It was Wednesday as we stood in the only bridal shop in Lockwood Creek. Looking in the mirror, my fingers drummed against my waist, waiting for Maddy as she circled me, inspecting.

Maddy came to stop tapping her finger against her pursed lips. "It's perfect, Riley."

Tilting my head at my reflection, she wasn't wrong. The black and champagne halter bridesmaid dress was beautiful. The chiffon gave it an air of elegance as I brushed my hand over the delicate material, admiring the way it tapered in at the beaded waist and caressed the curve of my full hips, trailing to the floor. "I'm gonna guess and say Mama didn't choose it."

Her smile lit up her entire face. "I'd seen something like it in one of those fancy bridal magazines and Jane and Tilly added their flair." She reached for my hands and lifted them out to the side. "Beautiful," she muttered. "All six bridesmaids will have a unique style." Wrinkling her nose. "Mama wanted jade. Can you imagine it?"

Urgh, no.

Jane and Tilly Inkerman came into the dressing rooms. They owned the bridal shop. Right behind them, my mama marched in casting her gaze on me.

"We will need a last fitting two days before the wedding. Riley Jo has at least fourteen pounds to shed."

I clamped my mouth shut as Tilly and Jane gave me a woeful smile. "Two days is more than enough time Mrs Lockwood."

Mama came to stand right in front of me, her eyes narrowing, then widening. "Why, I believe that even you, Riley Jo, will muster being halfway respectable."

Damn, that was the closest I'd come to a compliment since... hell, I couldn't remember when.

Hearing her phone ring, she took off out of the room, leaving all four of us to relieve a thankful breath. "Don't you be fretting Riley Jo, you look picture perfect," said Tilley, whispering, but looking over her shoulder to double check my mama wasn't in earshot.

Maddy pulled me in for a hug. "Ignore Mama, she's—well, she's just Mama."

Half an hour following the dress fitting, me and Maddy sat in old Mrs Lee's all family diner. Mama had thankfully muttered something about flowers and left us in peace.

I tucked into a slice of fresh apple pie, my tastebuds dancing in joy.

"So, are you fixing to tell me?" Maddy asked, dipping her little finger into the cream of her cappuccino.

I let my eyebrows rise, trying to hold back my grin. "What—Conner Jackson not put out his daily newsletter?"

"Don't make me tell mama you ate that pie."

Damn, she was cruel, although I knew she was teasing as I grinned like the town fool. On Sunday night, I'd told Maddy what had happened with Adam, how he had been my knight in shining armor—well, those were my nana's words. But swiftly we moved onto the fact that he wasn't technically married and I could rest knowing that I'd not slept with someone else's man, rather a grieving one.

And yes, maybe that should make me feel a little bad. But when he'd told me I made him feel something, well, that had to be a good thing. Surely his wife would want him to be happy and live?

Not to mention... the kiss. Different to our first, but still intense and hot, leaving me breathless and wanting.

And when he'd messaged me on Monday to check my foot was good. I asked him out for coffee to thank him, of course, for helping me. I mean, that's what friends would do—right?

It was easy to talk to him, too. Though being in a public place helped, took the edge of my incessant thoughts of his lips, hands, practically everything about the man. And when he laughed... deep and sexy, it had my insides twisting up a storm.

He talked about Emma, which I didn't mind. Again, it's what a good friend would do. Listen. And it was obvious he had loved his wife... still loved her. I only wished one day someone would love me as much.

We stayed on safe topics, neither bringing up our night together, which was sad and a relief as when he spoke of Emma, guilt and sadness poured from his eyes. When I reached over and held his hand to make him feel better. He didn't pull away, but watched me with interest as if he couldn't figure me out. I wouldn't deny those dark eyes of his had my heart pounding and my girlie parts singing.

To which I swiftly reminded myself not to go falling for the good doctor. This was only a four-week friendship where I would try to bring a little light into his life and he, in return, would offer me an escape from my mama when he could.

"Earth to Riley Jo, so...you had coffee...and?"

"Oh, sorry—there isn't anything to tell. We're just friends, we talked."

