answer him with my mouth clamped shut.” She sticks her tongue out at him before turning her attention toward me. “Yes, I’ll be her maid of honor. It would be my pleasure. But don’t think you’re off the hook for not telling me sooner,” Peyton growls before pushing past Campbell and heading back behind the counter.
“Good.” I smile before turning my attention toward Campbell. “What are you even doing here? Didn’t you work with Marissa last night?”
“I did. I dropped her at the church and told her I was coming to get coffee,” he responds, his eyes focused on Peyton as she pours one cup of black coffee and fills the other two with way too much cream and sugar before adding coffee.
“Good thinking.” I grab the first cup off the counter and take a sip.
“Damn. You want some coffee with your cream and sugar?” Campbell chuckles, leaning against the counter.
“Don’t knock the coffee or you don’t get any,” Peyton snaps before holding her hand out for my credit card.
“Fair enough,” he responds as he reaches for one of the remaining cups on the counter. “But I like mine black.”
Peyton slaps him hard on the hand. “Well, since these aren’t for you, I don’t have to worry about it.”
“And I’m not paying for your coffee.” I chuckle, reaching into my back pocket, pulling out my wallet, and grabbing my card before placing it in her hand.
“But you don’t need any more sweetness, Peyton. You’re sweet enough as is.” He winks at her as she pours another cup of black coffee and hands it to him.
“Flattery will get you everywhere.” She giggles before turning her attention to the girl who welcomed me in earlier. “Katie, can you ring this asshole up? I need to get to the church and get my bestie married.”
“Ouch.” Campbell grips at his chest, stumbling backward slightly. “And things were going so well.”
“In your dreams, Campbell,” Peyton responds before quickly stepping around the counter and heading for the door.
“She’ll let her guard down around you, eventually.”
“Remember, Rome wasn’t built overnight, you know. I’ll win Peyton over to my side in no time. Besides, I have a secret weapon.”
“And what’s that?”
