Page 20 of A Little Bit Engaged
Brody had to think about what he’d said. “Babe?”
Her forehead creased. “It’s what you call Caitlin.”
“I never noticed.” Interesting that Cara had, but then again, she was observant, hanging back whether in a crowd or with her sister and him. “Would you rather I call you something else?”
“I don’t know.” She gave him the once-over. “I guess engaged couples use terms of endearment.”
“I could come up with something different. Baby. Honey. Sweetie. Cupcake.”
A mix of emotions crossed her face. She started to speak but then stopped herself. “Use whatever’s easy for you to remember since consistency is probably best, but it won’t matter.”
That resigned tone of hers had returned. “Why not?”
“People will see through our charade.” She blew out a breath. “Let’s be honest. Someone like you would never marry…me.”
“Hey.” His hand smoothed Cara’s hair. He hated when she put herself down. “You’re an amazing, smart, and pretty woman. Whoever you marry will be the luckiest guy in the world.”
Something flashed in her eyes. Disappointment? No, that didn’t make sense.
“Thanks,” she said finally. “A happily ever after would be nice, but I’d settle for a date with a guy who isn’t allergic to Loki or one who wouldn’t rather go out with you.”
That surprised him. “Slim pickings?”
She shrugged. “I’ve met more men since working at Cassandra’s Attic, but I’ve never been the dance-the-night-away kind of person. Book clubs and lectures are more my style. Which is why I hope Caitlin doesn’t ruin my reputation, or things could go from bad to worse. What guy will want to introduce his family to the woman who stole her twin sister’s boyfriend?”
“The right one will,” Brody said without any hesitation. “You’ll be fine. The press will be looking for a Neal twin. By the time they figure out you’re an O’Neal, this will be over.”
As she held out her left hand and crossed her fingers, her engagement ring sparkled in the sunshine. “I’m not backing out, but this ring feels like a beacon of lies for all to see and expose.”
The way she spoke reminded him of one of Caitlin’s monologues from the second film in their franchise. Probably not something he wanted to say to Cara when what she needed was support. “It may feel that way to you, but all people will see is the diamond and setting.”
Not appearing convinced, she lowered her arm. “If the Bay View House staff or others find out there isn’t going to be a wedding, what do we do then?”
“They won’t.”
“If they do?”
Brody gave her a squeeze, but given her stiff posture, the gesture didn’t seem to reassure her. He needed her to relax the way they used to when they were kids on a hot summer day eating ice cream cones and tossing water balloons in their backyards. If only they could be as carefree as they had been then. Maybe when this was over with… “We tell the truth.”
“Caitlin won’t like that.”
“Too bad.”
Cara nodded. The lines on her face didn’t appear to be as deep.
Smiling, he brushed his lips over her hair. The floral fragrance of her shampoo tickled his nose. He didn’t recognize the scent but liked it. A lot.
“Come on. They’re expecting us.” Brody let go of Cara and then laced his fingers with hers. He headed to the entrance, tugging her along. “Chin up and smile. This isn’t a death march to a bottomless fiery pit.”
Her startled gaze met his. “How did you know that’s what I was thinking?”
“Because I know you.” She would likely be comparing this situation to Dante’s Inferno or some other classic he wouldn’t have read and instead relied on SparkNotes and the movie version to pass English.
Cara laughed, a sweet sound Brody hoped to hear more often today. “Once upon a time, you did.”
That stung, but he deserved it. “You haven’t changed that much.”
“I haven’t,” she admitted to his relief. “But you have.”