"So you're telling me, this man who you've already partaken in swapping body fluids with wanted nothing from you. You just talked?" She wasn't buying it.

"Ewe, Maddy, bodily fluids make it sound all kinds of wrong."

She giggled. "Sorry... would you prefer if I used the term making love or what the heck... fucking?"

"Madlyn Marie Lockwood! Do you kiss our mama with that mouth?" Maddy joined me in laughing. "But to answer your question—just friends."

Was I disappointed? Admittedly, yeah.

Maddy wasn't giving up. "Friends with benefits?" She wiggled her eyebrows. "And you know what I mean by benefits."

I held up my hand. "Yes Maddy, I know exactly what you mean." I shook my head. "And where did you hear that?" Maddy had never left Lockwood, apart from a few summer vacations and the time she, Connor, and Max came to rescue me in LA.

"Why Connor, of course?"

I should have known. "If Mama knows my boy's been corrupting you, she'll have him run out of town."

"She's never complained about you and him being friends."

I rolled my eyes. "Mama doesn't care what I do as long as I'm not embarrassing her."

Maddy's face softened as she reached over and grabbed my hand. "She loves you Riley Jo, she just isn't good at showing it."

She sure had a good way of hiding it. But I didn't want to think about my mama.

Maddy pulled back her hand. "It's not awkward with the whole one-night stand?"

Spooning up another mouthful of pie. "Nope, I guess hardly remembering it helps."

I hoped my answer would satisfy her. I may not remember the whole of the night. But I sure remembered our first kiss and the kiss on Sunday, too. Those memories were keepers!

A change of subject. "Hey, I saw Logan Reilly on Sunday. I think someone is still pining after you."

Maddy's face blushed hard, her eyes looking anywhere but at me. "Look at me Maddy." Slowly her eyes found mine. "Am I missing something?"

Shaking her head sharply. "No."

Maddy was the worst liar. "Well, I'm meeting up with him on Sunday. Perhaps he will be more obliging."

Her lips parted, and I swore all her color drained. "Please Riley Jo, don't go causing any trouble."

Me, trouble? "What sorta trouble are you assuming I would cause?"

She pulled her hands from the table, placing them on her lap, sitting straighter. "There is nothing between us. You're barking up the wrong tree Riley and I will have you remember; I'm fixin' to be married."

Now I knew without a doubt she was lying. But I would drop it... for today.

Finally, Saturday.

I'd messaged Adam, but my heart groaned when he said he would have to meet me at Connors, some emergency at work. But promised he would try to come.

I wasn't sure what to think. Was it just an excuse? Was I pushing him too hard to mingle when he was still grieving? I tried not to overthink it.

"A little bird told me you had coffee with the good Dr Adam Matthews."

I hadn't heard my Mama come into my room. Poker face time! I turned, cementing a smile. "Just to say thank you for fixing up my foot, Mama. You brought me up to have good manners."

"Hmm. It's good to know you haven't forgotten everything." Her eyes snaked over me. "Good Lord, child. Please do not tell me you are not going into town wearing that?" Her hand waved over me as her face twisted in disgust. "I simply won't allow it!"

I looked down. "And what is wrong with this Mama?" I wore an off the shoulder white cotton top with denim shorts. Yeah, you could see my bikini top through the sheer fabric. But it was far from indecent.

"There aren't enough hours in the day to allow me to do justice on why that outfit is not fit for public viewing."

"I'm not planning on going into town. Heading over to Connor's." I decided against telling her they'd organized a homecoming barbeque.

Her jaw tensed, but it seemed she was in a good mood and didn't fight me on it. "I'm still not seeing any weight loss Riley Jo. Have you been following my instructions?"

Hell, No. "Of course, Mama." I wasn't sure what got into me, but the words left my mouth before my brain caught up. "Mama, I'm not Maddy. I'll never be her. Can't you just like me for me?" I hated showing any kind of vulnerability, she'd often use it against me.

Her lips parted. Apparently, I'd stunned her... but only for a moment. "Do better, Riley Jo."

Do better. Don't disappoint me.

Story of my life.

