Chapter 2
Waylon's arm around mine stiffened for a moment. He looked like he was about to snap, but when he lowered his head, he met my cold, indifferent eyes.
For a split second, he was taken aback.
"Taylor, I know you're upset about the wedding dress," Waylon said.
He gripped my shoulders, his usual laid-back look suddenly turning serious.
"I'll order you a new one," Waylon added.
Ignoring my protests, Waylon grabbed his phone and posted in the group that something was wrong with my wedding dress and the wedding was postponed.
"Waylon, don't do this..." I frowned, trying to stop him.
But he'd already sent the message. He grabbed my hand as I reached for his phone, then scooped me up into his arms.
"Come on, let's go get you a wedding dress, wifey," Waylon said.
"Waylon, put me down!" I shouted, squirming desperately.
But Waylon just chuckled, scooping me up as if I were light as a feather, carrying me all the way downstairs, and plopping me into the passenger seat.
Just as I was about to make a run for it, I noticed a photo of Olivia stuck on the passenger side.
She was pouting, puffing out one cheek to look cute, pointing in my direction, with the words written in a playful font.
[My exclusive seat. No trespassing!]
Waylon just reached over and peeled the sticker off.
"Olivia just put it there for fun. If you don't like it, I'll take it off," Waylon said.
He really tossed the sticker out the window, his voice totally relaxed, like he couldn't care less.
He's always been this way.
Whenever Olivia stepped out of line, he'd handle it right away, but he'd just brush it off like it was nothing.
And when I'd start freaking out, he'd get annoyed and say, "Do you really have to make such a big deal out of this?"
"It's kinda cute. You didn't have to take it off," I said.
Waylon glanced at me, looking a bit surprised.
Normally, I'd demand an explanation from him in a situation like this.
He let out a soft chuckle, turning the steering wheel.
"I know you're upset, but don't worry. I will help you find the prettiest wedding dress, and this time, we'll do this wedding right," Waylon said.
But the truth was, we were not getting married.
I said coolly, "Waylon, you don't have to do this."
He froze for a moment, then reached out and gave my hair a rough tousle.
"Don't say silly things," Waylon said.
We had had three weddings lined up, but this was the first time Waylon had actually come with me to pick out a dress.
He was already chatting with the clerk about what we needed, but I cut him off.
"I'm not here for a wedding dress. I want to ask about returning it," I said.
The clerk looked confused. "But this gentleman said you wanted to order..."
Waylon quickly cut in, "She means the last one didn't fit right!"
I caught a subtle hint of panic in the way he moved.
He turned to me, almost desperate for me to agree.
"Right, honey?" Waylon asked.
The clerk turned to me. "Do you need the size adjusted, ma'am?"
I remembered that post Olivia made, the one where she was wearing the wedding dress, and glanced at the clerk.
"Could we discuss the wedding dress privately?" I asked.
As I followed the clerk into the room, Waylon looked visibly relieved, like he'd finally let out a breath he'd been holding.
"Want to get it custom-made?" the clerk asked.
I nodded.
The clerk smiled. "Looks like you want to surprise your hubby."
Waylon flashed me a grin as he ruffled my hair. "I'll be waiting for you."
I pushed his hand away and closed the door behind me.
But when I stepped out, he was nowhere to be seen.
When I found him, he was sitting in the car, talking on the phone.
He waved me over, signaling for me to hop in.
As soon as I got in, Olivia's voice came through the phone.
"Why do I hear a car door opening?" Olivia asked.
"I'm with Taylor, helping her pick out a new wedding dress," Waylon replied.
There was a moment of silence on the other end.
"Olivia?" Waylon called out.
"Waylon... my car broke down..." Olivia said, her voice trembling.
I saw Waylon's grip on the steering wheel tighten suddenly.
"Waylon... the car just died on me, and it's so dark up ahead... I'm really scared..." Olivia whimpered.
Waylon was about to say something, but I cut him off.
"Just take me home first," I said.
Waylon looked a bit stunned, and I turned to him.
"I'm not going to stop you from going to her, but you're the one who brought me out here, so you should at least take me home before you leave," I said.
"Waylon! I'm really scared!" Olivia's voice trembled, almost breaking.
I could hear Olivia sobbing through the phone.
I reached over and snatched the phone from Waylon.
"Miss Stone, even if your car's dead, you can still turn on the lights. It's just a few minutes to my place. Keep the lights on and you'll be fine..." I said.
"Taylor, stop!" Waylon cut in. He snatched the phone back, his eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at me.