ElleYoga. I really need to take up yoga. It’s prob- ably the only thing that will keep me from sucker punching my ex in the dick today. This is the thought that pervades my brain as I inspect my lipstick in the gilded bathroom mirror of the country club.
Sighing, I check my reflection one last time and smooth my hair. I know black is supposed to be slimming, so why does it feel like I’ve stuffed my- self inside a sausage casing? Why do I feel like a busted can of biscuits in this getup?
Ugh. Breathe, Elle.
“God blessed you with these amazing curves. Don’t hide them.” Christine turns to face me, the corners of her mouth pulled down. It’s like she can
read my mind.
I roll my eyes. “I couldn’t hide them even if I wanted to. My Spanx are earning every dime I spent on them.”
She squeezes my hand. “Stop stressing. You’ll like Nic. And he’ll be speechless with you on his arm, I promise.”
I’ve never been set up on a blind date before, and I’m not sure how it’s going to go. I’ve been a nervous wreck all day, and the fact that my asshole ex is going to be at this cocktail reception with his new stick-figure girlfriend isn’t helping calm my nerves.
It’s the day before my friend Christine’s wed- ding, and she happens to be marrying my brother. So as much as I’d like to lock myself in my room all weekend with a pint of peanut butter ice cream and a bottle of vodka, I know I have to be here for them. Adulting really, really sucks sometimes.
Christine gives my shoulder an encouraging
pat.
I keep telling myself that if I can get through
this cocktail party tonight and the wedding and re- ception tomorrow, I can move on and pretend this whole weekend never happened.
After she finishes touching up her lipstick, Christine and I leave the bathroom and wander into the main ballroom. I grab a glass of champagne from one of the servers passing around drinks while she says good-bye and heads over to rejoin my brother. Taking a long sip, I enjoy the sensation of the bubbles on my tongue. I’m a lightweight and never have more than two drinks, but this weekend might be the exception.
I round the corner in search of a familiar friend- ly face, but instead I spot Jeremy, my ex. I quickly jump back and flatten myself against the wall, but not before I catch a glimpse of his new girlfriend hanging on his arm.
I’ve seen her on social media—and by seen, I mean I’ve stalked her—but I’m not pleased to see she’s even more attractive in person. She’s tall and unbelievably skinny, wearing a formfitting red dress. I’m not overweight, but I am curvy, and I could never pull off a skintight dress like his new girlfriend is wearing, even if I starved myself for a week.
Jeremy and I have known each other for a long time, but I was always the nerdy little sister of his best friend. After college, he finally took notice, and we dated for two years. I’d had a crush on him
for so long that I realize now that I overlooked a lot of the flaws in our relationship. I thought he was the one, but then he broke up with me out of the blue. One minute he was telling me he loved me, and the next he was saying he needed time alone to “find himself.” Which couldn’t have been true, because three seconds later he was dating someone else. Dick.
I take a large sip of champagne just as he bends down and gives her a kiss on the cheek. It takes every ounce of willpower I have to force myself to swallow. I’m definitely going to need more than two drinks to deal with this.
I glance at my watch. My date should be walk- ing in the door any minute. When Christine told me she had an old friend from college she wanted to set me up with, I was skeptical, to say the least. But the thought of attending this wedding alone with Jeremy here was too much, so I agreed. The last thing I need is to look like some pathetic loser in front of the happy couple—and I’m not referring to my brother and his fiancée.
As I take another glance at the door, someone walks in, and I let out a small gasp. I know imme- diately that it’s the guy from the photo Christine sent me, but that picture didn’t do him justice.
He scans the room, running a hand through his messy brown hair, and my heart begins to beat in overdrive. A bit of facial hair accentuates his per- fect jawline and full lips. He’s wearing a classic black suit that accentuates his broad chest and nar- row hips.
I’ve never seen someone as attractive as him outside of fashion magazines, and he looks like he could easily have come from a red-carpet event. I realize I’ve been staring with my mouth open and force myself to close it, hoping no one saw my ogling.
