Page 97 of The Backup Groom

“And delicious,” Stella added. “I picture us having some fun double-dates in the future.”

I stared ahead dreamily. “Yeah.”

As if he knew we were spying, Scotty turned and looked right at us.

Then Dean looked over.

“Busted,” I said.

“Yup,” Stella said. “Dean is waving us in.”

We entered and said hello to the man at the front counter, then continued to the mirrored area where the tailor was measuring for alterations.

“Looks like someone was spying on us,” Dean said.

Stella held both of her arms forward, palms up, winking at Dean. “Guilty. Cuff us.”

I held up my hand. “Also guilty.”

Scotty stepped toward me and grinned. “It’s bad luck to see the groom in his tux. The only way to resolve this is with a kiss.”

“I have no idea where you get your information from, but I won’t argue.” I got on my tippy-toes and kissed him playfully.

“And you were not supposed to see the best man in his tux,” Dean said to Stella. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I say this . . .” Stella lunged at Dean and pressed her lips to his.

“Oh—and I found my dress!” I couldn’t contain my excitement.

“Wow,” Scotty said. “That was fast.”

The tailor cleared his throat. “We really do need to finish up here. I have another client in ten minutes.”

“Sorry,” I said, wondering whether he was related to Cricket. “We’ll let you go.”

“See you soon at the bakery for something sweet and delectable,” Scotty said. “And I’m talking about you, not the cakes.”

My heart melted a little more with each compliment he gave me, lighting me up inside like I’d downed a Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey shot.

Stella smirked. “Hey, why don’t you skip the cake and ask Scotty’s mom to make brownies for the wedding?”

“And that’s our cue.” I grabbed Stella by the arm, shaking my head, as I dragged her out of the store before she embarrassed me further.

ChapterTwenty-One

Amber

Stella and I sipped Earl Grey tea at Lesta’s Cakes as we waited for Scotty and Dean to finish up at the tuxedo shop. The bakery had sky-rocketed to fame after the owner, Lesta, had wiped out the competition on an episode of the Netflix TV showSugar Rush.

The shop was packed, and it surprised me we could get a table so quickly. There were eight other couples sampling cakes for their weddings, as well as non-wedding customers who were enjoying Lesta’s famous, award-winning cupcakes and pastries.

“There they are,” Stella said, gesturing out the window at our handsome guys approaching the bakery with a bounce in their steps.

The mere sight of Scotty sent my heart into a flutter. It surprised me how much I felt for him so quickly. I could say with all honesty that it was more than attraction or affection, and most definitely stronger than lust.

I waved to them after they entered through the front door.

“This place is a madhouse—must be good.” Dean inhaled as he took a seat. “There’s nothing like the yeasty smell of something freshly baked.”