Page 27 of A Little Bit Engaged
She took a breath, exhaled. “Being at the Bay View House makes me want to plan a real wedding.”
The longing in her voice not only surprised him, but it also tugged at his heart. He’d been so focused on Caitlin he hadn’t considered Cara’s feelings beyond pretending or that she might be ready for the next phase in her life. “You’re ready to settle down?”
Two lines formed above the bridge of her nose. “Settle down sounds like a person is settling for less. I just…”
“What?”
“I want to find a man who accepts me for who I am and wants to be a part of my life.”
Her words swirled in his head. Most people wanted that at some point in their lives, but she hadn’t dated in high school—too busy with her studying, clubs, and a part-time job—and he knew of only one boyfriend she had in college. What was his name? Quincy or maybe Lance. Something with a C in it.
The guy had been okay but too intellectual for Brody’s liking. Cara was smart enough on her own. She needed someone to help her loosen up, relax, and have fun. Thankfully, a job transfer had sent them to opposite coasts. Their long-distance relationship had ended after their first month apart. The guy’s decision, not Cara’s.
But what she wanted now sounded more serious than dating or having another boyfriend.
Since her breakup, Cara hadn’t gone out with that many guys. Brody had asked her, and Caitlin often mentioned her sister’s bad dates. He hadn’t thought Cara wanted…needed…more.
The realization unsettled him.
Why?
He wasn’t sure.
Guilt over being selfish?
That was as good a guess as any.
Brody went to brush his hand through his hair but hit the brim of his cap. He picked up his water instead. “Have someone in mind?”
Another shrug.
That meant she wasn’t going to tell him if she did. That stung. She used to tell him everything, but they weren’t as close as before. Caitlin had gotten in the way. That had been his fault. He didn’t have many regrets, but dating Caitlin was one. Continuing to act as if they were a couple after they’d broken up was another. Soon, though, that would be behind him.
But he knew one thing he could do to help Cara find what she wanted. That was what friends did. Help each other. “I know some great guys. If you want me to introduce you to them, I can.”
She stiffened. “No, thanks.”
Unexpected relief flowed through him. Not surprising once he thought through what he’d offered. He didn’t want the insider scoop on what she did with her boyfriend. Listening to Caitlin tell him every detail about her love life as if he were her ex-boyfriend, BFF, brother, and therapist all rolled into one was bad enough. “Ready to go?”
Cara stood. “Thanks for lunch.”
“Thanks for pretending to want to marry me.”
“Few women can say they were engaged to one of the sexiest men in the world,” she teased.
He lowered his head. “I’m never going to live down that magazine profile.”
“Nope.”
He placed his arm around her as they left the restaurant. As before, being close to her and touching her was easy. No acting skills required.
To his left, two men strode toward them. One man nudged the other.
The hair on Brody’s neck prickled. He’d been playing this game too long not to recognize paparazzi, but Cara had relaxed. He wanted to keep her smiling, so he led her in the opposite direction. “Let’s go this way.”
“The car is to the left.”
Only the truth would appease her analytical brain. “We’re being followed.”
