Page 400 of Faking the Goal

She takes an exaggerated breath, and I glare at her but follow anyway, dragging air slowly into my lungs.

"Out."

I breathe out.

"Again."

That actually helps a little.

"Good." Miho gives my shoulders a squeeze. "Now sit down before you wear a trench into the carpet. Otherwise, I'm calling my brother and making him come up here to calm you down himself."

My eyes widen. "Don't you fucking dare."

Her mouth curls into a smug smile. "Then sit."

"The groom isn't supposed to see the bride before the wedding. It's bad luck."

"You don't even believe in that."

"I fucking do today."

Her smirk grows.

I narrow my eyes at her.

She points toward the couch.

"Fine."

There's no point arguing with this woman.

I gather my dress and drop onto the couch with considerably more attitude than necessary. Miho looks entirely too pleased with herself before moving away, and Caroline takes the empty spot beside me.

Instead of teasing me, though, she reaches for my hand.

"Okay," she says quietly.

Something in her voice makes me look at her.

"What's really bothering you?"

"I already told you. I'm worried something—"

"No." Her fingers tighten gently around mine. "The flowers are here. The cake is here. Everyone who needs to be here is here. We've checked everything with you about twelve thousand times. This isn't about the wedding."

Well.

Fuck her for knowing me so well.

I look away, but Caroline doesn't let go of my hand. Sam and Miho have gone quiet too, and suddenly I can feel all three of them waiting.

Five years of friendship with Caroline, and apparently I don't get to bullshit my way out of anything anymore.

I let out a long breath.

"I don't know." I stare down at our joined hands. "I just... do this sometimes."

"Do what?" Sam asks softly.