I couldn’t help it. I burst out laughing. “I love dogs too, so I don’t mind being compared to them.”
Jade rolled her eyes.
“You did say we needed to put on a good act. Also, you kissed me this morning, so you started it.”
“Is that what I did?” she murmured, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink.
I didn’t know why I said what I said next. Maybe it was all this talk about weddings and love. Maybe it was watching my best friend get married. Maybe it was Dave’s passing comment that I must believe in love if I believed he loved Jenny. Maybe it was because my brain was addled by the hum of desire sizzling through me whenever I was near Jade. Maybe it was my ex-girlfriend’s observation that I seemed to have a lot more with Jade than I’d ever had with her. I didn’t think I would ever know what prompted my next comment.
Yet, the curiosity had been simmering under the surface ever since I heard the rumors that Jade didn’t ever date and was open about her intention never to do so. I wasn’t usually curious like this. But, there were a lot of things I wasn’t usually like when it came to Jade.
“Rumor has it you’ve permanently sworn off men. Tell me why.”
I didn’t miss the brief flicker of surprise in Jade’s eyes. I certainly didn’t miss the way she stiffened slightly in my arms. I barely heard it, but I didn’t miss the hiss of her breath between her teeth.
She was quiet for a few beats, and then she shrugged. “What does it matter?”
I didn’t know why it mattered to me, but it absolutely did.
Chapter Eleven
Jade
What does it matter?
My own question mocked me while we sat at a table during the reception. It didn’t surprise me Walker had heard I didn’t date. Stolen Hearts Valley was a small world. People talked. I also hadn’t tried to keep it a secret. I’d stated my intentions and thrown it back into the faces of anyone who questioned me. Social expectations never sat well with me. People shouldn’t be bound by what others expected of them. Women, especially, had spent so many centuries under the brutal thumb of social expectations largely dictated by men.
I wanted to be independent and sure as hell didn’t appreciate people questioning that choice. I was fine. Better than fine. I savored my choice and the freedom of just not worrying about the whole stupid dating world.
And yet, here I was at a wedding where people were sighing and happily getting teary over the bride and groom. Dave and Jenny truly seemed to love each other, and it was lovely.
Based on the responses, I was pulling off a good little act with Walker of convincing people we were an actual couple, offering only the vaguest of details about meeting at Stolen Hearts Lodge and so on. The part that had me restlessly crossing and uncrossing my legs and shifting my shoulders was the fact it was definitely no act that I wanted him.
Hell, I craved him. Every little subtle touch was electrifying—his hand holding mine, his arm around my waist with his strong palm curled around my hip, and the feel of his lips pressing against my neck with a way too familiar kiss. Goose bumps rose on my skin, heat spun in pinwheels through my body, and desire fizzed in my veins with every chance look and touch.
Just now, I experienced a moment of feeling bereft when he leaned over to whisper in my ear in that sexy, gravelly voice of his that he needed to make a toast. He squeezed my shoulders before he stood, and I instantly missed his warm, strong presence.
He leaned down and said something to Dave before straightening and looking out over the crowd assembled in the room. Walker was rakishly handsome—with his dark hair, those smoke-silver eyes, and that quiet way of carrying himself. Before these last few days, I’d thought him reserved. I’d also been annoyed by him. I could barely, just barely, admit to myself that was because the attraction sizzled between us no matter what, and that annoyed me. It had tested my belief that I couldn’t be affected like that.
Now, having spent more time with him, I’d seen a few more flashes of the man underneath the surface. Unfortunately for me, getting to know Walker only served to deepen my attraction to him. There was that kiss.
Just now, he cast a teasing smile toward Dave before he looked out over the crowd again. He didn’t even have to clear his throat, or do anything else to silence the crowd. His presence alone demanded enough.
After the wedding ceremony, he’d done away with his tie, although he still had his suit jacket on. My eyes kept lingering on the deep bronze skin revealed against the crisp white shirt where he’d undone several buttons.
Casting his smile over the crowd, he lifted his champagne flute high. “Apparently, the best man is expected to give a toast. Although I never was that great at following convention.” There were a few low chuckles that rumbled through the crowd at that. “Dave is my oldest and closest friend. If anyone deserves a toast after his wedding, it’s him. To be quite honest, I was surprised when Dave first spoke to me about Jenny. As many of you know, Dave met Jenny while I was overseas. I didn’t have a chance to do any vetting for him.”
The crowd laughed again, and Walker glanced at Jenny. “Turns out, Dave didn’t need me to vet Jenny. The first time I saw them together, I knew he was down for the count. If only, because Jenny is perfect for him. I’m not talking about how beautiful she is. That’s obvious to anyone who sees her. I’m talking about the fact she can hold her own and brings out the best in him. Dave was a most excellent dedicated bachelor and is absolutely one of the most loyal and solid people I know. It stands to reason that if he’s going to fall, he’ll fall hard.”
My chest tightened slightly. Although Walker’s tone was light and teasing, I sensed he was dead serious underneath.
“I can’t pretend to be an expert on love, although I suppose I could claim to be some sort of expert on Dave. I have known him since first grade. He was always a looker, even then.” That comment got a good laugh from the crowd and an eye roll from Dave as Jenny leaned over to kiss his cheek. “I’ll say this, I might have been surprised Dave fell in love, but I’m not surprised in the least that he fell for Jenny. And you, my dear, well, you found yourself the best kind of man. Those who matter to Dave matter forever. Welcome to the club, although you’ve been in it since the day he met you. I have absolutely no doubt you two will have a long and happy marriage. I also have no doubt there will be plenty of arguments along the way. That’s how Dave shows his love.” More laughter accompanied this along with a nod of agreement from Jenny. “I wish you nothing but happiness. Know that to everyone who counts you as friends, we’re rooting for you. One last thing, Dave bet me that I believe in love. When I asked why, he said it was because he knew I believed in him and Jenny. And, I absolutely do. So if my cynical heart can buy it, you can rest assured it’s the real deal.”
At that, glasses were raised, mine included. Then, Walker returned to my side, sliding his arm around my shoulders as he set his champagne flute down on the table. I didn’t quite know how to read the expression in his eyes. I couldn’t say I knew him particularly well.
Yes, but you feel safe with him, a voice whispered deep in a shadowed corner of my heart.