Dakota turned around and smiled at Clay. Her heart felt like it would burst out through her chest. She needed to tell him how she felt.
He stepped closer, not taking his gaze from her.
She swallowed and then cleared her throat.
The door to the dressing room burst open. A flustered, pretty lady with platinum blonde hair and tall heels rushed in. She stared at Clay. "Those directions you gave me were terrible. But I'm here now. That's all that matters." She hurried over and kissed Clay. Then she turned to Dakota. "Hi, I'm Lauryn. Clay's girlfriend."
Ten
Dakota stared at Lauryn. She was Clay's girlfriend? Girlfriend?
Lauryn held out her hand, showing off perfectly manicured nails. "You are?"
Dakota shook her head to clear it. It didn't work. She took Lauryn's hand and gave it a weak shake. "I'm Dakota."
"I thought Charlotte Pemberley was the bride?"
"It's a long story." Dakota's stomach lurched. It was a good thing she hadn't revealed her feelings to Clay. She'd clearly misread his signals. He didn't even think enough of her to even mention that he was seeing someone.
How had she managed to misunderstand him so badly? She had to have misread the way he looked at her.
Or she was desperate and clueless about men. Her dating history proved that much.
She was a fool of the highest order.
Dale came and shot Lauryn a confused look. "Who are you?"
She wrapped her arms around Clay and smiled, showing off perfect teeth. "His girlfriend."
"Great. Give me a minute to finish up with the tux, then he's all yours." He waved Clay over to where Dakota stood in front of the mirrors.
Dakota moved out of the way, and Clay wouldn't look at her. A lump formed in her throat and she blinked back tears.
She should've known better. Not only was she allowing her feelings to trump a rule she'd set to protect herself, but she should have known someone as wonderful as Clay would already be taken. She also had the worst luck with men. Why did she think she even stood a chance with him?
Maybe she needed to get some cats and forget about men. Dakota would focus on being the cool aunt—once her siblings started having kids—and she would just have to keep living vicariously through her clients. Her life was good other than dating. She had nothing to complain about.
Lauryn came over to her. "How do you know Clay?"
Tears threatened. She cleared her throat. "I'm his boss."
"Do you always try on wedding dresses?"
Dakota blinked the tears away. "This is a first. Charlotte had an emergency."
Lauryn nodded and turned to Clay. "You know, seeing him like this almost makes me want to have a wedding. Sometimes I forget how nicely he cleans up." A slow smile spread across her face as she ogled him.
Dakota's hands shook. She stuffed them behind her back. "You almost want to have a wedding?"
"They're so overrated. Not to mention the entire idea of them is so medieval and cheesy—no offense."
Her eyes widened. "None taken. Why do you say that, though?"
Lauryn tugged at her pencil skirt. "The divorce rate. If he ever talks me into marrying, I just want a justice of the peace and a tidy prenup. I'm just saying I don't really see the need in the whole 'wedding' aspect of it. Why not just go to City Hall and get it over with? Think of all the money that could be saved."
"Uh, yeah. That's one way to look at it." Dakota studied her. Usually, it was the men who didn't care for the fancy ceremony. She couldn't help wondering what had turned the woman against weddings.
"Okay, I'm done here," Dale said. "You can get dressed."
"Can I get a picture of you in that?" Lauryn asked, smiling seductively at Clay.
Jealousy ran through Dakota. "You'll have to run it by the bride and groom."
Lauryn scowled and then shrugged. "No big deal. Hurry up, Clay. We have dinner reservations."
Surprise registered on his face. "We need to talk."
"Of course we do. Over a candlelit dinner and Dom Pérignon."
Dakota's stomach twisted in tight knots. She hurried over to Dale and rambled on about the dress, barely paying attention to what she said. All she wanted was to avoid looking at or talking to Clay. She kept herself distracted until he changed into his own clothes and left with Lauryn.
Once she finally had the gown off and was back into her own clothes, Sarah was in the fitting room.