The room is loud, but all of it fades away when he looks in my direction. She must have shown him a picture of me too, because he smiles when he sees me and walks toward me. My heart pounds harder with each step closer he takes.
“Elle?”
When he looks into my eyes, my stomach starts flipping like an Olympic gymnast. His chocolate- brown eyes are so mesmerizing, I have to force myself to look away from them. But as my gaze wanders to his mouth again, I realize that isn’t go- ing to help my pounding heart.
“Nic, right?” I ask after a brief pause.
He nods, smiling to reveal perfectly straight white teeth. His eyes light up with something like mischief or amusement. But either way, he has my full attention.
Nic holds out a hand, and when I place my palm in his, a tingle runs up my arm.
“Thanks for coming,” I say, smiling awkward-
ly.
“My pleasure.” His voice is deep and sexy, per-
fect for dirty talk during sex.
Elle, get a hold of yourself.
“Your picture didn’t do you justice. You look amazing.” He sounds sincere, and I can’t help but melt a little.
“You look great too.” I smile, looking him up and down again. If the way his suit fits is any indi- cation of his physique, he’s got the body of a Greek god. “So, you know Christine from Indiana?” I ask, tearing my gaze away from his broad shoulders.
“Yeah, we had a few classes together.” He smiles.
Grinning back, I say, “From what I hear, she didn’t do much studying in college.” Christine has a lot of wild stories from her college years. I
was too focused on studying and preparing for law school to do much partying myself, but I always enjoyed hearing about all the crazy things she and her friends did.
“Yeah, we got into some trouble.” He laughs, running his hand through his hair again.
How is he so damn sexy? Just watching him makes me feel like I’ve committed a sin.
Nic’s smile fades, and his expression turns seri- ous. “I never expected that when I reached out to her, she’d end up inviting me to her wedding. Or that she’d set me up with such a beautiful date.”
I gulp. So he’s sexy, nice, and polite? I’m crush- ing hard on this guy.
“Speaking of getting into trouble, would you like a drink?” I gesture toward the bar.
His lips twitch. “Absolutely.”
As we walk, I notice how tall he is, easily a couple of inches over six feet. His height makes me feel small and dainty, a feeling I could really get used to.
Nic orders himself a whiskey neat from the bartender, and pauses to ask what I’d like. I lift my half-empty glass of champagne to request another.
Just as I’m about to ask Nic more about his col- lege years, Jeremy walks toward us.
“Fuck,” I whisper, turning toward Nic.
“Is something wrong?” he asks as the bartender sets down our drinks.
“My ex is walking this way right now,” I say, wishing I could disappear. I glance at Nic. “We had a rough breakup, in case Christine didn’t mention anything to you.”
Nic nods, furrowing his brow. I hope that see- ing me react like this to my ex isn’t scaring him off. It’s not exactly a turn-on to have your date freak out over another guy.
“Sorry—” I say, but Nic cuts me off.
“Just follow my lead,” he says and starts laugh- ing loudly.
Startled, I just stare for a second. “Laugh,” he whispers to me.
Finally, I get the hint and start to laugh along with him just as Jeremy walks up to the bar. I can see him out of the corner of my eye look over at us.
Nic sets his drink down and lifts his hand to smooth a stray strand of hair away from my face.
When he touches me, it’s like the whole world stops. As Nic tucks my hair behind my ear, I for- get all about Jeremy and take a deep, shaky breath, feeling like I’ve been sucker punched in the stom- ach.
As Nic stares deeply into my eyes, my knees start to feel shaky. With him standing so close, I catch a hint of his scent, something earthy and mas- culine, totally intoxicating. His full lips curve into a smile, and I’m totally lost in the moment when Nic breaks eye contact to glance at where Jeremy was standing. He’s gone, and Nic turns back to me, grinning. I didn’t even noticed he left.
“I think we pulled that off,” Nic says with a grin.
