Blue Moon by Mackenzie McKade

resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “ Things apparently look different in the light of day.”
    “Morning regrets.” Brad nodded as if he understood, then he added, “You mean things look different after you’re sober.”
    “Yeah. That too.”
    Brad jumped down from the back of the truck, brushing his hands on his jeans. “Want to talk about it?”
    “No!”
    Hands raised in defense, Brad took a step backward. “Whoa, buddy. Don’t bite my head off.”
    Briefly Kyle closed his eyes and released a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry. I just don’t know how to get through to her. She still loves me, I know she does.” No one could make love like she did without strong feelings. Hell, the woman nearly melted beneath his kisses. And although it was an admission made as she fell asleep, she had said, “Love too.” That had to count for something. Of course, he had to take into consideration that she was drunk. People said and did things they normally wouldn’t under the influence. He should know.
    Brad threw a playful arm around Kyle’s shoulders as he guided him toward the house. “You want a beer?”
    “It’s ten in the morning.” Kyle glanced at his friend, a slow, knowing grin appearing. “Cold feet?” That was one thing he hadn’t expected from Brad. His friend did nothing unless he was sure about the outcome. It was the engineer in him. Both Sam and Brad analyzed things to death.
    “No.” As if Brad thought of his bride-to-be, softness lit his face, and then quickly went south. “Just a case of the nerves, I guess. I want Jennifer to be happy. Everything to be perfect for her.”
    “It will be.” Because Kyle intended on giving Sam the space she needed. Earlier he would have done anything to get her back, but not after he had seen her anguished expression this morning. It had torn his heart out. He could have possessed her body, but not her heart, her respect, or above all, her trust. If he couldn’t have all of her, then he would have to live with nothing. Hence, his continuing bad mood. Odds were he would be walking away tonight, alone, and he knew it. “Let’s get that beer.”
    Three beers later they were sitting in the Dawson’s backyard watching everyone else work. An extra crew had been called in and their assistance was no longer required. All the tables and chairs were arranged and several people were now draping tablecloths. An arbor was being decorated with twinkle lights and flowers. Clear lights hung from the trees and shrubs. Outdoor tapered walk lights lined the sidewalks and paths to and from the pool. Six lamp posts with four carriage lights each were scattered throughout the yard. At night it would look like a fairyland.
    Both envy and jealousy peeked through to make Kyle uncomfortable. Legs propped on a lounge chair across from where he sat, Kyle upended his bottle, chugging the last of the amber. “Want another?”
    “Nah.” Brad set his beer on the table. “I need to keep my wits about me.”
    “You mean if Jennifer doesn’t kill you, Mary will, you showing up shit-faced at the wedding.”
    Brad smirked. “Yeah. There is that.”
    For a moment, silence lingered between them.
    “You’re a lucky man, my friend.” Even if Brad was wrapped around his soon-to-be-wife’s finger, he was lucky. Hell. Kyle would give anything to be in his position with Sam by his side.
    “I know.” Slapping his palms against his thighs, Brad rose. “Well, I guess it’s time for a haircut, and then I’ll let you take me to lunch.”
    Kyle eased to his feet. “Your last supper as a single man.” He chuckled, even though the union left him as the third wheel in the party. The thought was like a sore festering inside him.
    If only Sam would come around.

Chapter Six
     
    Run. Run. Run.
    It had been one appointment after another. Sam, her mother and sisters had barely had time for lunch or to speak with Cathy. She had attempted to hold back her animosity, but each time she looked at Cathy her