Five years had passed since she’d seen Tate. The years had been more than kind to him, whereas she felt like she’d just gotten beaten up inside and out as she’d clawed her way to the top of the design world. She’d often heard about how gorgeous and thin she was, but all she saw in the mirror were sharp lines and hollowed-out hardness.
What are you doing here? Tate’s question hit her right in the gut. What was she doing here indeed? At this point she wished she could slink away and not have anyone know she’d braved an appearance at her ex’s engagement party.
“I was invited by the future bride,” she said, hoping to tease a smile out of him as she gave him the sparkling smile to which he used to always respond. Tate had been one of her best friends and always done anything she asked. If only they could go back to those carefree days of friendship. “And you?”
“On the groom’s side.” His returning smile was grim as he brushed his hand through his luscious locks. Cally knew it was an unconscious gesture that he repeated often. What she wouldn’t give to touch his hair. The brush of his hair also showed off how well his suit fit him. The dark blue suit molded breathtakingly to his toned, tall body. She would love to see if that shoulder was as broad and firm as it looked through the fabric.
Oh, my, goodness! What was she thinking? This was her childhood buddy and Colt’s brother. She couldn’t be running her hands through his hair or touching his shoulder. Obviously, she wasn’t as hurt over Colt moving on as she’d imagined if she was blatantly checking out his brother. Tate was a generous, fun and smart man who had been like a brother to her as well. What was wrong with her?
She took a sip of her lemonade to ease the dryness in her throat.
“Truly? Bri invited you?” Tate asked.
Cally nodded tightly. She’d been as shocked as Tate was now acting when Brikelle stopped by the design shop Cally recently started working at in downtown Ogden to invite her to the engagement party. Brikelle had handed her invitations to the engagement party and the wedding, expressing her hope that they could be friends. She was adorable and sweet. Cally found herself liking the girl despite the jealousy she felt.
Two weeks from tonight, Colt and Brikelle were getting married right here at Emmaline’s home in Eden, Utah, in the picturesque mountain valley above Ogden, then going on a two-week honeymoon to Kauai. Cally tried not to think about how it should’ve been her picture-perfect wedding, should’ve been her fun-filled honeymoon, should’ve been her loving and devoted groom.
Brikelle had not only taken Cally’s man but also the exclusive interior design jobs Cally’s Uncle Joshua had promised her if she relocated. Cally had almost packed up and flown back to Chicago when Colt explained to her that he’d fallen in love with Brikelle. Yet coming home had made her question if she wanted that fast-paced life anymore. She’d missed Eden, especially the deep friendships she’d known with the Jepson brothers. She’d secured a job with a design company in Ogden, but she wasn’t sure which direction she should take her life, and starting her charity seemed as far away as ever.
“My future sister-in-law is a saint,” Tate muttered.
Cally glared up at him. “Excuse me?”
Tate arched an eyebrow. “You heard me. That Bri can be compassionate to the likes of you.” He whistled and shook his head. “She’s on a rocket ship straight to heaven in my book.”
Cally’s neck heated up, and she gripped her glass even harder. Obviously, not only did Tate not idolize her anymore, he didn’t think she even deserved compassion. Any desire to touch his hair or shoulder disappeared with a poof of anger and humiliation. “I despise you, Tate Jepson,” she ground out. It was immature and petty, something she might have flung at him when she was twelve and he’d put frogs in her sleeping bag. That day he’d apologized and she’d easily forgiven him. Right now she felt so alone and miserable. She needed him to be her friend like he used to be. Apparently, that wasn’t happening.
He grinned and tilted his glass to her, taking a sip of the cola in it. “Likewise. You look good, Cally. Hopefully I won’t see you for at least another five years.” His eyes were mocking, but there was some deep-seated hurt in them as well.
He sauntered away, and she fumed. Tate was too handsome with that deep red hair, tanned skin and blue eyes, too smart with his fancy Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree and all the awards she was constantly hearing about him receiving, too wealthy in his impeccable Brioni suit that fit his perfect body like a glove, and entirely too pompous for his own good.
A redhead and a brunette rushed up to him and squealed, each hugging him in turn. Tate looked over the brunette’s mop of hair and met Cally’s gaze. He winked at her and tilted his chin up, acknowledging that he knew she’d been staring. Jerk.
Keep Reading here.
Also by Cami Checketts
Jepson Brothers Romance
How to Design Love
How to Switch a Groom
How to Lose a Fiance
Steele Family Romance
Her Dream Date Boss
The Stranded Patriot
The Committed Warrior
Extreme Devotion
Billionaire Boss Romance
Her Dream Date Boss
Her Prince Charming Boss
The Loyal Patriot
The Gentle Patriot
The Stranded Patriot
Quinn Family Romance
The Devoted Groom
The Conflicted Warrior
The Gentle Patriot
The Tough Warrior
Her Too-Perfect Boss
Her Forbidden Bodyguard
Hawk Brothers Romance
The Determined Groom
The Stealth Warrior
Her Billionaire Boss Fake Fiance
Risking it All
Navy Seal Romance
The Protective Warrior
The Captivating Warrior
The Stealth Warrior
The Tough Warrior
Texas Titan Romance
The Fearless Groom
The Trustworthy Groom
The Beastly Groom
The Irresistible Groom
The Determined Groom
The Devoted Groom
Billionaire Beach Romance
Caribbean Rescue
Cozumel Escape
Trusting the Billionaire
How to Kiss a Billionaire
Onboard for Love
Shadows in the Curtain
Billionaire Bride Pact Romance
The Resilient One
The Feisty One
The Independent One
The Protective One
The Faithful One
The Daring One
Park City Firefighter Romance
Rescued by Love
Reluctant Rescue
Stone Cold Sparks
Snowed-In for Christmas
Echo Ridge Romance
Christmas Makeover
Last of the Gentlemen
My Best Man’s Wedding
Change of Plans
Counterfeit Date
Snow Valley
Full Court Devotion: Christmas in Snow Valley
A Touch of Love: Summer in Snow Valley
Running from the Cowboy: Spring in Snow Valley
Light in Your Eyes: Winter in Snow Valley
Romancing the Singer: Return to Snow Valley
Fighting for Love: Return to Snow Valley
Other Books by Cami
Seeking Mr. Dependable: Jane Austen Pact
Saving Sycamore Bay
Oh, Come On, Be Faithful
Protect This
Blog This
Redeem This
The Broken Path
Dead Running
Dying to Run
Fourth of July
Love & Loss
Love & Lies
Cami’s Col
lections
Steele Family Collection
Hawk Brothers Collection
Quinn Family Collection
Cami’s Military Collection
Billionaire Beach Romance Collection
Billionaire Bride Pact Collection
Billionaire Romance Sampler
Echo Ridge Romance Collection
Texas Titans Romance Collection
Snow Valley Collection
Christmas Romance Collection