A Temporary Engagement by Summer Dowell

Author:Summer Dowell [Dowell, Summer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-05-13T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Mason would have been lying if he said he wasn’t looking forward to the picnic that night.

Okay, specifically, seeing Elena at the picnic.

When had that happened? They’d only spent a weekend in each other’s company, but there was something about her that drew him like a kid to a candy store. He’d quickly learned the tough-girl exterior she put off was strictly that—an exterior. On the inside, she was all warmth with a side of sarcasm that he couldn’t help but appreciate.

Just like he couldn’t help but appreciate how beautiful she was. Hers was the kind of beauty that stopped you in your tracks. The kind that made him want to look around and double-check that she was actually with him and not someone else when they were together.

He glanced in the rearview mirror as he parked, noting the sappy smile on his face. Blowing out his cheeks, he tried to relax. No point in letting Elena know how much she affected him. It wasn’t like their relationship was going anywhere after this; she’d made that quite clear. Not that they even had a relationship to begin with.

No, he had to maintain the carefree attitude he’d been working so hard to keep up around her. That breezy, I’m-just-here-to-have-a-good-time appearance.

Hopping out of his car, he shut the door with a hip check. He glanced around the dirt lot that was a poor excuse for the parking lot. There were already about thirty cars lined up in various rows, Ryan’s SUV being one of them.

North Creek did these community picnics about once every other month. They originated to bring the community together, bond neighbors and all that.

Now, it was simply an opportunity for everyone to eat good food and swap the latest gossip.

He walked across the big grassy field, aiming for the cement pavilion full of picnic tables and people. After scanning the group, he found Kylee and Elena on one side, speaking to some of Kylee’s friends.

Elena looked fresh and beautiful in a simple pair of jeans and some ruffly, girly shirt. Her hair hung down her back in those loose waves that looked as smooth as satin. He approached her from behind and slipped his arms around her waist.

“Hey, guys, what’d I miss?” he asked, resting his chin on Elena’s shoulder. They were supposed to be an engaged couple, after all.

Elena gave a little jump of surprise at his touch but didn’t comment.

Kylee looked over and grinned. “There you are. Not much. We got here about ten minutes ago ourselves.”

Elena spoke up next, stepping slightly to the side so he was no longer behind her. “How was the afternoon, hon? Did you get all your work done?”

Her term of endearment surprised him, but then he realized the other two women were intently listening to their conversation. “For the most part. Another tax return ready to file.”

Elena quirked one eyebrow up. “Accountants. You guys are like the modern-day Superman.”

He laughed and flexed. “You’re so lucky to have found me.”

They chatted for a few more minutes before Mason managed to get Elena off on her own.

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