“He wouldn’t have done that to you, hon. He told me every session how in love with you he was.” Kelsey put her hand to her throat, rubbing the spot where Wyatt had collared her in his tender grip. “And I’m in love with someone else.”
Hawk’s gaze flitted her way, and he gave her the biggest, broadest smile she’d ever seen him wear.
Christina held out her hand to Kelsey. “Then we’ve got a deal. Make me a badass bitch.”
Kelsey laughed and shook her hand. “Oh, Hawk, you’re in trouble.”
He leaned forward and grabbed Christina by the waist, dragging her down to him. “No, I’m in heaven.”
Kelsey smiled for the two of them, keeping her own melancholy off her face. She was glad Hawk was in heaven.
Maybe it was time for her to step out of her own hell.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“I have a bridal emergency.”
Kelsey hit the speaker phone button and set her phone in her car’s cup holder. “Talk to me.”
“Where are you?” Brynn asked.
Kelsey glanced at the mile marker as it whizzed by. “Uh, probably like thirty minutes outside of town. I’m moving back into my apartment this afternoon.”
“Ooh, so I know I’m being a total pain, but would you possibly be willing to put that on hold for tonight? I’m freaking out about the bridesmaid’s dress I chose, and I need you to try another one on for me. They have to be ordered by tomorrow if I’m going to make the switch and have them in time.”
Kelsey rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help but smile. Brides. They were their own species. “Anything for you, B. Where do I need to go?”
Brynn gave her directions to the shop, and Kelsey hung up and sagged into her seat. She’d been hoping to go home tonight and get settled in, maybe come up with a way to call Wyatt and thank him for what he did with Howie Miller. But that would have to wait. And perhaps it was for the best. She wasn’t sure if she had the right words for Wyatt yet. What she’d said to him to end it had been the lowest move. To even reference what had happened to him in the past had been cruel and cowardly on her part. She wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t take her call.Author: Roni Loren
Kelsey parked in front of the dress shop a little while later and headed in to find her sister. Brynn was talking to one of the employees when Kelsey walked in, and Kelsey gave a little wave. Brynn excused herself and hurried over to Kelsey, giving her a big hug. “I’m so glad you made it. And God, it feels like I haven’t seen you in forever. You’re so tan.”
Kelsey laughed. “Being on an island vacation will do that to a girl.”
Brynn tilted her head in a way that said she saw right through Kelsey’s smile. “Things went okay?”
“Oh, you know, a little swimming, a lot of sex, a bit of a broken heart, but I’m still in one sober piece, so there’s that.”
“Aww, honey.” She gave her another squeeze. “I’m sorry.”
Kelsey waved her sympathy away. “We’re not here to boo-hoo about me. I’m here for the fun stuff. Get me in this dress that’s stolen your heart.”
Brynn clapped her hands together with glee. “I think you’re going to love it. It’s a fifties vintage.”
“Sweet, I’m already sold. I love fifties style.” Kelsey followed Brynn to the dressing area with a grin, her sister’s enthusiasm contagious.
Brynn reached into one of the unoccupied rooms and brought out the dress.
“Oh, my God,” Kelsey breathed, taking the hanger from her and holding the dress out, instantly in love. It was gorgeous, strapless, and ruby red. The fitted bodice gave it a sexy flirtiness, but the skirt of gathered tulle layers was pure vintage perfection. It was exactly the type of dress she would’ve picked for herself. “I want to marry this dress. If it doesn’t fit, I’ll go on a liquid diet before the wedding.”
Brynn laughed. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary. But let’s try it on.”
They went into the dressing room, and Brynn fussed over her and helped her get it on, tugging everything into the right place and adjusting as needed. Finally, Brynn looked her up and down and nodded. “Turn around.”
Kelsey spun around and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her boobs were plumped up by the bodice, the waist cut at just the right place, and the tulle skirt hit her right past her knee. She did a little twirl. “It fits!”
Brynn pressed a hand to her chest like a proud mom. “It looks like it was made for you.”
“So we’re good, right? This is the one?” Kelsey asked, turning to her and rocking on the balls of her feet.