Page 13 of Her Inconvenient Wedding Date (Unexpected Dates #2)

Lily

“Our love is like Wi-Fi. Sometimes there are connection issues, but mostly it’s just magic.” ~Unknown

I don’t know why I’m so nervous. It’s less than an hour before Hunter’s and my date, and I’ve had to reapply my antiperspirant twice since I got dressed.

Maybe it’s the fact that I’m wearing a sweater dress—with a cute cowl neck, I might add—or that I care about how this evening’s going to go. Hmm. It’s got to be the former, right?

I can almost picture God rolling His eyes.

He’s the only one I’m willing to admit my foolishness to because He already knows everything anyway.

I got myself into this mess, and I may have made it worse by suggesting to Hunter that we practice dating.

The truth is, I do want to help him find a real wife, but I also don’t mind being his inconvenient one for the time being.

And boy, is this a marriage of inconvenience because I am oh-so-inconveniently falling for a man who is not really mine.

There’s not much I can do at this point but to change into something more comfortable.

I choose a rust-and-black leopard print dress.

The asymmetrical ruffle hem that falls above my knees, along with the three-quarter sleeves, leave me feeling a lot cooler.

After slipping on a chunky gold bracelet, I strike a pose in front of the full-length standing mirror in the corner of the bedroom.

The lighting in this space is phenomenal, especially the large, flat circular light mounted on the ceiling.

Its white LED glow is perfect for filming videos and taking photos.

I have no idea why Hunter has such a nice setup in his guest room, but I’m going to take advantage of it and film a Get Ready with Me video.

It’s been a week since I last posted any new content on social media, and my followers have been asking for more.

Taking a seat at the small vanity desk by the window, I set up my phone on a mini tripod, attach a ring light to it, and pull out my makeup bag.

In a matter of minutes, I’m ready to hit the “live” recording button.

“Hey there, lovelies! It’s your neighborhood curvy girl, Lily Lam, here to say hello while I do my makeup.

How have you been? I know it’s been a minute since I last came on here.

There’s a lot going on in my life right now, and I’ve missed talking with you guys.

Feel free to drop a comment and let me know how you’re doing.

Are you enjoying any pumpkin spice foods yet?

What products are you loving right now? Do you have any prayer requests or praises to share? Let me know!”

The comments start rolling in while I work on my soft dewy makeup look.

I’ve missed you, Lily! Do you have a favorite crossbody bag that’s comfy for someone plus size and tall?

Hey, Lily! What foundation are you using? I can never get that healthy glow like you. I end up looking like I’ve been trapped in a greenhouse .

Can you pray for my job interview tomorrow, Lily? I love that you pray for us!

My heart fills with joy as I interact with these ladies.

Most of them have been with me since my early days when I didn’t know the difference between a sculpting brush and a tapered brush (the former’s for contouring and definition while the latter’s for highlighting and blending).

I recognize most of the usernames and know a bit about each of them from what they’ve shared.

Having a little community where I can talk about girly things after being surrounded by testosterone all day at work is so much fun.

I’ve even met a couple of other female engineers who also enjoy makeup and clothes as much as I do.

One of my regular viewers, @GeekyGirlsRule, pops up in my comments: Speaking of pumpkin spice, do you have any recipes you recommend?

“Hey, @GeekyGirlsRule, it’s good to see you! I actually had this amazing pumpkin brownie that my, uh, friend made for me today. I’ll ask him for the recipe and post it in the comments later tonight.”

Him?! What kind of friend is this, Lily? You’ve never mentioned a guy before.

You’re seeing someone? And he made you brownies? He sounds like a keeper!

When do we get to meet your boyfriend??

I put my stippling brush down, certain that I won’t be needing more blush at the rate these questions are popping up on the screen.

Shaking my head, I attempt to put these ladies’ suspicions to rest. “Guys, calm down! He’s not my boyfriend,” I say, knowing full well that the real answer—he’s actually my husband!

—would have them begging for more tea. “He’s a friend and a colleague.

And really good at baking and cooking and pretty much anything you can think of. ”

He’s cooked for you, too? Are you sure he doesn’t want to be more than friends?

That’s what my hubby did when he pursued me!

He totally likes you, Lily! Denial is not only a river in Egypt!

“You guys! I can promise you he’s not into me.

He’s just a good friend.” A flow of emojis, ranging from the skeptical face to the one with a raised eyebrow, clutter my view.

It’s getting harder for me to keep my expression neutral when I wonder if there’s any truth to their comments.

There’s no better time to end this video than now.

I finish applying some lip gloss before using a setting spray all over my face.

With a bright smile, I say to the camera, “Thanks for joining me today, lovelies! I’ll list the products I used in the comments later, along with that brownie recipe. Have a great even?—”

Knock knock!

“Hey, Lil, are you ready to go?” Hunter’s voice calls out through the closed door. “It’s five till seven.”

I freeze in place as dozens of comments start flying across the phone screen.

Who’s that? It sounds like a guy!

Did you get a roommate, Lily?

Do you have a hot date?!

Great. It’s just my luck that Hunter’s deep voice has the ability to travel thousands of miles like a whale call to reach the ears of my viewers. How am I supposed to explain his presence? I don’t want to lie. But I don’t want to tell the truth either. So, I do the easiest thing—procrastinate.