I smile back weakly. He probably has no idea how much he’s affecting me right now, or that I couldn’t care less what Jeremy thought of that mo- ment, only that I want it to happen again.
“Thanks,” I say, shocked at how sweet Nic is. Usually, guys as hot as he is don’t try this hard be- cause they know they can get any girl they want. Briefly, I wonder if he has some horrible flaw that’s going to rear its ugly head later. It would be just my luck. I overlooked so many things about Jeremy, and I won’t make that same mistake again.
“Cheers to meeting new people—and avoiding ones we know.” Nic holds up his whiskey, and we clink glasses.
“Sorry this is kind of awkward with my ex here,” I say, afraid Nic’s going to decide this is too much drama. After what I just felt, I don’t think I could stand it if he bailed on the weekend. “Chris- tine probably didn’t warn you about that part.”
“She didn’t mention it, but it’s not a problem. I know how shitty breakups can be,” he says, lean- ing back against the bar. “Just consider me your personal bodyguard. Who is also your drinking buddy for the weekend.”
“A man of many talents.” Relieved, I grin. “Lucky me.”
“You have no idea.” He smirks, taking a sip of his whiskey.
I can think of a couple other talents you might have.
Looking him up and down again, I take a breath, trying to keep my thoughts focused on the conversation and not on what he could do for me in the bedroom.
“I also dance,” he says, saving me from my
wayward thoughts.
“You might be on your own for that one.” I smile politely, finishing my champagne. “I’m a horrible dancer.”
“Oh, I didn’t say I was good. And if I’m going to make a fool of myself on the dance floor, you’re definitely coming with me.”
We laugh, and as he runs a hand through his dark hair again, I notice for the first time how big his hands are. I bite my lip, trying not to let my mind wander to all the places I want him to put those hands.
His laugh is deep and sexy, almost like a growl. Everything about him is sinful, and I feel like I’m riding on a high. Maybe the champagne is going to my head, but I don’t think so. Something about Nic is different from any other guy I’ve ever met. He’s so confident and at ease, both with himself and with me, and it’s a huge turn-on.
A server comes around and tells us it’s time to head in for dinner. After we’re seated at our ta- ble, the speeches begin, and everyone toasts with champagne to the bride and groom. I lock eyes with Christine and she gives me a huge smile, ob- viously pleased to see Nic and me together.
As the server sets down my meal, I suddenly feel ravenous. I was so nervous about seeing Jer- emy tonight, and with my anxiety over this blind date, I couldn’t eat anything all day, and believe me, I never skip meals. I take a big bite of chicken and let out a groan, but when I realize Nic is watch- ing me, I’m so embarrassed, I stop.
“I didn’t eat much today,” I say, feeling the need to apologize. Jeremy always used to comment on what I ate, and it made me self-conscious about eating in front of guys.
“You should never apologize for that,” Nic says earnestly, and I’m totally spellbound by how understanding and sweet he is. Then he grins. “Be- sides, I like a woman who knows what she wants.”
“I’m sure you do,” I say, smirking at him.
Nic tilts his head as he studies me, then chuck- les. “You’re something else, you know that?”
“But, seriously, I don’t normally eat like I’ve been starved for two days,” I say, hoping to get back to a topic with less sexual subtext. “I’ve just been a little anxious today. I wasn’t exactly looking forward to this night. No offense,” I add quickly.
“None taken,” he says. “So, what exactly did this guy do to fuck up your relationship?”
I look down at the table as memories of our breakup come rushing back.
“He broke up with me, actually,” I say, then take a large gulp of champagne.
If I’m going to tell the sexiest man I’ve ever met about how I was dumped and replaced by an- other woman, I need a little liquid courage. Well, if I’m honest, I need a lot of liquid courage to admit that I was dumped.
“It was pretty much out of nowhere. And then a few days later, I see that he’s got a new girlfriend.” I gesture across the room to where Jeremy is sitting with her.
