She nodded and held her gaze to the floor. “May I get that ride now?”
She was like a dormouse inside a trap that was hell-bent on keeping her in the dark. Nowhere to go, nowhere to run, yet the door was just in front of her.
I took a step toward her and pushed my hands into my pockets. “Yes, you may go. Please send my apologies to the wedding party for keeping you. Were you able to get ahold of them?”
She nodded. “Yes, thanks.”
“Great. Oh, before I forget.” I sidestepped Ainsley and opened the liquor cabinet once more. I pulled out a bottle of Scotch and handed it to her. “My compliments to the happy couple. The limo will be waiting for you downstairs.”
She nodded, accepted the gift, and then turned toward the door.
“Ainsley?”
She paused and looked over her shoulder. Her eyes were light blue like the sky on an early Sunday morning as the sun had just risen over the horizon. Her lips were slightly full with a soft pink tone. I suddenly felt the need to kiss her.
“We’ll pick this up on Monday morning.”
She held my gaze for a moment, and a blush rushed her neck and cheeks. She looked to the floor, and then with a curt nod, she closed the door behind her.
I walked over to my desk and leaned against the edge. I wasn’t sure what to make of Ainsley Speire. Whether it was for a fun frolic or for something more, there was something here to be tested. I wasn’t ready to settle down, but the honesty in Ainsley’s hate note shifted something inside me, and damn it if I didn’t want to explore that…and her.
Now that her cards were on the table, it was time for me to decide if I was up for the challenge or if I wanted to fold and walk away.
And I never walked away from a challenge.
Chapter Five
Ainsley
Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit over fucking shit and more shit!
I couldn’t believe what had happened. Chase’s Scotch…the letter…
I am so fired.
Riding in the car on the way to my home was like a high-end walk of shame, just without the sex. Chase had walked in to find his booze in one of my hands and a scorching sexual note in the other. And on his mouth? His sexy lips were pulled into a Cheshire grin. It was a smile I had witnessed him give his latest arm candy. It was a knowing smile—one of a man on the hunt for his latest prey.
I opened my phone and looked over my missed calls, texts, and emails. Who sent emails anymore? Apparently my friends when they couldn’t get ahold of me. Last night was the rehearsal dinner, and I’d missed it. No one should be surprised. This new career I’d opted for had taken up so much of my time. Between studies, my bar exam, and working in Chase’s office, it was a wonder I still had any personal connections at all.
I ground my teeth and pressed the Call button to dial the bride-to-be and then held my breath as her phone rang.
“Where the hell are you?” Ashley answered.
“Hey, yeah, I’m safe. No worries about me.”
“Dude, it’s my fucking wedding day. No time for sarcasm.” She sighed into the phone, and I felt like foul shit. “Listen, are you coming?”
“Yes,” I told her in a lowered voice. “I was forced to work last night.” I wanted to tell her all about drinking Chase’s Scotch and my drunken note, but all in due time. Today was her day, not my day to spoil.
Keep your head on straight, Speire. She has enough on her hands to not have to worry about your horrible decision-making.
“We all figured as much, but hey, a nice note would have been helpful that you wouldn’t make the dinner. Damn it, Mom!” she yelled. “Don’t make me bleed! That was close!”
“Why would your mom make you bleed?” I asked, hoping to get the topic off me.
“She’s trying to pin my dress. Apparently I lost too much weight! Who the hell loses too much weight, Ainsley?”
I laughed softly into the phone. I loved Ashley. We had been friends since high school when her family moved to Dallas. She joined one of the clubs I was a part of, and we had been inseparable ever since.
“How far away are you from the church?” Ashley asked, pulling me from my thoughts.
I hadn’t paid much attention. I looked up to the red light we were at.
“We’re driving down Elm Street and should be to you soon. I need to pick up a few things first, and then I’m there. I promise.”
Ashley wanted to marry in the historic church in downtown Dallas. It was a large off-white cathedral, and many of the windows were stained glass. It was beautiful and completely suited her style.
When I decided to marry, I’d be happy with running off to Vegas and getting married by Elvis. My parents would never forgive me, but it would be my wedding, not theirs.
“Okay, we’re in the back changing room. I have your dress here. I had hoped you’d show up today and not pick your fucking job over my damned wedding day.”
“Ashley, I said I was sorry about last night. I promise I’ll make up to you. And Chase sends his congratulations with a large bottle of Scotch.”
“Good. I have cups here. Let’s break it open to help soothe my nerves.” She groaned into the phone. “Fucking wedding shoes. Get here, Ainsley. Bye.”
She hung up before I had a chance to say anything back. I tucked my phone in my bag and leaned toward the driver. “I’ll give you a large tip if you can get me there in five minutes.”
The driver looked in the rearview mirror, his brown eyes staring back at me. “Miss, there’s no need to tip. It’s my pleasure. Hold tight. We’ll be there soon.”
With a sigh, I sat back in the seat and rested my head. Closing my eyes, I could only imagine what I’d look like walking in. Yesterday’s makeup and clothes, hair not done… I was the worst friend ever. This was the part of my job I hated. I detested being away from everyone, but if I wanted this to work, I needed to put in the hours, the work, the blood, sweat, and tears. Because if I didn’t, then what would be the point of it all?
I needed experience. The experience came with cases. Cases only came because they knew you won.
“All right, miss, we’re here.”
I lifted my head and checked the time on my phone. I was still early enough for me to shower and rush to the church and stand up for my friend. Dry shampoo and makeup will do wonders for anyone.
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.
What a way to chastise someone for not being the center of attention. It was a horrible statement to mutter to anyone, and of course, today, all the single ladies heard it from all the married ladies.
Why was this a thing?
I sat in a plastic chair with my legs crossed and sipped on my Moscato. The wedding had gone off perfectly. Ashley was beautiful, and her dress was the highlight of the occasion. Her new husband admitted to renting a tuxedo. I’ll never understand the fuss of a wedding dress when the groom’s attire seemed to be nothing but a joke.
Another bridesmaid I had never met sat at the table with me, nursing a glass of beer. The DJ blasted the Wobble song, and every person who knew the song—and also those who didn’t—danced on the floor the best they could.
Our dresses were peach, sleeveless, and fitted down to our knees, where they flared out in tulle. I felt like we were going to our high school prom all over again.