Page 24 of A Little Bit Engaged
Brody’s forehead creased. “Picnic?”
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Sariah said.
“Well, Brody and I grew up next door to each other, and we hung out in his tree house. We would have picnics in the woods behind our houses or at the local park.”
With a slight smile, he cocked his head to the left. She could tell he was remembering their childhood. “Those were the best times.”
“Yes, they were.” If only they were kids again with no worries except to be home before the sun went down. “I was thinking a picnic-themed wedding would be fun.” And playful. Not elegant, special, or the hundreds of other adjectives she’d imagined less than a minute ago. “If you don’t see any issues with being outside in March.”
“No problem. The temperatures vary, but portable heaters are always an option. We can create a lovely indoor garden setting if it’s too cold or rains.” Sariah beamed. “Sounds like this theme has a special meaning for you.”
“Yes,” Cara and Brody said at the same time.
They both laughed.
His gaze locked on hers. Connected. Energy flowed from his eyes to hers. So strong she wanted to reach out and touch the stream.
Friendship.
Nothing more.
Sariah motioned to doors leading to the backyard. “I’ll show you the various options for an outdoor wedding and picnic reception.”
Brody lowered his hand to the small of Cara’s back. He leaned close, his warm breath against her neck wreaking havoc with her brain and body. “You okay?”
She nodded even though she didn’t feel okay. Far from it.
Somehow, pretending for only a few hours was opening up the dreams she’d locked away over three years ago when Caitlin started dating Brody. Cara needed to shove them into the deep recesses of her heart where they belonged. She couldn’t let herself go back to wanting what she couldn’t have. She’d survived and gotten over her crush the first time. She might not be so lucky again.
What was wrong with her?
All of this was a farce. There wouldn’t be a wedding, no ceremony or a reception, but…
The truth slammed into Cara. She wanted that and a happily ever after, more than she’d wanted anything in her life.
And a part of her—a big part she’d denied for so long—wanted them…with Brody.
No. No. No. Cara couldn’t allow herself to be swept up into the fantasy, but how could she not? Her imagination was in overdrive and trying to carry her away. She glanced at the engagement ring on her finger.
She was over Brody—had been over him for almost three years.
O-V-E-R.
But her heart was forgetting that point.
Brody, wedding. Wedding, Brody.
Those were the only two things on her mind.
So not good.
The diamond on her finger gleamed as if mocking her. Or tempting her.
What was happening? And how did she make it stop?
CHAPTER SEVEN
An hour and a half later, Brody sat across from Cara at a round table in a taqueria known for authentic tacos, fresh tortilla chips, and a wide variety of salsas. The lunch rush was over. No other tables were taken, but they sat in a dark corner booth where he faced the wall. He’d removed his sunglasses but wore his baseball cap. He didn’t want to risk being recognized and ruin their meal.
