Page 25 of The Wedding Run (The Wedding Letter #1)

Libby

W hen we arrive at The Brew, I rush ahead to hold the door open. Luke’s a trooper, carrying the dress, and he’s being careful with it.

“Ooh!” Roxie rushes toward us, her gaze taking in Derek. “Let me see! Cindy did a mighty fine job.”

“We should probably hang it up so it doesn’t wrinkle,” I say.

Roxie leads Luke toward the rear and his office. I hurry to help, but Derek grabs my arm. Now I am left alone with him.

“So…” I say, not really knowing what to say. I stare at a piece of paper lying on the floor. Anything but Derek.

“What are you doing with Luke?” he asks.

“I’m not with Luke.” I scoop up the napkin. “I’m helping a bride. It’s what I do.”

“You broke our engagement,” he says. “Was it because of Luke?”

“Why would I stop our wedding because of Luke? I just met him. That’s crazy!”

“Some might consider running away from a wedding as crazy,” he accuses.

“I told you why I couldn’t marry you, Derek. It had nothing to do with Luke.” I twist the napkin between my fingers. “Besides, you and I are not together anymore. So even if I was interested in Luke, and I’m not saying I am…” Oh, boy, I’m making a mess of this. “What business is it of yours?”

He glances around the shop. “ This is my business. I own three-fourths.”

I loathe his not-so-subtle threat, but I tread carefully. “Luke and I are friends. That’s all.”

“He’s my friend,” Derek draws a territorial line.

“Are we dividing up property and friends? I gave you the ring. What else do you want?”

“I want you,” he says bluntly.

That stumps me. “Derek, I’m sorry, but I can’t.

I care about you. And I’m sorry about what happened.

It’s all my fault. Blame me. Tell your friends I’m a terrible person.

But don’t blame Luke. It’s not his fault.

I put him in this position by asking for his help.

Let’s not make it worse than it has to be.

This isn’t a contest. I’m not some prize. ”

He looks at me like he’s about to tell me how far I fall short of being a prize.