He sighed, staring into the fire. “I know. He’s got an angle. I hate angles.”
I surveyed the shoreline, trying to make out the shadowy figures of Taylor and Mason. “I think right now his angle is my friend.” I frowned.
Grey took another swig of the drink. “At least it’s not you.”
I rested my hand on Grey’s leg. I didn’t expect things to unfold like this, but Mason was preoccupied. So was Taylor. I thought we’d be laughing, listening to music, and sharing stories with Taylor. I wanted her to get the full picture—all the little things that made me fall in love with the island—but instead we were on opposite sides of the beach and I couldn’t see her.
Grey seemed to be relaxing with each flick of the flames. The fire had a way of doing that for him.
“Did I tell you I found a dress for Marin and Pick’s wedding?”
“What color?” It looked like he was studying my throat.
The air between us was thick, or maybe I was feeling the heat from the bonfire. I bit down on my lip. “It’s blue. I would probably call it Carolina blue.”
“What about that black one you wore in Mexico?” His fingertips trailed over my hand.
“You’ve already seen it. I wanted something different for the wedding.”
He shot chills down my spine as he brushed the hair from my neck and kissed the spot below my ear. He whispered, “I can’t wait to get rid of these crutches, and this brace.” He pulled my hand farther up his leg. I had to resist the temptation to tighten my grip.
I faced him, reading his hungry eyes. I missed that look on him. It was all-consuming and possessive. I wanted him to act on it.
“Grey…” My voice trailed off as his lips moved closer.
“There you are!” Marin piped in over the music.
Grey sat up, straightening his leg. I couldn’t help notice the way his face contorted when he moved it.
“Sorry.” Marin laughed. “Eden, I had a quick question for you. Grey, can I steal her for a minute?”
“No problem.” He squeezed my hand.
I followed Marin away from the blaring speaker. Someone was cranking up the music. A few couples started dancing. I took a couple deep breaths, trying to ground myself.
“What’s up?” I asked. She looked nervous.
“I got a call from one of my cousins today. She was supposed to be a bridesmaid, but she can’t fly in for the wedding.”
“Oh, that’s terrible. I’m so sorry.”
“Well, I was hoping maybe you would like to be a bridesmaid.”
“Me?”
She nodded. “I know it’s late notice and I understand if you don’t want to.”
I hugged her. “Of course I’ll do it. I’d love to be one of your bridesmaids.” I was glad to see a big smile on her face. I couldn’t disappoint the bride.
“And don’t worry about the dress. The blue one you picked will be perfect.”
“But what are the other girls wearing? I’ll wear a bridesmaid dress.” I hated to return the pale blue gown, but I didn’t need it anymore if I was going to be in the wedding. I didn’t want to stand out from the other girls. That was Marin’s job.
“Oh no. It’s gorgeous on you. The girls chose their own dresses, much to my mother’s horror. I didn’t go the traditional bridesmaid route.”
“Really?” I got to keep the dress.
“Yes, they each have different styles and colors, so yours will be perfect. Now I’m going to go tell Pick we have even numbers again. Get back to your man.” She swatted me on the butt.
“Yes, ma’am.” I giggled as I retraced my steps to Grey.
“What was that about?” He looked up at me.
“Marin asked me to be a bridesmaid in the wedding.”
“Uh oh.” His voice was playful.
I sat next to him, hoping to recreate the energy we had started. “What? Are you against bridesmaids?”
“No, but that means you’ll have to do all the girl stuff. Showers, bachelorette party, and whatever else goes with that job. You are going to be busy between now and the wedding.”
I hadn’t thought about that part when Marin asked me. “Do you need me at home?”
He laughed. “No, darlin’. I know it’s a big deal for you and Marin. I can handle a few lonely nights.” He twirled a lock of hair over my shoulder, causing me to lean closer to him.
I looked to see if his cup was empty. “Want me to get another one for you?”
“No. I have to get up early for work. I should probably head back anyway. My leg is starting to take over.”
My heart sank. We were having fun, and the flirting was just heating up. “I can’t leave without making sure Taylor is ok.”
If he meant to wipe the scowl from his face, he did a poor job of it. “She’s a big girl. I think she can take care of herself. Swim with sharks and—”
“Mason isn’t going to hurt her. He’s not like that.” I helped him stand.