“It was a simple mistake. I’m still getting used to it.” I said as I turned away from Walker. I felt the warmth disappear as Walker walked away from me, heading outside.
Damn it. I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Soon he’d be asking Jessica to marry him—I didn’t need to be worried about him hearing me talk to Keith.
“Will you put it back on before you go out tonight? And where are you going, anyway? Who’s going with you? Is Walker going out with you?”
I sighed heavily, frustrated. “Where are you? How come you have a signal? Do you realize you haven’t even said if you liked the dress? If you think I look nice in it?”
“Liza, baby I’m sorry.” Keith said.
I glanced over and noticed that my father was watching me. “I’m with my father, remember? We’re going to a party and, yes, Walker will be there along with a number of other men. Would you like me to stay home and not go?”
“Yes.”
My heart slammed against my chest as I tried to register his response. “Excuse me?”
“I mean no. Of course not. It’s just that I know men are going to eye fuck the hell out of you in that dress. I wish I was there.”
I shook my head in disbelief and spun around to head outside for some fresh air. Opening the door, I ran smack into Walker. He took a few steps back. He must have seen the look on my face—he knew I needed air. But I felt him follow m
e down the porch.
“I’m with my father and…” I turned to see Walker holding up the engagement ring. My mouth went dry as he reached down for my left hand and began to slide the ring onto my finger. His jaw tightened. Without even looking at me, he turned and walked toward his truck. He got in, started it, and just sat there.
“Is the signal…can’t…hear…Liza?”
I couldn’t pull my eyes from Walker. He looked so…sad.
“The signal must be going out, Keith. I’ll call you tomorrow when we head home. Love you. Bye.”
Without even waiting for a response, I hung up. I was about to go over to Walker when everyone came out the door.
My father frowned at me. “Where’s Walker?”
I pointed to the truck. Daddy had rented it for Walker and me to drive out here.
“You want to ride with Walker or with me?” my father asked with a slight smile.
“You,” I replied a little too quickly.
He nodded and stuck his arm out. I laced my arm through his and walked with him to the truck. It took all of my strength not to look over at Walker.
AT THE TABLE, I took another sip of whatever my father had put in front of me. Bourbon? I needed this. The more I drank, the less I felt. Walker hadn’t bothered to look my way all night. I knew I shouldn’t be disappointed. No, I didn’t feel disappointed. I felt defeated. Something caught my eye, and I looked up to see Walker dancing with some girl. My nostrils flared as I watched them. Ugh. She can’t even two-step right.
The waiter walked by and I jumped up. “I’ll take another one of…whatever this is.”
He smiled politely and said, “I’ll bring you one right away, Miss.”
I nodded. When the waiter walked away, Walker was standing there. His eyes felt like they were trying to capture my every move.
“You might want to slow down, babe,” he said.
I let out a gruff laugh. “I’m not your babe.”
He nodded. “No, you’re not.”
My eyes threatened to tear up. “What do you want, Walker?”
He held out his hand. I stared at it as if he was offering something offensive. But when I looked into his eyes, they softened.