Page 354

26

Sierra

I didn’t know whether to be more nervous or excited that Blake and I were going to this wedding together.

The entire island would be there. And they would see us—together.

I knew what they must have thought about me. The same things that Blake did before he learned the truth. That I had abandoned my roots. Skipped out on my family. Left my aunt when she probably needed my help the most.

I clasped my necklace around my neck, catching my reflection in the mirror. Where was that girl they used to know? Was she still in here somewhere? Did I have it in me to remember what it was like to count on people? To lean on friends and family? I had been on my own for so long I didn’t know if I could let myself fall completely. It was one of the things I was still trying to figure out.

I grabbed my clutch and carefully walked down the stairs to wait for Blake. I wore my hair up tonight. I thought I’d try something different. I hadn’t exactly packed for a wedding, but I wore a light blush dress that had thin straps and fell at the tops of my thighs.

I heard the knock on the screen door and looked up as my date walked into the house.

My jaw dropped. There was over six feet of sex-on-a-stick grinning at me. I didn’t think I’d ever seen him in a suit. It clung to him, showing off his athletic frame. He had to be the most gorgeous man on the planet.

He whistled. “You look amazing.”

“Thank you. I think you look pretty amazing yourself.” I brushed the lapel on his jacket. My palms rested over his heart.

“Ready to do this?” He winked and I felt the fluttery sensation zing through my belly. How did he do that? How could he keep doing it? Make me go weak? Make me feel as if we had met for the first time?

“I’m ready.”

He threaded his fingers through mine and led me out the door.

We parked in an empty lot across the street from the wedding. There were white ribbons dancing in the wind.

Blake stepped from his truck and walked around to help me out. He looked out over the water.

“Fall is coming.”

I thought I saw sadness or maybe it was just realization that reality was headed our way. Fall meant football.

I followed Blake around the side yard to where I could get a glimpse of the party under way on the lawn facing the sound. The event seemed to stretch across three adjacent yards with a white tent at the center as well as a steam pit to the left and a series of round tables to the right. Lanterns were strung from the gnarled island oaks and along three piers that jutted from the three houses.

“This is beautiful.” I stood in amazement. I couldn’t remember the island ever looking so magical before.

“Let’s get some drinks.” He pointed to the bar.

Apparently, things had really changed on the island. There was a full cocktail hour before the ceremony even began.

“Champagne?” he offered.

“One glass should be ok, right?” I took the glass from his strong hands.

“I’ll make sure you get in the right bed tonight, darlin’.” And there it was again. The tingle. The sensation that only Blake could give me. I had it so bad.

We carried our glasses and I followed Blake toward the pier. There was a group of men gathered, smoking cigars. I was skeptical whether I should tag along. I stopped short of the first step on the boardwalk.

“Maybe I should just get our seats,” I suggested.

“Come on. I want to show you off in that dress.” He waggled his eyebrows.

“It’s just.” I felt self-conscious about the whole thing. What were they going to think seeing us together again?

“What is it?” His eyes were dark and smoldering. Holy hell. I’d follow this man off the pier if he asked me to.