Page 125 of One Wild Chance

“He even asked me for dating advice,” Grady confirms.

“He asked you and not me?” Rhett grimaces. “That’s a first.”

Grady frowns. “Hey, I know a thing or two about dating.”

“Like how to lose a woman in ten minutes?” Rhett teases. “That’s what happens when you explain the rules of baseball as your pickup line.”

“That was one time. And she asked me.” Then Grady adds, “Besides, when’s the last time you took out a woman for more than one date?”

Rhett pauses to think.

“That’s what I thought,” Grady answers, giving his brother a smug look before heading over to the drink table.

“Hey, where’s Jaxon?” I ask Rhett.

“Don’t know. Went into town about an hour ago.” He checks his watch. “Said he’d be back in time.”

I grab a glass of water as the early guests arrive, fifteen minutes before we’re even technically open. Colleen and Wanda enter the venue first, gasping and pointing at every little decoration and light and bouquet. “I can’t believe it,” Colleen gushes. “Never thought anyone would want to get married in a barn. But this is actually quite nice.”

Leroy from the feed store shows up next, delighted to be invited to a party with free food. Then there are the regulars from the diner and coffee shop, all dressed in their freshly pressed church clothes. Meredith arrives with Remi behind her, who’s dolled up in a pink dress that is the exact opposite of her hockey uniform. Earl even sports a bowtie, standing next to sweet Ada Mae, who probably forced him to wear it.

James shows up not long after, along with Blaine, who beelines straight for the charcuterie board, conveniently avoiding me.

That’s Golden Springs’ reputation: annoyingly punctual and always ready for the latest gossip to discuss over a slice of pie.

There’s an excited murmur right before I hear Rhett call out Jaxon’s name. Everyone turns to look at the man entering the barn as my heart vaults into my throat.

I’ve noticed Jaxon Chance before, dressed in dirty boots and dusty jeans, with sweat on his brow. But I have never once seen him decked out like this, in a custom suit and hat. Every cell in my body is devastatingly aware of how good he looks right now, and if he whispered something in my ear, I would melt into a puddle onto this barn floor.

Across the room, his eyes find mine, and he immediately stops as his gaze drags slowly over my silk dress, ending on the long, loose curls hanging over my exposed back. I turn around to find him smiling like he fully approves. Then he strides toward me, weaving through the crowd with his eyes on mine, like I’m the only thing in the barn worthy of his attention. The look on his face makes me feel like the gooey center of a cinnamon roll, hot out of the oven.

I gaze at this stubborn, boot-wearing, kisses-me-in-the-barn-without-apologizing man, and I’ve honestly never been more in love with anyone in my life.

“You look beautiful,” he says, drinking me in.

“I don’t normally wear heels. These things are trying to kill me.”

“You’re trying to kill me in this dress.” His gaze drags over me one more time. “I didn’t know you even owned anything like this.”

“I don’t. Larissa found it online and told me my only job tonight was to make you speechless.”

“Thank God for Larissa.” The corner of his mouth kicks up as he clears his throat. “Good turnout tonight.”

“You’re not even looking at the turnout, Jaxon.”

“You’re right.” His gaze stays pinned on me. “I’m not.”

I glance at my drink. When he stares like that, it whips my heart into a full-blown gallop.

Jaxon pulls me close and runs his hand lightly along my side. He leans in and murmurs, “The back of that dress makes me think dangerous things.” Then he kisses my earlobe until Grady’s not-so-subtle cough reminds him where we are. A look passes between the brothers.

I lift an eyebrow. “What’s gotten into you tonight?”

He reaches for a glass of water. “Apparently, I don’t behave well in a suit.”

“Jaxon Chance. Are you trying to get us both in trouble tonight?”

His grin tips into dangerous territory as he moves his mouth closer to my ear. “I promise it would be worth it.”