"And don't let me hear any rumors about you and the good doctor. He's a fine man and I won't have people talking. You're only as good as your reputation and you'll be wise to remember Riley Jo Lockwood."

I'd forgotten about Lockwood's gossip network. Thankfully, she hadn't heard about Friday.

Arriving at Connors, it was great to see familiar faces of old friends and it wasn't long before we were tucking into Max's delicious food and chatting about the goings on in Lockwood.

By three, I was sitting alone, swinging on Max's favorite swing-seat, trying not to think about Adam. Who was I fooling—he'd been a permanent fixture in my thoughts since first clapping eyes on him. Sighing, I had to face it. He was a no show. And I couldn't hide my disappointment but quickly issued another reminder. We were friends. It wasn't like it was a date or anything.

Letting my head fall back, I pushed the swing seat and sang to the tune that was playing.

"You couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, princess."

Connor stood in front of me wearing Bermuda shorts and nothing else. "And you look like a chicken with your head cut off." He'd been crazy busy making sure everyone ate and had a drink in their hand. The perfect host.

He laughed, sitting beside me. "Enjoying yourself, princess—had enough to eat?"

I patted my stomach. "Fuller than a tick."

"Taking that to mean y'all ignoring your Mama's instruction?"

"No files on you, Connor Jackson."

He bumped shoulders with me. "I'm guessing the hot doctor couldn't come?" I'd told Connor about Sunday and our Tuesday coffee.

"He messaged me this morning. Had to perform emergency surgery." Connor put his arm around me.

"Sorry, princess.."

I sighed, but pushed up from the chair. "Well, I refuse to be feelin' sorry for myself. Gonna get me some more of this fine fruit punch. Want some?"

Connor shook his head. "Nah, I'm good. Just gonna sit my ass here for a while. Soak up the sunshine."

Walking a few steps, Connor whistled. I stopped and turned. "What?"

"You ass looks pretty damn fine in those shorts Riley Jo. I'm amazed your Mama let you leave the house!"

"Can't be that fine, if you're only just noticing."

"Been busy, but no wonder them Parker brothers were talking about you." He winked. "If your hot doctor doesn't show. You can have your pick between them."

I glanced over to see Mikey and Jamie Parker looking over at me. I wouldn't deny it gave my ego a little boost as I turned and gave my ass a little wiggle before heading inside.

"You work it, princess." I heard Connor yell.

Thankfully, it was a lot cooler inside and seeing as everyone was outside; I poured myself some punch and swished my hips to the music, watching folks' outback from the window. As the tempo of the song picked up, my dance moves got a little bolder.

And seeing as I was the only one inside. I sang my little heart out as my mind replayed the kiss I shared with the doctor.

Turning, I almost dropped my glass as a stunned squeak escaped my throat. There stood leaning up against the doorway with his hands in the pockets of his slacks, was my doctor... and from his expression, he'd been watching me.

My knees weakened, double blinking, just to make sure my mind hadn't conjured him. "You made it?" I suddenly felt nervous. My frame stiffened.

Had he gotten sexier since Tuesday? Scratch that. He was fucking hot, with his sleeves rolled up to his elbow on his white cotton shirt, showing those sexy forearms that weren't overly muscled. I devoured his appearance whilst trying to keep a look of innocence, but drool pooled in my mouth when I noted the three top buttons on his shirt undone.

Curse him for looking damn hot. It should be illegal that he was allowed to ooze all that maleness, if that was a thing, and he was sure nothing like men my age.

He pushed off from the door frame, stepping further into the kitchen. "I said I would."

A shiver ran right through me at the same time my temperature shot through the roof. "Umm... yeah, you did." I stammered, putting the glass down before I dropped it.

"Don't let my arrival stop you, Riley."

Another shiver. The way he said my name did all kinds of wrong things to my girlie parts. "Stop what?"

"Dancing... singing." A faint smile lifted at the corner of his lips. "I almost wish I hadn't interrupted you."

How to embarrass yourself, Riley Jo. "Yeah. You shouldn't have caught me doing that. I may have to have you killed." His eyebrows rose in amusement. "How did you get in?"