“I have to go, but I’ll explain everything later! Bye!”

The screen goes dark as I end the video. My heart’s pounding, but it’s not only because of all the questions I just dodged. I have no idea what to expect on this date. And yes, I’ll admit it, I care what Hunter thinks of me. A lot .

Sigh. I’m in so deep, I might as well travel by submarine from now on.

“Lil?” He knocks softly on the door. “Everything okay?”

“Yes, hold on a sec! I’m coming!”

Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I shake my arms to get the nerves out. This is Hunter, I reassure myself. My nerdy, kind, and supportive friend who is now my hot husband.

I groan and throw my hands in the air. It’s too late. I might as well wave a white flag because I have no idea how I’m going to get through this evening… or the next three months.

Throwing caution to the wind and all my sense into the depths of the sea, I run to the door.

As soon as I open it and see Hunter standing on the other side, my anxiety melts away.

What is it with this man? One smile from him, and I’m like a flower in bloom.

A giddy feeling rises in my chest, making me grin like a fool.

I have to use all my self-control to not swoon and bat my lashes like some lovesick teenager in the presence of her crush.

Ugh. Maybe it’s all those romance books I’ve been reading.

They’ve turned me soft! I’m seriously going to suggest we read a dystopian story at our next book club meeting.

“You look amazing, Lil. This is for you.”

My jaw drops as Hunter presents me with a plate of cookies that he'd hidden behind his back. The scents of sugar and butter fill my nose as I inhale deeply. I bite into an oatmeal raisin one, delighted to find out it’s still warm.

“Did you just bake these? Hunter, you’ve outdone yourself!

There are like four different kinds of cookies here. ”

“The base is more or less the same for all of them. I just added in different mix-ins. Do you like it?”

I sigh happily. “Yes! You weren’t kidding about us eating dessert first. I’m going to be so spoiled by you.”

He grins and presents his arm for me to take. “That’s kind of the idea. Come on, let’s get this date started.”

“Where are we going?”

“To the backyard. I hope you don’t mind doing something different.”

“Different is cool. I’ve had my share of dinner dates at Chinese restaurants for a while.”

“I promise you there will be no slideshows or inquisitions involved tonight.”

“I like the sound of that. Lead the way!”

He takes me down the hall and through the rest of the single-story house until we reach the back door.

Opening it, he gestures for me to go first. It’s already dark outside, but there are bright lights strung up along the roof and wrapped around the trunk of a small tree.

Flames dance in the fire pit at the center of the space, creating an inviting glow.

But the highlight of the yard is the comfiest-looking swing chair.

It’s shaped like an egg with large blue cushions that I can’t wait to sink my body into.

I kick off my heels and run across the grass, then plop myself down. The swing rocks back and forth as I lean back and gaze up at the starry sky. “I’ve always wanted one of these! It’s the perfect place to read—whoa!”

“What’s wrong?” Hunter’s about to sit down beside me, but he stops when I stand up. With a goofy grin, he says, “I promise I don’t have cooties. I got those taken care of in middle school.”

“It’s not that; I can handle some cooties. But we can’t both fit on this swing at the same time. I’m sure there’s a weight limit.”

“We’ll be fine.” He pats the spot beside him. “Have a seat.”

I place my hands on my hips and shake my head. “You’re probably used to dainty, petite women sitting with you, but I have curves, if you haven’t noticed.”

“I’ve noticed.” His voice is so low, it practically hums. “Trust me, Lil, I’ve noticed. Please sit down.”

To my surprise, I stop fighting and do as I’m told.

There’s no denying that I’ve fallen hopelessly and completely under his spell.

I’ve got a case of Hunteritis, and I have it bad.

I love the confident way he talks and the assurance he gives me that I can trust him.

And I actually do. Slowly and carefully, I resume my place on the swing.

Only after I’ve put my full weight on it do I breathe again. “I guess you were right.”

“What was that?”

“I said you were—” I cut myself off when I notice the smirk playing on his lips. “Did you pretend to not hear me so I’d have to say it again?”

“Say what again?”

I roll my eyes. “Just because you look cute when you’re pretending to be innocent doesn’t mean I’m going to fall for that trick.”

He sticks out his lower lip, a look that is so ridiculously adorable for a grown man his size. Sighing, he replies, “Fine. I know you’re too smart to fall for my antics. But I did get you to admit that you think I’m cute.”

Ugh, I did, didn’t I? Choosing to avoid his gaze, I look up at the sky and try to sound nonchalant. “It’s not exactly a secret. I was stating a well-known fact, like how the moon is round tonight.”

“It’s actually in the waning gibbous phase where it’s transitioning from a full moon to a half-moon.”

“Is that right? I do love it when you talk nerdy to me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

I chance a glance in his direction. I’d expected him to make a funny comeback, but his expression is all business.

He tucks a lock of my wind-blown hair behind my ear. “I think you’re cute, too. And beautiful inside and out. I happen to love your sexy curves.”

My heart flutters, then flops over and ceases to beat.

I’m gone. Hunteritis has claimed me as its willing victim.

Hearing Hunter say I’m beautiful and sexy in that beautiful and sexy voice of his is more than I can handle.

But when he leans in close and his gaze drops to my lips, a rush of adrenaline brings me back to life.

If Hunter Payne is going to kiss me again, I’m ready to respond.