"How did everything go?"
"Seemed to go well, though I do recommend Charlotte and Hugh get fitted personally soon."
Sarah nodded. "I'll do my best. Any chance the tailor would be willing to make the drive to Seattle?"
"No," Dale said as he hung the dress back on its original hook. "I am not a traveling tailor. Not even for the queen of England. Well, maybe her—but only her."
Dakota took a deep breath and gave Sarah a pleading look. "Please have her schedule a time soon. I don't want her upset if the dress isn't right, you know?"
"Oh, I know. If nothing else, I can send one of the dresses she's already been fitted for. Would that work?" Sarah glanced at Dale.
"It would be better than nothing. Tell her if she wants the dress perfect, she needs to get herself here as soon as possible."
"Noted."
Dakota grabbed her purse. "If you have everything, I'm going to get going."
"I think that's it." Sarah slid her finger around the tablet screen. "I'll be in touch in the next couple of days."
"Perfect. Thank you." Dakota hurried outside to her car.
Once she started the engine, her tears finally broke free. She tried wiping them, but it was pointless.
How had she been so stupid? Why had she let herself fall for Clay? He was probably just one of those charismatic guys that made everyone feel like the most important person in the world, and she'd been dumb enough to take it personally.
She rested her head on the steering wheel and allowed herself to cry until she was done. Then she wiped her face and fixed her makeup as best as she could in the rear view mirror. It was a mess, but she didn't care. She was going straight home, anyway. Time for ice cream, wine, and a movie.
Alone.
Smudged mascara was perfect for her evening.
Dakota hurried home, eager to get her mind off work and Clay—and everything else.
When she turned down her street, her heart nearly stopped. A motorcycle sat in her driveway.
Clay?
Her heart raced. Could it be him?
She pulled into her spot and realized it was Cruz's bike. Her cousin must have come in early.
More tears threatened.
Dakota blinked them away. She had to be the most hopeless, pathetic person alive. She took a deep breath and prepared herself for house guests.
Lights were on inside. That wasn't surprising. Most of her family knew where she hid her spare key.
Once inside, her favorite cousin and his fiancée engulfed her in hugs. She started to feel better immediately. Maybe having them here would be better than ice cream and wine.
"Are you okay?" Talia asked, her eyes wide with concern.
Dakota nodded.
"Liar," Cruz said. "Who upset you? Was it the Ducati dude? Want me to beat him up?"
Good ol' Cruz. He hadn't changed a bit since they were kids. The corners of Dakota's mouth twitched. "Really, it was just a bad day at work. I'll be fine."
"You sure?" He arched a brow, making his eyebrow ring jiggle.
She nodded.
"Then you won't mind telling me about those pictures? Did you really get to drive the bike?"
Dakota's heart constricted. She nodded.
"What was it like?"
"Heavenly." She sighed, not wanting to think about the bike or Clay. "So, what brings you in early?"
He ran his hands through his hair. His long shirtsleeve fell, exposing his armful of tattoos. "Didn't you get my text?"
Dakota checked her phone. It was dead. "What? I just c
harged it." She pressed the power button, but nothing happened. "Oh, you have to be kidding me."
"Let me see." Cruz took it and pressed all the buttons.
"Don't break it," Talia said, a hint of teasing in her voice. She turned to Dakota. "Can I get you anything?"
Dakota sighed. "I should be asking you that. It's my home."
"No worries. Come on." Talia smiled and led Dakota into the kitchen. "What do you need?"
"Wine, but you probably don't drink, do you?"
She laughed. "I'm a pastor's daughter, not a nun. Where do you keep it?"
Dakota pointed to the wine rack, partially hidden by the fridge.
Talia brought out some glasses and opened a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cruz sat, still playing with the phone. "How old is this?"
"Less than a year."
"I hope you have a warranty."
Dakota's heart sank. "I can't remember."
"Always get the warranty, yo."
