“Tell me what to do.”
“I’ll need you to pick her up while I start cooking. I’m not taking no for an answer so be prepared for an attitude.”
“Fucking great. Do I at least get to be best man this time?” he grumbles on his way back to his room.
I dial Presley’s number and brace.
“Hello.”
“Presley.”
“Hey, Finn.”
“What are you doing?”
“About to shower then work.”
“That’s great, but there’s a slight change in your plans. Tripp’s picking you up in an hour.”
“Finn, tonight’s not a good night.”
“Either you come to me or I’m coming to you. Not taking no for an answer.”
She’s quiet and I hear her faint breathing through the line. “I think we should talk. Maybe we—”
“Give me tonight. Then the ball’s in your court. I realize you were taken off guard on Wednesday night. It wasn’t fair. Let me explain.”
She hesitates then exhales into the phone. “Okay, but I can drive myself.”
“Tripp will be there in an hour, babe. Be ready. And, Presley, I can’t wait to see you.” I disconnect before she can argue.
“Tripp! Put me down!” Presley’s squeal sounds through the condo.
I round the corner of the kitchen to see my best friend carrying her with a wide smile on his face as she swats at him.
“No way, beautiful. You could have caused damage if you fell in those shoes.” He twirls her around, and she squeaks, throwing her head back in laughter.
“What the fuck?” I bark, causing them both to freeze.
“No worries, man. It started to rain, and I was scared she’d break her ankle running to the door.” Tripp winks at me, putting her down. “Making sure the precious cargo arrived in one piece.”
I growl and give him a deathly glare until he steps back with both hands raised.
“I’ll have you know, I can run a long way in wedges. No need to worry.” Presley puts her hands on her hips and throws attitude his way.
Tripp glances at me, and we both fight a grin.
“I can!” she huffs.
“Right, I’m outta here.” He leans in to kiss her cheek and strolls out the door, giving me a sly wink.
Once the door closes, she turns to me with apprehension written all over her face. She looks around, not knowing exactly what to say.
“Presley,” I reach out my hand, “remember the proper hello?”
“Umm…” She stays in place and grips her purse to her stomach.
I take the two strides to get to her and lace my fingers through her hair, tilting her face to mine. Even in the wedges, she’s several inches shorter than me. She takes a deep breath and looks at me with questions in her eyes. There are no words as I run my lips across hers lightly.