Or do I pick the woman I want to spend time with? The one I can’t stop thinking about?
Out of the corner of my eye I see Ellie. She’s dressed in a simple white sundress, and unlike the rest of the women, she’s not watching me. She’s leaning on the railing watching the sunset, as though she couldn’t care less who I choose right now, and it…hurts. I mean, I’m not going to go fucking cry about it, but it’s been a long time since I’ve wanted someone who doesn’t want me back, and the memories of when that did happen are far from pleasant.
Ellie’s not Layla, I get that. She’s not going to go marry my brother.
But she is going to walk away from this. Walk away from me.
As though she can sense my thoughts on her, her gaze flicks my way. I’m expecting a little smirk, maybe even a wink, but there’s vulnerability on her face that rocks me backward.
Maybe she’s not as immune as she wants to be.
Damn it, Ellie. Work with me. Quit running from this.
I want to talk to her—hell, I want to hold her. But not like this. Not on camera.
I look at Adam and give him my answer. “Brooklyn.”
Invitation Ceremony #8
Dear Brittany M.—
You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of Gage Barrett and his future bride on Saturday, May 21, at two o’clock in the afternoon. Dinner and dancing to follow.
*
Dear Brittany B.—
You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of Gage Barrett and his future bride on Saturday, May 21, at two o’clock in the afternoon. Dinner and dancing to follow.
*
The Runaway Groom on why he jilted both Brittanys: “The chemistry wasn’t right with either, and once I realized that, it didn’t seem fair to either to string them along.”
*
Dear Ellie—
You are cordially invited to stay on at the villa as Gage Barrett continues his quest for his future bride.
*
Text message from Gage to Ellie: Girl spy, got anything for me?
Ellie to Gage: You seem to be doing just fine on your own.
Gage to Ellie: Midnight.
Ellie to Gage: I don’t have any scoop for you.
Gage to Ellie: Meet me anyway. I promise not to sully you with my kisses.
Ellie to Gage: Well, in that case…
Ellie
We’re brushing our teeth when Paisley drops her bombshell. “I’ll cover for you if you want.”
My toothbrush goes still as I meet her blue eyes in the mirror.