I’ve been trying not to look at them all night, but I can’t help but stare for a few seconds as he whispers something in her ear, making her laugh.
“You’re way more beautiful than she is, you know,” Nic says, catching me off guard.
My face warms, partly from embarrassment that he saw me staring at them, and partly because I’ve never had a guy as drop-dead gorgeous as him even look at me, never mind tell me I’m beautiful. Especially after watching me shovel my dinner in my mouth like a ravenous buzzard.
“Thanks,” I say, smiling. “Even though I think you’re a liar.”
“Seriously, you have no idea what a catch you are.”
When Nic covers my hand with his, my heart thumps hard as his brown eyes look warmly into mine. I’m speechless, and luckily the moment is interrupted by Christine coming over to say hello. I tear my gaze away from Nic to smile at her.
“You look amazing,” I say, jumping up to give her a hug.
“Christine, congratulations again,” Nic says.
I don’t know if that moment affected him as much as it did me, but he seems completely calm, so it must be my imagination.
“Thanks for coming, Nic. It’s good to see you again.” She smiles at him before looking back at me. I can tell she’s dying to hear about how we’re getting along.
“I’m going to use the restroom,” I say, giving Christine a meaningful look.
“I’ll come too,” she says quickly.
“Nic, do you think you’ll be okay for a few
minutes?” I ask, grabbing my purse.
“Take your time.” He gives me a knowing smile, so I’m pretty sure he knows exactly what we’re about to go do.
As soon as the door to the restroom closes, Christine turns to me. “So, how’s it going with Nic?”
“He’s amazing, Chris.” I gush over him as I check my makeup in the mirror. “Seriously, you didn’t tell me how hot he is. And he’s so sweet. Why have you kept him from me for so long?”
She laughs. “You were with Jeremy. And Nic just recently moved here to Chicago.”
“Speaking of Jeremy,” I say, then fill her in on the run-in with him, and how Nic just told me Jer- emy’s new girlfriend doesn’t hold a candle to me.
“He’s right. You are more beautiful than her,” Christine says. “I know Jeremy is your brother’s good friend, but he’s an asshole and you deserve better. You have to know that, because it’s the truth.”
I smile at her, then give her another hug. She’s always had a talent for seeing the best in me, and knows exactly how to cheer me up in a tough situ-
ation.
“I’m so glad you’re having fun.” Christine smiles, pulling me in tighter. “I just want you to have a good time and not worry about Jeremy and his date.”
I’ve been trying not to let her know how much I was dreading the weekend, not wanting to ruin her special day, but of course she saw right through me.
“Trust me, I’m barely even thinking about Jer- emy,” I tell her, and I mean it.
I’ve only known Nic for an hour, but it feels like much longer. How is it possible that a guy this sexy, smart, funny, and sweet even exists? And that he isn’t already attached to another woman? It seems almost too good to be true.
“I just want you to remember that you’re amaz- ing and deserve the best,” Christine says, checking her makeup.
“You’re gonna make me cry.” I slap her play- fully on the shoulder. “Now, let’s get back out there before they send a search party for us.”
As we leave the restroom, my gaze is immedi- ately drawn to Nic. I’m blown away again by how
gorgeous he is. How is it that each time I look at him, he gets more attractive?
He looks my way and our eyes meet, sending me into a full swoon. Everything else fades away as I walk toward him, and all the past drama with Jeremy seems like it happened to someone else.
If someone told me a week ago that I’d actu- ally be looking forward to this wedding, I’d have thought they were crazy. But something about Nic sets off butterflies in my stomach like I’m in the seventh grade all over again.
I’ve always been a goody-two-shoes, always doing exactly what’s expected of me. I pay my bills on time. I obey traffic laws, even if there’s no one else around. And I always eat my vegetables, even when I don’t want to.
But as I return to Nic, I decide that I’m tired of being a goody-goody. I want to do something reck- less for once.
And I have a feeling he may be the perfect guy to get into trouble with.