First Love Second Choice

by Armstrong, Lindzee

  Bryce walked over to Ivie and Zak. “Are you ready to make a decision today?” Bryce asked.

  Ivie nodded, her face shining with excitement. “We love it, and can’t wait to get married here.”

  Zak patted his pocket as though searching for a wallet, exaggerating the movements. “Where do I pay?”

  “I do have one question for you,” Bryce said. He glanced at Keslee, then back at Ivie and Zak. “Since we’re just getting off the ground, we’re hoping to closely observe the experiences of a few different events and use that for marketing purposes. If you’re interested, I’d love to have you represent the wedding side of our events venue. We’d be honored to have a military couple as part of the campaign. If you decide to accept, we’ll offer you a thirty percent total discount on your event.”

  Ivie’s eyes flicked to Zak’s, wide and excited. “What would we have to do?” she asked.

  “Not much,” Bryce said. “Let our photographer take a few pictures throughout the process. Maybe spend an hour or two answering questions in front of the camera for a television commercial spot. We might not even use the footage. Mostly you just have to let us observe what you’d already be doing.”

  Keslee felt equal parts excitement and panic. She fiddled with her hair, focusing on Ivie and Zak. Would they accept? She loved the idea of spending more time with Bryce. She also was terrified by it.

  “We accept,” Zak said, and Ivie eagerly nodded.

  “Fantastic.” Bryce shook Ivie’s and Zak’s hands, but his eyes were locked on Keslee’s. “Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of each other over the next three months.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The next week, Keslee spent most of her time working on Ivie and Zak’s wedding. She spoke on the phone with Bryce twice, and each time her stomach gave a zing as she listened to his husky voice.

  But it was the daily texts that really had her feeling all glowy and warm. Sometimes they were simple, things like what’s your favorite soda? Other times they were more flirtatious, and usually corny, like are you a Dalek? Cause you’ve been rolling through my mind all night. And sometimes they were deep. Questions like what do you miss most about Jadyn?

  Why did Jadyn have to have liked Bryce? If she hadn’t, he’d be fair game.

  But he doesn’t want you, he wants Jadyn, Keslee reminded herself time and time again. He misses her, and you remind him of her. And that was the real issue.

  But Bryce was texting Keslee, not Jadyn. And he only brought up Jadyn when asking Keslee how she felt about something. Mostly he asked Keslee a hundred questions about herself and flirted outrageously, texting all sorts of nerdy pickup lines. Every time she giggled over one of them, she’d remember he’d liked Jadyn first and her stomach would drop.

  On Friday, two weeks after her fateful date with Bryce, Keslee went with Ivie to Magnolia Gardens for a tasting. All their catering services were on-site, which was convenient since Keslee knew most of her regular caterers would be long booked for August.

  When they got to Magnolia Gardens, Bryce was nowhere to be seen. “Where’s Bryce?” Ivie asked, echoing Keslee’s own internal question. He’d always been present before.

  “He got called away for a meeting, but he’ll be by in about an hour,” the chef said. “Have a seat and we’ll bring out the food. We’ll start with appetizers.”

  Keslee sat with Ivie and offered opinions on the food when asked, but her mind kept straying to Bryce. I want to go out with him again, she realized. On a real date, where he knows he’s out with me and not Jadyn.

  But would that be betraying Jadyn and The Pact?

  If Jadyn were here, she probably wouldn’t care. She’d be dating some doctor or attorney. Maybe even be married.

  He was off limits. Part of it was honoring The Pact. But mostly she couldn’t shake the thought that Jadyn had been his first choice.

  “Sorry I’m late.” Bryce breezed into the room. He almost looked dressed down, with only Dockers and a button-up shirt sans tie. His shirt sleeves were rolled halfway up his forearms. He looked … sexy. “We had a new employee orientation for everyone this afternoon.”

  “Does that mean that, starting next week, we won’t be seeing much of you?” Ivie asked. Keslee held her breath, waiting for the answer.

  “You aren’t getting rid of me that easily.” The words were directed toward Ivie, but his eyes were on Keslee. Her stomach burned with heat. “I’m seeing this wedding through to the end. The new event coordinator will have to find her own clients.”