Talia sat next to Cruz and handed everyone a glass. She gave the fullest one to Dakota. "Do you want to talk about it?"
She took a long sip, held it, and shook her head.
"It might make you feel better." Talia gave her a reassuring smile.
Dakota pushed Clay from her mind. "I have a famous client, and she's… well—how do I put this tactfully? Living up to her reputation."
"Who is it?" Cruz asked, still playing with the phone.
"You can't tell anyone."
"I won't," Talia promised.
"Me neither," Cruz said.
Dakota took a deep breath. "Charlotte Pemberley."
Talia's eyes widened. "Seriously?"
Cruz laughed. "You have your work cut out for you."
"Don't laugh." Talia shoved him.
He glanced at Dakota. "You had to have known what you were getting into."
"Yeah, but I didn't realize it would be this challenging. And now my stupid phone…"
"Isn't Sullivan's friend the assistant CEO of a phone company?" Cruz asked. "I'll bet he can help."
Dakota's eyes lit up. "That's right. I forgot about him—he's why I went with that carrier in the first place. He got me an amazing deal. I'll have to call Sully in the morning."
"I'll text him now." Cruz put the dead phone down, pulled out his, and sent a text.
"Enough about me," Dakota said. "You guys came here to talk about your wedding. What's going on?"
Talia picked at a nail, but didn't say anything.
Dakota set down her glass and placed her hand on Talia's arm. "Is it hard because of your mom?"
She blinked several times and nodded. "I know she's watching from above, but I always thought she'd be here."
"I'm sure she's really proud of you." Dakota squeezed Talia's arm. There wasn't anything she could say to make things better.
Talia wiped her eyes.
Cruz leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I'm here for you, babe."
"Thanks," Talia whispered and sniffled. "It helps having you here, and knowing Dad's going to officiate."
"And the good news is that the murderer has been sentenced to life without possibility of parole."
A smile tugged at Dakota's mouth. Cruz was the last person she ever would have guessed to fall for a pastor's daughter, but watching them, they were perfect for each other. Her heart warmed seeing the way Cruz looked at Talia. Even though Dakota would probably never find love, she was glad they had.
Cruz glanced at the time. "Well, I'll let you girls talk. I'm going to crash at Shale's. Is it okay if Talia stays here?"
"Of course."
He hugged them both goodbye and took off.
"Do you want to talk?" Dakota asked.
Talia shrugged. "Not really. It's not going to bring Mom back."
"How about some ice cream and a movie? I've got several flavors."
"I like the way you think." She rose. "How about I scoop the ice cream and you pick a movie?"
Dakota stretched and got up. "Sounds perfect."
Dating sucked, but at least she had family.
Eleven
Clay stared at Lauryn, fuming. There was so much he wanted to say, but none of it was appropriate for a restaurant.
He narrowed his eyes and kept his voice low, leaning over the table, close to her. "What the hell was that back there?"
Lauryn's eyes widened, and her face showed a mock innocence. "What do you mean?"
Clay clenched his fists. "We're on a break!"
She shook her head. "Not anymore."
His mouth dropped. "Excuse me? You don't get to make that call."
"I've been thinking. If you want to have a long-distance relationship, I'm okay with that."
"Maybe I'm not."
Her eyes widened. "You want to find a job in Portland?"
Was she really that dense? "No. I was serious about taking time to think. This isn't working out, and all you did was drive that point home. You don't even respect me enough to give me some space to figure everything out. I said a couple weeks."
Lauryn reached over and took his hand, lacing her fingers through his.
He pulled his hand away. "We're through, Lauryn. I need you to accept that."
Her face paled. "You don't mean that."
"Oh, but I do. I'm tired of you thinking you can call the shots all the time. This is a relationship, not a dictatorship."
She gasped.
"We've grown apart. What do we have in common anymore?"
"History. Years of it."
"And that's all we have. History, not a future."
Lauryn's eyes shone with tears. "Y-you don't mean that."
