Don't Promise (Don't 3)
Page 355
I shook my head. “I’m fine. Let’s go say hello.”
I pulled my shoulders backed and inhaled the salty air. My heels clicked against the wood surface and the men stopped talking to look at us as we approached.
“If it isn’t the island quarterback.”
“Hell, it’s the off season.” Blake slapped an older man on the back. I froze. I recognized him. It was his uncle, Roger’s brother. Shit.
The two men had looked a lot alike. Blake was more handsome than his father, but there was a definite good-looking gene in the Wyatt pool.
“Uncle Billy, you remember Sierra Emory from high school don’t you?”
The pit of fear dropped into the center of my stomach. He reminded me so much of Roger. The gray over his ears was more white. And he had more wrinkles around his eyes, but the similarities were eerie.
My hand trembled as I extended it forward. My teeth rattled as I tried to spit out my hello.
“Nice to see you again.”
He took my hand between his calloused palms. “So good to see you, dear.” His smile was warm and generous.
Cole popped up behind us. “Dad, you’re supposed to be seating guests.”
“Oh, am I?”
“Yeah, come on.”
He looked at me then Blake. “Maybe we can catch up after the ceremony.” He squeezed my fingers lightly and walked off the pier.
“Gotta go,” Cole announced. “People around here act like they’ve never been to a wedding before.”
As soon as they were out of sight, I reached for the railing. I took a big breath.
“What the hell is wrong?” Blake asked. “You ok?”
“He … he looks so much like your dad.” I stared off into the horizon. A few late boaters were coming in for the night.
“I guess I don’t see it.” He put an arm around me. “Are you going to be ok?”
I nodded. “It was just a surprise. That’s all. It made me feel like I was eighteen all over again.”
Blake spun me toward him. “Did you hear what I said to you, Sierra?”
My eyes tried to follow his.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you. Ever.”
His strong arms wrapped me toward his chest and I relaxed against his body. He was like a solid wall, daring anyone to pass through him. And in that moment I knew that if someone tried they wouldn’t make it through. Blake had me. He would make sure no one hurt me again.
“Want me to take you home?”
“No. I want to stay for the wedding.”
“Good.” He tipped my lips toward his.
“I guess we should take our seats.”
“Come on.”
He pulled me from the railing and helped me down from the pier. We walked across the grass and waited for Cole to escort me to our seats while Blake followed behind us.