  Ivie grinned, and Keslee’s own lips turned up. She couldn’t help it.

  “What did I miss?” Bryce asked.

  “The lobster bisque, and it’s divine,” Ivie said. “I definitely think that’s my choice of soup. I’m sure Zak would agree.”

  “And where is the groom-to-be?” Bryce asked.

  Ivie heaved a sigh. “I wish I knew. He’s somewhere doing something for the Army.” She made a face. “I hate that he can’t tell me more than that.”

  “We’ve done a pretty good job picking the food without him,” Keslee said. She took a comically loud slurp of lobster bisque. “Yummy.”

  Bryce pulled over a chair and settled down. “Don’t leave me out of the fun.” He motioned to a guy who had appeared in the corner. “That’s our photographer. He’ll be taking some photos while you taste everything. Try to ignore him and act natural.”

  Soon Ivie had chosen all the food. “Sorry I have to rush off,” she apologized to Keslee. “I can’t be late for my own bridal shower.”

  “I understand,” Keslee assured her. “Go. I’ll make sure we get all your food choices taken care of on this end.”

  Ivie grinned. “I can’t wait for this wedding.”

  Keslee wasn’t sure she wanted the wedding to ever end. Once it did, what excuse would she have to be near Bryce? Were texts enough to keep their friendship building? She followed Bryce upstairs to his office. Who else would talk to her about sci-fi and geeky music humor?

  “It shouldn’t take long to get this all entered,” Bryce said, sitting down at his computer.

  “The food was delicious.”

  Bryce flashed a grin. “Only the best for Magnolia Gardens. I knew immediately when I interviewed here that I wanted the job. This place is so beautiful, it sells itself.” He lowered his voice. “Don’t tell the owner that, though. He might decide my job isn’t as valuable as he thought it was.”

  “Even beautiful, amazing reception centers need a little help from marketing and advertising to get noticed.”

  Bryce took Keslee’s hand in his. “It’s been nice working with you these last couple weeks.”

  Keslee’s breath hitched in her throat. “Uh-huh. Like Batman and Robin or something. Saving weddings together.” She wanted to facepalm herself for making such a lame comment.

  Bryce ran his thumb over Keslee’s knuckles. “You’re definitely Batman in that scenario. You’re really good at your job. I can tell Ivie adores you.”

  Bryce adored Jadyn in high school. Keslee abruptly pulled her hand away. “I try to give all my brides a positive experience. A wedding should be magical, not stressful.” Keslee pushed back from the desk. “Call me if you have any questions.” She quickly hurried from the room.

  Stupid, stupid, stupid. Keslee shook her head at her idiocy. She couldn’t believe she’d run away. Jadyn might be dead, and Bryce might have missed his chance with her, but that didn’t mean Bryce couldn’t like Keslee for herself.

  Why did he have to like Jadyn? Keslee heaved a sigh. He could like me now, too. He’s texting me. If only Jadyn would tell her it was okay to date Bryce. That his motives were pure or whatever. Angels surely had access to that sort of information, and Jadyn was doubtlessly content dating some sexy pirate in heaven. Keslee doubted The Pact was still in force on Jadyn’s end.

  “Keslee, wait!” She stopped while Bryce ran across the parking lot. He stopped in front of her, breathing heavy. “Is everything okay?”


  “Of course,” Keslee said.

  “You seemed upset or something.”

  “It’s nothing.” Do you like me, Bryce? Me, and not Jadyn?

  Bryce reached out, taking Keslee’s hand in his. Again. Keslee pursed her lips. If he didn’t stop touching her, she was going to explode. “You can tell me anything, Keslee.”

  Keslee closed her eyes. I can’t do this! she told Jadyn, wherever she was. I like him too much. If he’s using me as a replacement, I’ll be crushed.

  “Hey.” His voice was soft and husky. Bryce nudged Keslee’s chin up with his finger. “Talk to me. I want to help.”

  “You wouldn’t understand.”

  “I want to. I really like you, Keslee. I want to get to know you better. In fact,” if possible, his voice dipped even lower, “I’d like to take you on a date, if you’ll let me. A real date, where you’re Keslee and I’m Bryce, and we aren’t super awkward and uncomfortable the whole time.”

