Four Day Fling(11)

Since there was nobody else arriving yet—because we were early as I’d promised—we were completely alone in the outside area.

“Ready?” I asked Adam.

“Yep. Are you?”

“I wasn’t ready five minutes ago. You think that shit changed in the last five minutes?”

He laughed, pulling me closer into his side. “Come on. If we get through the first hour of being fake boyfriend and girlfriend, we’ve got this. Sixty minutes. We can do it.”

“Man, you’re so perky. I might have to break up with you.” I shook my head. “You’re totally gonna ruin my hating people persona.”

“Is that the one you put out with your shirts?”

“Yes. Embrace it or RIP to our totally real relationship.”

He pressed his face into the side of my head as we walked into the ballroom.

I couldn’t lie. It was decorated beautifully. Pearlescent white and baby pink balloons adorned each table, each four-balloon bouquet sprouting from the top of a white and pink flower arrangement.

If it wasn’t already obvious, the color scheme for the wedding was white and baby pink.

Long story short, it was perfect. Everything from the napkins to the lights above the bar had been changed.

It was like a fairytale. Seriously. My sister’s vision was unreal.

If I had to have a pre-wedding reception party, it’d consist of nachos and dips and Friends With Benefits blaring on the big screen. And me, alone, in my bed, with nobody else.

I was not my sister.

Not even close.

“Poppy! Finally!” My mom came rushing over to us.

We were barely in the goddamn room.

“Where have you been? We need you to help set up!”

I did a double-take. “I told Rosie six. She never told me she needed help, or I’d have been here.”

“Well, thank goodness you’re finally here. And you’re not alone.” Surprise briefly crossed her face. “Miranda Dunn. Poppy’s mom. And you are?”

I glanced at Adam. I think he finally “got” why we clashed. And it’d been sixty fucking seconds.

“Adam. It’s a pleasure, ma’am.” He ignored her offered handshake and, instead, took her hand and kissed her fingers.

Mom put her hand to her chest. “Handsome and he has manners,” she said to me, then turned back to Adam. “You look familiar. Have we met before?”

“I’m pretty sure I’d remember if we had.” He shot her a charming grin.

“Huh,” Mom said. “You are really familiar to me. Maybe I know a family member? What’s your last name?”

That was an excellent question.

Adam opened his mouth to speak, but he was interrupted by my father.

“Adam Winters! As I live and breathe.” Dad grabbed his hand and shook it enthusiastically. “What are you—Poppy? You brought Adam Winters to your sister’s wedding?”

I was missing something.

Something big.

“I, er,” I started.

“Adam Winters!” Mom clapped her hands. “Of course! I told you I knew your face!”

Adam grinned.

I glanced at him. My chest was tight. What was going on? What was I missing?

“My grandson is going to go crazy. Wait there! Mark!” Dad yelled, spinning in circles. “Mark! Get Rory!”

“Dad? Why are you yelling?” Rosie asked. “Rory’s here with me. What’s going on?”

I wanted to know that, too.

She looked up and saw Adam. “Well, shit.”

Adam laughed.

“Rosie! Your language!” Mom scolded her.

I looked down at my six-year-old nephew who was staring at Adam like he’d just met his hero. You know, how I imagine I’d look if I ever met Channing Tatum.

Adam crouched down so he was eye-to-eye with Rory. “Hey, buddy. It’s Rory, right?”

Rory nodded, completely dumbstruck.

“I’m Adam.” He held out his hand, but Rory was frozen in place. “How you doin’?”

Rory opened his mouth, but instead of speaking, he burst into tears.

My mouth opened as I stared at the situation in front of me.

Seriously.

What.

Was.

Happening?

“Uhh,” Adam said, standing up. “Sorry?”

Rosie hugged Rory to her leg and grinned at Adam. “Don’t be. He loves you. Once he’s gotten over the shock, he’ll probably follow you around all weekend.”

Seriously!

“I’ll be waiting when he is.” Adam touched my back again with a smile.

“What’s going on?” Mark said, joining the group and adjusting his tie. “Why is Rory crying? Sam, did you scare him again?”

Dad chuckled. “No. He just met his hero.”

Mark looked around the group until his eyes landed on Adam. “Adam Winters! Well, hell. What a pleasure.” They shook hands. “Poppy? You brought Adam Winters?”

I did the only thing I could.

I nodded.

Mark shook his head in disbelief. “Is this our wedding present? Kidding!” He laughed.

I met Rosie’s eyes. I was going to hyperventilate if somebody didn’t get me out of this situation.