“Avery!” The squeal of her name was accompanied by a big hug full of veil and lace and jewels.
Laughing, Avery embraced her friend. “It was perfect,” Ally said, and sighed. “I can’t tell you how many people have been coming up to me asking for your card. They all said they’ve never seen a wedding so beautiful.”
“Thanks, babe. It was everything I always dreamed for you.”
“We’re heading over to the Boiler Room for a few more drinks. Are you coming?”
She shook her head. “I wish I could, but I’m ready to drop. I’ll see you at the breakfast tomorrow, though.”
“I totally understand. I’m just not ready to have the evening end.”
Avery laughed. “You’re the bride—you need to close down the house for me, okay? Show this beach town how to party.”
Jason drifted up, giving Avery a warm hug and gushing about everything she’d done.
“Well, Carter was a huge help,” she said.
The familiar deep voice cut through the air. “We make a good team.”
Ally hauled him into a group hug. “Damn right you do. Carter, no wimping out on me. You’re coming to party more, right?”
Avery shivered as he met and held her gaze. “Sure, Ally-Cat. We’ll let Avery get her sleep and see her in the morning.”
She nodded, knowing there’d be no visit tonight. She was too damn exhausted, and Carter needed to spend it with his family. Maybe it was for the best. She needed some distance and time to think. His words on the dance floor stirred a longing that scared her. She needed to be careful of giving her heart to a man who had no use for it. Though each night since the bachelorette party they’d grown closer, sharing both their minds and bodies through the late hours, nothing had truly changed.
He was still a man who didn’t believe in love.
She was still a woman who did.
Avery said good night and headed home.
Brunch at the Mad Batter was held on the front porch. The striped awning shaded them from the sun, and a giant table was set up for fifteen guests. Mimosas flowed, and their famous seafood omelets were a big hit, loaded with fresh crabmeat, avocado, and Swiss cheese. The party had gone till 3:00 a.m., but Ally and Jason looked fresh faced and happy, feeding each other with moony eyes and taking the teasing with laughter.
Avery sat next to Carter. Sometimes he’d slide his finger under the table and touch hers. The innocent contact caused her tummy to swirl like a flight of butterflies. She ate and drank, but every inch of her body was aware of his. She ached to touch the rough stubble on his angular jaw, smooth the hair from his forehead, and trace the lush curve of his lips. He wore his glasses today, and the casual jeans and navy-blue T-shirt showed off his lean muscles.
“Carter, are you heading back to DC this week?” Ally asked.
His voice was smooth and heated, like the whiskey he’d drunk last night. “Actually, I extended my rental to Labor Day. It’s been nice taking some time off, so I’m going to enjoy the beach until my next project kicks off.”
Avery stiffened, but he grabbed her hand under the table and squeezed.
Ally looked delighted. “Good for you! I’m so glad you’re giving yourself more downtime. Maybe you can convince Avery to take some time off, too—she’s a proud workaholic like you.”
Avery forced a smile. “Unfortunately, wedding season in Cape May doesn’t allow for much free time.”
“I know, babe. And I hate that I added to your burden with my last-minute wedding. I just want you to have some fun like we did in Atlantic City,” Ally said.
“Your wedding was not a burden,” she said firmly, pointing her fork in the air. “But I’ll make sure to take care of your brother for the next two weeks.” She refused to feel guilt from her declaration, but the grateful way her friend looked at her made her want to tell the truth.
“Thanks,” Ally said. “Jason and I are heading out tomorrow for Turks and Caicos before fall semester starts. I don’t want to have to worry about my brother while I’m lazing on the beach with my new husband.”
Carter shook his head. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, Ally-Cat.”
“I know, but you’re a hermit and forget that Lucy isn’t a real human. Avery will make sure you get out, even if it’s just for a meal.”
“A few hours as a married woman and you’re already getting bossy,” he teased.
She stuck out her tongue and everyone laughed.
“Avery, are you coming to the beach with us today?” Ally asked.
“I wish I could, but I need to cover a small evening reception.” She pulled a sad face. “I think I’ve used up all my favors with my sisters.”
“But I’m leaving at five a.m. tomorrow, and I won’t be able to see you again before I go.”
Guilt hit her. She opened her mouth to try and explain, but Carter cut in. “Ally-Cat, you won’t be on your honeymoon forever. And Avery already mentioned when the wedding season calms down, she’ll come visit you in Texas. Right?”
Avery nodded. “I’d love that.”
Her friend sniffed. “Okay, only if you promise. I was bummed we couldn’t spend the whole summer together like we planned. I just miss you so damn much!”
“Me, too.”
Avery went down the length of the table, hugging and kissing everyone and accepting their thanks with gratitude. “Call me when you get back,” she said, holding Ally tight. “And if you remember, text me some pics. I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Avery walked out and headed back to Sunshine Bridal. Better to let Carter have the day and night again with his sister. Better to have a break from being with him. With only two precious weeks left for them to figure out what they both wanted, she suddenly wanted to hide in the only thing that made sense and soothed her shaky confidence.
Work.
Chapter Nineteen
Avery walked into her sisters’ house and stopped short at the delicious scent of butter and garlic. “What’s going on?” she demanded, dropping her purse on the sectional and heading into the kitchen.
Taylor never cooked—that was Bella’s domain. But here she was, her pink hair curling from the heat of the stove, and a cranky look on her face as she glared. “You didn’t knock,” she accused. “I thought we discussed this.”
“T, you invited me to dinner. Figured that meant you weren’t rolling around naked on the couch with some random dude.” She looked at the dining table, which had the additional section inserted, and seven table settings laid out. “Why are you cooking? Where’s the pizza?”
“I get no support in this family,” she grumbled.
Avery grabbed the bottle of chardonnay and poured herself a full glass. Maybe some alcohol would help. She’d been deliberately avoiding Carter, and her nerves were shot. “Who’d you invite over?”
“Pierce and Gabe. Here, help me with this stupid pot. I burnt myself twice.”
“Why is Taylor cooking?” Bella called out, walking in with Zoe bouncing on her heels.
“Not sure yet,” Avery said, grabbing pot holders and spilling the water through the strainer.