Best Man for the Bridesmaid

“We aren’t together.” His voice came out gruff.

Both women turned to him with startled looks. It had to be from the tone of his voice because there was no way that Jules was surprised by his admission. It wasn’t as if she even liked him.

Did she?

“This isn’t for our wedding.” Stefano had to correct the woman since Jules didn’t seem the least bit interested in doing it. He couldn’t let the woman go on about them being such a great couple.

Jules’s perfectly plucked brows drew together into a formidable line and her lush red lips pressed together as though she were holding back a heated reprimand. Let her fume. He’d merely corrected a glaring error. End of story.

The saleswoman’s puzzled gaze moved from him to Jules. “I don’t understand.” The woman’s face took on a very serious expression. “These flowers you’ve picked out, if they aren’t for you two, who are they for?”

Jules sent him a this-is-your-fault look. But he didn’t feel the least bit guilty. Why should he?

She shifted her weight in those sky-high black-heeled boots that made her look as if she’d just stepped out of some rock-and-roll video. Not that he’d watched many. But he had seen a few in his time, and, well, she was definitely gorgeous enough to star in them if only she’d lighten up on the makeup so people could really see her. But right now there was no mistaking that she was upset. Not even that thick makeup could hide her frown lines.

Jules clasped her hands together. “The thing is we’re picking out flowers for another couple.”

“You’re what?” The saleswoman looked taken aback. “Where’s the bride?”

“Working. She had an emergency come up and asked if we’d step in and help with the plans.”

“Will she be in later to approve the order?”

“I’m afraid not.” Jules clenched her hands together.

“I don’t think we can take your order—”

“But you must.” Jules’s voice cracked with emotion. “We’re running out of options. I promise everything will be to the bride’s liking.”

The saleswoman shook her head. “We can’t do it.”

“What’s the big deal?” Stefano came to Jules’s defense. “They’re flowers, for goodness’ sake. They all pretty much look the same except for the colors. And Jules showed you the color of the dresses. Now we’d like to buy some flowers.”

“You might want to, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Listen, I just got burned on a really big order where the bride was too busy with her dress or some such thing to come in and approve what her mother picked out for the wedding. I’m still sorting out that mess.” She shook her head. “I’m not doing that again. Either the bride comes in or you’ll have to go elsewhere to buy your flowers.”

The woman couldn’t be serious. He glanced at Jules, who looked upset. “Listen here, you can’t do that—”

“What he meant to say is we understand. Thank you so much for your time.” She pulled on his arm to leave.

He refused to be turned away. “I want to talk to the owner.”

The saleswoman pressed her hands to her generous hips. “You’re speaking to her. And it’s time you left.”

“Thanks again.” Jules tugged harder and finally he gave in, letting her lead him from the flower shop. He didn’t know why she was retreating. The woman was there to sell flowers and they were there to buy them, not cater to the woman’s wishes. This was ridiculous.

Once outside and down the sidewalk a ways, Jules spun around and got in his face with her finger pointing at him. Her face was filled with color. Her eyes narrowed on him. This wasn’t going to be pretty. Not at all.

“Do you know what you just did in there?” Her heated tone left no doubt about her agitation.

“Yes, I corrected the woman. You let her think that we were a couple. I couldn’t let her think that.”

“Why? Is it so awful to think that you and I might be involved?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to avoid the curious looks as people passed by. “Can we talk about this later? People are starting to stare.”

“Let them. You owe me some answers.”

“Fine. I don’t like to lie. And letting that woman believe we’re something we’re not was a lie.”

Jules’s gaze narrowed even more. “And you are the pillar of honesty?”

He lowered his head as memories of his not so distant past started to pound him. No, he wasn’t the pillar of anything. In fact, he was the exact opposite. If he’d been more of a proponent of the truth while he was married, he might still be married—well, he wouldn’t go that far. But Gianna would still be alive.