The Forever Girl (Wildstone, #6)(46)

“Okay, let’s pretend for one second that’s true—which it isn’t. But if it was, then why are we having pretend sex in the shower?”

“I don’t know. It’s ridiculous.” She covered her eyes for a beat to think. “I’m ridiculous. I have no idea why this all is getting to me.”

“Don’t you?”

She dropped her hand and looked at him, completely confused, and he visibly softened.

“Maze, you’re one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. Put it together.”

She realized he was trying to tell her that this was getting to her because she still had feelings for Walker. And while she suspected deep, deep down that it might be true, there was no way in hell she was going to admit it.

“You need to tell him,” he said.

“Why?”

“Because I’m a stand-up guy, and I hate this. I hate making everyone here think we’re together when we’re not. I was wrong to agree. And you’re wrong too, because in case you’ve forgotten, you’re a stand-up chick as well.”

Maze walked out of the bathroom and ran right into the brick wall that was Walker.

His hands came up to her arms, holding her steady while she got her feet beneath her. Flustered, she took a step back. “Were you eavesdropping?” she asked, wincing at how annoyingly breathless she sounded.

“Didn’t you want me to be?”

“Of course not.”

“Hmm. You forget . . .” He dipped his head so that his mouth brushed her ear. “I know what you sound like when you’re not faking.”

Why on earth had she thought bringing Jace as her boyfriend would ever work? Because Walker was right. He knew the real thing between them had been heart-stopping and emotional, and nothing had ever been like it. And if that didn’t drive her nuts . . .

Sammie came barreling down the hall and threw herself at Walker’s legs. “Birds!”

“You want to go see the birds?” he asked, hoisting her up.

She nodded vehemently.

“You got it.” He looked at Maze. “See how it works? You ask for what you want. You use your words, Maze. It’s not magic.”

When she didn’t say anything—because what was there to say?—he gave her a long look and left with Sammie.





Chapter 12


Caitlin’s to-do list:

—Figure out how to lose fifteen pounds in four days.

It was noon and Caitlin was already too exhausted for the reception rehearsal. But Maze had everyone all lined up outside like good little soldiers, and she was trying to pay attention while obsessing over things like would her wedding dress really fit? And did she need a wax? Anything to avoid thinking about how Michael would’ve loved this week and how she shouldn’t have to do this without him.

“Participation is mandatory and you will have fun,” Maze commanded.

Caitlin had to laugh. Clearly, her refound BFF was channeling the bossy bride herself. Maze was in running gear that had most likely never seen so much as a jog, but she looked impressively in charge as she strode back and forth in front of them, the binder tucked under one arm, her iPad under her other. The only thing she was missing was a whistle. Even Dillon was there, though Caitlin had to promise him his favorite sexual favor to get him out here.

“So,” Maze said loudly with fanfare, “today’s mission: we’re going to run through and practice all the reception activities. Quickly. I call it a speed reception rehearsal.” She paused, clearly expecting excitement.

Everyone just stood there looking at her with varying degrees of boredom. Well, except for Roly and Poly, who were in their fancy outdoor beds napping in the sun.

“Hey!” Maze said, pointing at them all. “This is going to be fun, dammit! Now, look alive, people. I’ve divided up the itinerary. I estimate the real thing on Saturday will take three hours, but we’re going to run through it in one hour today. Hence the ‘speed’ part of the speed reception rehearsal. Get it?”

Deadpan looks.

“Ugh.” Maze tossed up her hands. “Fine, we’ll just get on with it. Everyone go to your designated table, where there’s an itinerary. First up is the introduction of the bride and groom. Then drinks—that should cheer all you lushes up. Food’s next, which for today’s purposes is Taco Bell takeout because I didn’t have time to cook.”

“Didn’t have time or can’t cook?” Jace asked.

Walker laughed.

“Nice to see you two bonding,” Maze said, heavy on the sarcasm. “After food, we dance. Then the cutting of the cake and more dancing. Oh, and there’s also a game going on the whole time, called Secret Mission. Your instructions are taped beneath the seat of your individual chairs. Be discreet. Don’t share. It’s called Secret Mission for a reason. Now go!”

Caitlin moved to Maze. “I’m impressed,” she said, sincerely touched. This was more than she could have imagined asking Maze for. “You’ve gone over and above.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I plan to embarrass the hell out of you with my maid of honor speech.”

Cat turned Maze to face her. “You know how you think I’m perfect?”

“Well, not totally perfect,” Maze said. “You’ve got a hair out of place here.” She patted the side of Caitlin’s head, making her laugh.