  Keslee wanted that, too. She was pretty sure Bryce was being genuine.

  Jadyn, if I’m about to make a big mistake, tell me!

  Keslee tilted her chin up so that she could look into his eyes. And that’s when she saw it. A red balloon. Her fingers flew to the tattoo behind her ear.

  The balloon floated lazily toward the clouds, a cheerful drop against the darkening night sky. It’s okay, Jadyn seemed to tell Keslee. I’m fine. And he likes you. Go out with him.

  “Keslee?”

  Keslee tore her gaze away from the balloon and focused on Bryce. “I’d love to go out with you.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Keslee glanced at Bryce. He grinned back, the dimple deepening in his cheek. Her heart fluttered. She couldn’t believe she was on a date. With Bryce. And not as Jadyn, but as herself.

  “Aren’t you going to tell me where we’re going?” Keslee asked. Bryce hadn’t said much other than to dress casually and plan for a day spent outdoors.

  “Not yet,” Bryce said. “You’re going to love it, though. Promise.”

  Keslee grinned, her nerves slowly disappearing. “If you say so.”

  They turned off the freeway and began climbing along the canyon road. Buildings gave way to leafy trees with an occasional waterfall cascading off the mountain. Keslee began to recognize the road as they wound their way toward a popular resort.

  “Hiking?” she asked.

  “Nope.”

  “Mountain biking?”

  He grinned. “You’ll never guess.”

  Bryce parked at the resort, and they got out of the car. Keslee gasped at the breathtaking view. The resort sat against the backdrop of a lush green mountainside. She’d only ever been here in the winter to ski.

  Bryce pulled a baseball cap onto his head, then settled one onto Keslee’s.

  Keslee batted her eyes and struck a pose. “How do I look?”

  Bryce grinned, tapping her nose with a finger. “You look adorable.”

  Keslee blushed. “Thanks.”

  Bryce took her hand and tugged her, not toward the resort like she’d expected, but away from it. They crossed the parking lot and followed a paved walkway through tall grasses, toward a line of trees.

  “Are you going to tell me where we’re going now?” Keslee asked.

  Bryce pointed to a hill in the distance. “We’re doing that.”

  Keslee followed his finger, her eyes landing on a hill dotted with people. Was that a track? “What is that?”

  “It’s called the Alpine Slide. You ride down on carts.”

  “I’ve heard of this.” A faint squeal pierced the air as in the distance someone flew down the mountainside. Keslee laughed.

  “Are you excited?”

  Keslee grinned. “Absolutely.”

  A few minutes later, Bryce stopped at a ticket booth and bought them both an all-day pass. They waited in a short line and then boarded the ski lift that would take them to the top. Keslee stared in awe as they rose over the treetops. The mountainside was unusually green due to a rainy spring.

  “Look!” Keslee pointed as a family of deer pranced down the mountain. “This is amazing.”

  “I’ve never been on the Alpine Slide, but I thought it sounded like fun.” He wrapped his free arm around her shoulders.

  Keslee allowed herself to snuggle closer to him. “I agree.”

  Keslee and Bryce laughed and admired the scenery during the short ride to the top of the hill. Then they waited in another line for the slide. When it was their turn, Bryce helped Keslee onto the cart, which kind of looked like a snow sled, before sitting behind her. He wrapped his arms around Keslee’s waist and she leaned into him, her hands clutching at his. She looked down the hill, which suddenly seemed a lot longer, and a lot steeper.

  “Ready?” Bryce whispered in her ear.

  She took a deep breath and nodded. “Ready.”

  Bryce pulled up on the cart’s brake and they careened down the track. Keslee let out a squeal as warm air rushed past her face and the trees went by at a blur. The force of the ride pushed her against Bryce. His arms tightened around her and she laughed.

  The end of the track was nearing fast. Keslee’s fingers dug into Bryce’s arm. She closed her eyes, certain they were going to crash. But Bryce pulled the break just in time. Keslee opened one eye, then the other. A small child stared at Keslee, two fingers in his mouth and a red balloon tied to his arm. A mere foot of track was left in front of Bryce and Keslee.

  “I thought we were going to crash,” Keslee said.

