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“What about that black one you wore in Mexico?” My fingertips trailed over her hand.

“You’ve already seen it. I wanted something different for the wedding.”

I whispered, “I can’t wait to get rid of these crutches, and this brace.” I pulled her hand farther up my leg.

She faced me, reading my hungry eyes.

“Cole…” Her voice trailed off as my lips moved closer.

“There you are!” Sasha piped in over the music.

I sat up, straightening my leg. I grimaced every time I moved it too fast.

“Sorry.” Sasha laughed. “Kaitlyn, I had a quick question for you. Cole, can I steal her for a minute?”

“No problem.” I squeezed her hand.

The girls wandered out of earshot. I stared at the fire. A few minutes later she wandered back.

“What was that about?” I looked at her.

“Sasha asked me to be a bridesmaid in the wedding.”

“Uh oh.”

She sat.“What? Are you against bridesmaids?”

“No, but that means you’ll have to do all the girl stuff. Showers, bachelorette party, and whatever else goes with that job. You are going to be busy between now and the wedding.”

She looked worry. “Do you need me at home? Is it too much with Grayson? Maybe I should have talked it through first.”

I laughed. “No, darlin’. I know it’s a big deal for you and Sasha. I can handle a few lonely nights. We’ll have guys’ night with his train show.” I twirled a lock of hair over her shoulder, drawing her to lean closer.

“Want me to get another drink for you?”

“No. I have to get up early for work. I should probably head back anyway. My leg is starting to take over.”

Her brow furrowed. “I can’t leave without making sure Mary Ellen is ok.”

“She’s a big girl. I think she can take care of herself. Swim with sharks and—”

“Aiden isn’t going to hurt her. He’s not like that.”

“I’m not saying that, but you can’t try to tell me he’s one of the good guys.”

She sighed. “I don’t know what he is. But maybe I should stay to make sure Mary Ellen’s ok.”

I saw the disappointment in her eyes. “Come home with me, baby.”

She looked over her shoulder at the beach. Her gaze met mine.

I leaned toward her lips, brushing them with a hungry kiss. “Come on. She’ll be fine.”

Kaitlyn nodded and we walked back to the house together.

18

Kaitlyn