"You keep saying that and it doesn't make it any less true. It's time we move on. I don't wish you any ill will, but that could change."
Her lips trembled. "Clay, don't say that. We can work it out—just like we always have. I love you." Lauryn's eyes pleaded with him to say it in return.
Clay thought back to the good times they'd had together. "And I love you, Lauryn. That's why I don't want to end this on bad terms. But we don't have the kind of love that will get us through a lifetime together. I don't see myself growing old with you."
Tears spilled onto her cheeks. "Is there someone else?"
Was there? The look of shock and horror on Dakota's face after Lauryn had kissed him popped into Clay's mind. His heart tugged at him to tell her Lauryn really wasn't his girlfriend anymore.
Lauryn's mouth dropped. "Is there?"
"I haven't cheated on you. I'm not seeing anyone."
She stared at him. "That's not what I asked."
"Considering we're on a break and I just told you it's over, you might want to get used to the idea that there might be someone someday."
"I came all the way down here. That should show you how much you mean to me. I'm willing to make the drive a second time in a row."
He frowned. "What it really tells me is that you don't respect me. I said to give me space." He pushed his chair back and stood. "I hope we can remain friends, but I need a break. We're both better off apart. I'm sorry."
She shook her head. A tear spilled.
Clay flinched, but he wasn't going to let her take any more of his time. "I wish you the best. I really do."
He pulled his jacket on and walked away, feeling like a first class jerk with her crying there alone. But it wasn't his job to fix her. They'd been over for a long time. It'd been hard to see, but now it was crystal clear.
Outside, the air had an extra bite. It was growing cold fast, which meant snow wasn't far off. He patted the handlebars as he climbed on his bike. "Looks like you might be spending some time in the garage soon. Guess my truck'll be happy about that."
Clay headed to his apartment, and had only one thing on his mind. Dakota.
He needed to call her to straighten things out. He'd been a fool to let Lauryn steamroll the situation when she arrived at the fitting. She'd taken him by such surprise, he hardly knew what to do.
; The look on Dakota's face should have told him what he needed to do. His stomach twisted in knots just thinking about it.
Maybe what he had needed was to get away and lay it out for Lauryn first. Now she would have no questions about where they stood—they were over.
Now he needed to call Dakota and make sure she was okay. He picked up his speed, hurrying to his apartment. Once there, he immediately went out to the deck, which overlooked the bay. The bright moon reflected on the nearly-still water.
What would he say to Dakota? Nothing that came to mind sounded right.
"I just need to call her." He'd know what to say when he heard her voice.
Clay pulled out his phone and called her number. It went straight to voicemail. He tried a couple more times, getting the same result. Finally, on the fourth try, he left a quick message asking her to call him back. He hung up and frowned. It was a lame message, but he didn't want to say anything else over a recording.
He watched the water until he grew too cold to stay outside any longer. It was too early to go to bed, but he didn't want to be awake.
Knowing he wouldn't fall asleep, he popped some popcorn and turned on the TV. He found a movie he'd been wanting to see for a while, but hadn't because Lauryn had objected to all the action.
About halfway through, his phone rang. He paused the movie and checked, hoping it was Dakota returning his call.
It was Lauryn.
Couldn't she take a hint?
He pushed ignore and went back to the movie.
The phone rang again. He declined the call again.
After the fourth call, he blocked her number. Guilt stung at him—they'd been together since high school—but it had to be done. Their relationship had turned into something she controlled. How exactly that had happened, he wasn't sure, but he wasn't going to let her control their breakup. They were over. Period.
His landline rang.
Clay groaned.
Why had he given that number to her? He got up and unplugged the phone from the wall. Anyone important would call his cell phone, anyway.
He went back to the movie. After about twenty minutes, the cell phone rang again. It was a number he didn't recognize. He didn't ignore it just in case it was from Dakota.
Once the movie ended, he checked the phone. He had a voicemail from the unknown number. It was hard not to hope it was from Dakota, but he was pretty sure it was from Lauryn.
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