  “‘Random chance seems to have operated in our favor,’” Bryce quoted.

  “Star Trek.”

  Bryce grinned, and that darn dimple would’ve buckled her knees had she been standing. “Of course. And for the record, I knew we weren’t going to crash.”

  “Rrriiigghhhttt.”

  Bryce jumped out and held a hand out to Keslee. She placed her hand in his and stood up. Bryce didn’t let go. Instead, he led her away from the track and back toward the ski lift, still holding her hand.

  “Did you like it?” Bryce asked.

  “I loved it. Near-death experience and all.”

  “Watch out!” someone yelled from behind.

  Bryce grabbed Keslee, pulling her out of the way as a bicyclist sped past. Keslee stumbled into Bryce. She didn’t notice the bench along the side of the trail until Bryce’s knees hit the back of it and he fell. His arms instinctively tightened around Keslee’s waist and he pulled her down with him, onto his lap.

  Keslee gasped, quickly sliding off Bryce’s lap to sit beside him.

  “Are you okay?” Bryce asked, his anxious face hovering inches from hers.

  “I’m fine,” Keslee said. “That bicyclist was a maniac! Doesn’t he know that the walkway is only for pedestrians?”

  “I thought we were going to fall and I would crush you. Didn’t realize the bench was here.”

  “I’m tougher than I look.” Keslee grinned, slapping him lightly on the chest.

  Bryce’s hand captured hers. She was suddenly all too aware that his face was mere inches away. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.

  Keslee hiccuped, her stomach muscles expanding and contracting in excitement. Her cheeks flamed. Jadyn never would’ve done something so awkward at such a moment. “Who do you see when you look at me?” she asked. “Keslee? Or Jadyn?”

  “Only Keslee.” He leaned down, and she thought he was going to kiss her. But his lips grazed her cheek instead. Her heart sank, but onlyt a little. There was still time for a kiss before the date ended. She was becoming more and more convinced he liked her for herself, and that made it hard to be disappointed.

  After that, they had a fabulous date. They spent nearly two hours sliding down the hill. When their faces were flushed from the heat and shirts sticky with perspiration, they trudged back to the lodge and ordered frozen lemonades to help them cool down. Keslee had never enjoyed herself so much on a date. The glimmer in Bryce’s eyes told her he was enjoying himself just as much a
s she was.

  Eventually the date came to an end, and Bryce drove her home. Keslee let him hold her hand as they walked slowly up the steps to her apartment.

  “I had a great time tonight,” Keslee said as she leaned against the door.

  Bryce leaned into her, brushing her hair behind her ear. “I had a great time too.”

  Keslee stared into his blue eyes, breathless. Bryce slowly leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. Keslee took hold of his arms to steady herself. That was all the encouragement Bryce needed. His hands threaded in her hair as he deepened the kiss. Keslee moved her mouth against his, her heart soaring.

  “Jadyn,” he whispered against her lips.

  Keslee froze. She put her hands on his chest and pushed him back. “What did you call me?”

  His eyes were clearing. “Keslee,” he said quickly. “I meant to call you Keslee.”

  “You called me Jadyn.” Keslee held a trembling hand to her lips. He’d been using her as nothing more than a standin to fulfill his high school fantasies after all.

  “I didn’t mean it. It was an accident. Please—”

  Keslee turned around, fumbling with her key. It took two tries to properly insert it into the lock. She twisted the knob and threw the door open.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it, I swear.”

  “Don’t call or text me.” Keslee slammed the door in his face.

  A fist pounded on the door. “Wait. I’m sorry. Give me another chance. Please, Kes.”

  Keslee leaned against the door and sank to the floor as her shoulders shook with sobs.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Keslee spent all night crying on Summer’s shoulder. Summer called Bryce all the right nasty names and tried her best to make Keslee feel better.

  Jadyn. She couldn’t believe he’d called her that. Keslee’s heart twisted every time she remembered. She’d almost believed he liked her for her, and not for who she looked like on the outside.

  It had been hard to lose a twin. Impossibly hard. It was made even worse by the fact that every time friends and family looked at Keslee, it reminded them of what they’d lost. She knew they loved her. But they loved Jadyn, too, and when they looked at Keslee, they saw both twins.