Page 12 of The Last Love Story (Baker Girls #3)

CHAPTER TEN

JADE

I’m in a haze as I walk into my hotel room.

When Justin said he wanted to talk, I wasn’t expecting him to offer to marry me in two days.

I’m grateful. It’s a huge burden off me to not have to worry about any of that financially. But at the same time… I’m getting married.

What the actual fucking fuck?

I plop down on my bed, then crawl over and grab my tablet off the bedside table.

I chew on my lip as I quickly text my dad and ask if he’s up for a video call. He needs to know right now. Mostly because I need his reassurance. If he’s angry or thinks this is the worst idea ever, I need to know.

I wasn’t actually trying to flirt with Justin earlier when I said I’m a good girl.

It’s the truth. I think it’s partly because I always had such an open relationship with my dad.

We talked about everything, and all he ever asked of me was that I put in my best effort and always tried to make good choices.

It was rare that I got in trouble, and when I did something wrong, whether I got in trouble or not, I always felt horrible about it.

Putting myself out there as an author was hard because of all the negative reviews that made me feel like I did something wrong.

I finally stopped looking at them, and my mental health is better for it, but still, I don’t like making mistakes or hurting others.

And the last thing I ever want to do is disappoint my dad.

My phone goes off with a text from my dad saying he’d love to video chat with me, so I grab my tablet and quickly video call him.

Knots form in my stomach as he answers.

What if this is the wrong decision?

Why does the thought of it being wrong make my stomach hurt? Why do I want this to work out?

“Hey, kiddo.”

“Hi, Dad.”

His brow furrows, and he leans in toward the camera. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing exactly. Uh… okay, so this is probably going to sound crazy, so I’m just going to say it all, and then you can give me your honest thoughts.”

“Okay…”

So I tell him. Everything. Except the parts about me getting off to the thought of Justin. We have the appropriate boundaries.

When I’m finished, he doesn’t look angry, so that’s a good sign. He’s remarkably calm, actually.

“Is this something you want to do? Do you feel coerced in any way?”

“No. No coercion.”

Do I want to do it? That’s a tricky question to answer.

Not because I don’t know, but because I’m worried my dad will think I’ve lost it if he finds out exactly how not unsettled the idea makes me.

It’s going to be weird. And a big change.

But it doesn’t scare me the way it probably should.

I like Justin, and even if we end up more friendly or just playing the part, the idea of sharing my life with someone—if only for a little while—is something I’ve been afraid to want for a long time.

“As for wanting it… I think it will be beneficial, and Justin is a good guy.”

Dad stares at me for another moment, then a sly smile grows on his lips. “And is this Justin the one you’ve been texting?”

Shit.

My lack of answer makes his smile grow.

“Hm. I thought so. Well, you have my blessing, not that you need it.”

“This is weird,” I say quietly.

“What is?”

“This might be my only wedding, and you won’t be here to walk me down the aisle.”

Tears well in my eyes. This is stupid. It’s not real.

But the marriage certificate will be. The rings and the dress will be.

“Well, sweetheart, I have a feeling that one way or another, this won’t be the last wedding you have. But even if it is, know that my heart will be with you, and I’ll be watching from a video call, okay?”

I sniff back my tears and nod. “Okay. I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, sweetheart.”

“I need to get ready for the mixer, but I’ll text you tomorrow, okay?”

“Sounds good. Have fun tonight.”

“Thanks. Night, Dad.”

He waves as I shut off the video call.

Leaning back against the headboard, I close my eyes for a moment.

This is crazy. I know it’s crazy. But I’m a little terrified because I don’t care.

It feels… it feels like it did when I decided to take the leap and self-publish my first book.

Utterly terrifying, bu t I knew it was right.

I have no idea where this will lead me, but I’m not afraid to find out. I think I might be excited.

Wear the black dress tonight.

My eyes snap open again.

It might be too formal, but I don’t care. I’m going to wear it and look hot as fuck.

The door between my room and Zoey and Trish’s grabs my attention. But first it’s time to invite my besties to a wedding.

After I knock, Zoey quickly calls for me to come in.

As soon as I’m through the door, they both stare at me.

“What happened?” Zoey asks.

I open my mouth to tell them, but all that comes out is a laugh.

They’re looking at me like I’m nuts, but hey, if the shoe fits… or in my case, the wedding dress.

“Will you go shopping with me tomorrow morning? I need help. Picking a wedding dress.”

“I still can’t believe you’re marrying him in less than forty-eight hours,” Trish whisper-squeaks in my ear as we walk into the hotel bar and lounge for the event mixer. It’s only for the authors, narrators, cover models, vendors, assistants, and event staff.

Justin is standing at the bar, talking to one of the event organizers.

Thankfully, they acted fast and the creepy guy who touched my ass was removed from the event and was asked to leave the hotel this morning. Was it seriously just last night that it happened? The last twenty-four hours have been insane.

The second Justin sees me, he excuses himself from the conversation and swaggers across the room toward us .

“Damn, he’s got his cover model face on,” Zoey whispers. “And those sexy blue bedroom eyes are only for you.”

“Hey, darlin’.” He leans in and kisses my cheek. “Ladies.”

Zoey and Trish both say hello, then they lock eyes and Trish smiles. “Zo and I are going to get drinks. You two have fun.”

My cheeks heat a little, but I take a deep breath as Justin glances in their direction.

“I guess that means you’re mine tonight,” he rumbles, looking back at me.

Okay, seriously… did I write him into existence? Because how is he actually this swoony and sultry and just… book boyfriend ish?

“I could do worse.” I keep my tone playful because playful is easy. And it keeps me from thinking too hard about the not-so-playful feelings growing in my gut for him.

He laughs and rests his hand on my low back as we walk toward the bar.

That simple touch has a fire burning inside me.

I want more. I’m terrified to admit it now, but I think I want him. Really want him. We’re complicating what we could be by getting married in less than two days, yet I don’t want to say no. I’m going to spend the next thirty-six hours praying he doesn’t change his mind.

We’re not even married yet, and I’m already losing the battle of not getting too attached.

But when I look up at him and find his blue eyes already fixed on me, I don’t think I’m the only one.