One corner of Emily’s mouth quirked up. “So you agree with me?”
“Uhmm... yes, of course.”
“So good to know you’re volunteering to stay in and watch the twins while the rest of us go skiing.”
“No way, I didn’t agree to that!”
“I wonder what on earth could be so interesting at the table over there. Could it be Brad? Or Olivia? Or is it possible that J—”
“Shut up, Emily.” She spoke between clenched teeth, feeling the blood rushing to her face.
“I thought you said you were definitely not interested?”
“I did and I’m not. I was just... I was just looking at Olivia’s hairdo. It’s really cute.”
Emily winked as she craned her neck to check out Olivia’s hair. “I agree—it’s cute. But you can’t lie to me.” She bit her lips, before continuing in a soft voice. “You know, Charlie, you could swallow your pride and go talk to him. Y’all are going to run into each other all the time. We’re all friends.”
“I’m not in love with Josh.” Charlie pouted her lips. “I told you I’m not at all interested.”
Emily’s eyes were wide. “Wow—you just made a huge leap. I was only explaining why you need to be able to get along as friends. I didn’t say anything about love.” She tilted her head. “Are you in love with him? Really?”
“No, of course not.” Charlie could feel her heart pounding against her chest wall.
“Then it shouldn’t be difficult for you to walk over there and talk to him. We’ll all feel more comfortable if y’all aren’t awkward around each other.” Emily gave her a smug grin and nodded her head toward Josh.
“No problem.” Charlie took a deep breath as she rose from her chair and marched toward his table with her arms crossed tight to hide her trembling hands. Alone at the table, Josh and Olivia were absorbed in conversation.
“Hey.” Charlie spoke with an awkward wave. She tucked her hand back into her folded arms and glued a smile in place.
Startled from their deep concentration, the pair jumped at the sound of her voice. Josh lifted an icy gaze toward her, and Charlie’s blood turned cold. With the onslaught of his frigid regard, she fought to keep herself from bolting.
“Hello Charlie,” he spoke through tight lips.
Her breath caught in her chest as the shock of his vehemence hit her. Not only was he totally over her—he hated her. She blinked rapidly to cover the tears that sprang to her eyes, jerking her face away. “Oh, I see someone I need to catch.” She pivoted toward the safety and privacy of the ladies’ room.
“Wait, Charlie!” called Olivia.
“Back in a minute,” she threw over her shoulder. Once inside the bathroom, the floodgates opened. Apparently, Josh detested her now, and she had no one to blame but herself. She was the one who’d refused his repeated overtures, not even allowing continued communication. But she hadn’t realized she’d wounded him enough to cause this level of animosity. Nonetheless, she deserved it. She needed to swallow her pride and make things right with Josh so her family and friends wouldn’t feel awkward when they were together. She worked to get her emotions in check—she couldn’t make a scene and ruin Grace’s wedding reception.
JOSH GROANED. HE’D hurt her feelings. He hadn’t meant to be so harsh, but he was having such a hard time hiding his feelings. He couldn’t let anyone know he still loved her, especially not now.
“Okay Josh,” said Olivia, “What’s going on? What’s this important secret you have to talk to me about right now? And why did you just scare Charlie away?”
“Look Olivia. We get along well, don’t we? I mean, you’re a great nurse, and I try to treat you with respect, don’t I?”
“Sure, Dr. Branson.” He flinched at the sarcastic emphasis of her salutation. “But so what?”
“I need a wife, and I thought you might be willing to marry me.” When her mouth dropped open and her face turned white, he hurried to explain. “Just for a year, probably. And we could get an annulment—”
“Are you out of your mind? What are you talking about?”
“Shhhh! Please keep your voice down. You promised you’d keep this between us.”
“That was before I knew you were insane,” she hissed between her teeth.
“There’s a logical explanation.” He sighed and looked skyward, searching for words.
She leaned against the back of her chair with crossed arms. “I can’t wait to hear this.”