When he hesitates, I ask him, “What is it?”
He strokes his hand across his chin. “Uh, so, I can get you a hotel if you want. But I thought you may want to stay with me.”
My eyes widen and my eyebrows lift in surprise.
He immediately turns in his seat and starts the truck up. “Forget it, bad idea. I’ll get you a room at the hotel.”
I put my hand on his arm. “No, wait. I was just surprised that’s all. Why do you want me to stay with you?”
He shrugs. “I would worry about you being at a hotel by yourself. At least at my house you would be close by and I could make sure you’re okay.”
I laugh. “I’m a big girl.”
He nods his head. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make it awkward.”
I think about it for a minute, and decide why not? “Okay… I’d like to stay with you.”
He turns to me with the biggest grin on his face. “Really?”
“Yeah, sure, it will give us more time to catch up. Plus, it’s not like I just met you or anything. I trust you.”
He smiles all the way to his house. Every time I look at him, his grin widens.
We talk small talk, and I ask him about the bride. I remember his older brothers, but I didn’t know them well.
“Well, Jason is a baseball player now. He met his fiancée, Chelsey, at one of the ballgames and they fell in love. It’s been quick, but she’s going to fit into the family just fine. ”
“Were they okay with you asking me to take the pictures?” I’ve thought about this a lot. I don’t know any bride that would just turn the task of finding a photographer over to their soon-to-be brother in law.
“Sure, she actually begged me once I showed her your portfolio.”
“My portfolio? You been stalking me, Mr. Blake?”
He winces, but then covers it up with a smile. “Maybe.”
Chapter3
Jared
Once we arrive at my house, I take her on a tour. I explain to her this is one of the properties that I’ll be selling and I’ll want her to take pictures while she’s here.
I show her the inground pool, the guest house, and when we get back inside she’s twirling around looking at everything. “Jared, this house is stunning. Why are you selling it?”
“If everything goes as planned, I will be moving soon, so I need to go ahead and get the house on the market.”
I can see the question in her eyes, but she doesn’t ask it. Which is probably good. How do I explain to her that I’m planning on moving to Nashville to be closer to her? She’d probably run screaming from the house.
I show her to her room. I could have given her a room on the opposite side of the house but instead I give her the one across from mine. The temptation will kill me, I’m sure, but I want her close.
I leave her to freshen up for the rehearsal dinner and I go to take a cold shower. The first of many, I’m sure.
An hour later, I’m standing at the front door, trying to tie my tie.
“I wasn’t sure. Do I look okay?” she asks from the top of the stairs. I drop my hands to my sides and turn to face her. She’s walking down the stairs in black dress pants, black heels, and a royal blue sparkly blouse. Her hair is in long curly waves down her back. I wish I could say screw it and keep her here to myself.
“You’re beautiful,” I tell her honestly. Her blue eyes sparkle back at me.
“I normally would wear a skirt, but if I’m taking pictures, I didn’t want to be showing the world my undies while doing so.”