"Your friend Max let me in, said you were getting yourself a drink."

Thanks for the heads up Max. "Well, I only dance and sing when I'm alone, that way no one can laugh at me."

"I wasn't laughing." His eyes flashed dark, but there was something else. Damn, was something eating all the oxygen in this room.

"I'm sure you've seen enough of my not so graceful dance moves for one day."

"I haven't seen nearly enough."

Was he flirting with me?

"But from what I saw, I liked it," he said, as his eyes widened, seemingly surprised he'd said that out loud.

Oh yeah, he was definitely flirting, maybe not intentionally but it still warmed me in all the places it shouldn't. This 'friends' arrangement was becoming torture of the sweetest kind. I cleared my throat. "Can I get you a drink?"

I went to move past him but caught my foot on the chair, almost tumbling.

Adam was quick to react, and I collided with his hard chest, burying my nose and inhaling. Damn, he smelled good.

His large hands landed on my hips, steadying me. "I've got you, Riley."

Damn straight, he had me.

And my nana was right. He had great hands, and the heat from them caught the breath in my throat. I looked up and saw concern, quickly replaced with something else... something more intense as his dark look stole whatever air was between us.

The muscles in his jaw tensed and twitched.

Was that desire in his eyes—for me? My body heated as the room closed in around us. I felt more off balance with just his hands on me than nearly tripping a moment ago.

His hands dropped as if burned. "You're okay?" he asked, taking a step back.

I forced a smile. "Yeah, just clumsy me, which I'm sure you've already figured out. I'm good at getting myself in trouble." I tried to lighten whatever this was and ignore the magnetic pull that wanted him closer.

"I think I need a drink." He ran his hand through his hair.

Disappointment was quickly becoming my best friend. "What can I get you, doctor?"

He pondered my question. "Sadly, it will need to be the non-alcohol kind—I'm on call."

"Max's fruit punch is to die for."

"I'll take your word on it."

I reached for the jug and poured out a glass full. "So how was the surgery?" A change of conversation was best.

"Good, had to perform an angioplasty." he rattled off, and I didn't have a clue what he'd just said.

"How's all the wedding planning?" he asked. "And your mama?"

I'd told him on Tuesday my reasons for being in Lockwood Creek.

"Oh, good I guess, and my mama... as Connor would say. Same shit, different day." I paused. "Someone told her they'd seen us having coffee." If he was worried about my mama, he didn't show it. "Told me I've not to ruin your good reputation."

He took a sip of the punch. "I'll take that under advisement."

"You might want to reconsider being seen out in public with me."

"What would you suggest? That I keep you indoors?"

My words evaporated as the heat in the room rose another degree, my eyes falling on his lips and a flash of them trailing up my throat, whispering what he wanted to do to me. My cheeks heated.

"'Let me worry about my reputation, Riley."

The way he said it sent a shiver through the heat. Damn, how did he manage that? Deep, sexy. Bring it down Riley, breathe. "You want to head outside, sit in the sunshine."

His eyes shifted past me toward the window.

Something bleeped.

"Shit, sorry." He reached into his pocket. "I need to make a quick call."

"Go right ahead." I smiled, pretending to busy myself whilst he talked about medical procedures that I'd never even heard of.

"I'm sorry Riley, I have to head back."

He at least looked disappointed as I felt. "I get it, you save lives."

A flicker of sadness washed across his face.

I knew what I'd said was stupid and bit my lip. He couldn't save Emma. "I'm sorry Adam I didn't—"

He held up his hand. "No, it's fine Riley."

I needed to save this. "Message me when you're free. We can meet for coffee again, sometime, if you're willing to risk your reputation."

His smile returned, and he appeared reluctant to leave as his intense gaze focused on my lips and, if I didn't know better, I thought he wanted to kiss me. But then again, I was never any good at reading people... especially men.

He stepped toward me, and I tilted my head.

Was he going to kiss me? My tongue poked out to wet my lips, but it crushed my optimism as his mouth brushed my cheek. "I'll call you." He muttered before pulling away and leaving.

Standing alone, it left me with my other best friend... disappointment.