Forever My Person

11. Like I Do

"I said I can't wait for you guys to see the dress. It's perfect for my fall wedding." She repeats what she told her sisters to me.  I just nod and smile.

I feel like I got hit by a bus. Regina George style.I haven't seen Kyle since I left the apartment. He's called and texted me plenty of times but I can't bear to answer him.

The waitress sets down my lemonade right when the boys show up. I keep my head down fidgeting with my fingers. I feel my palms sweating. I'm not sure if eating lunch will be a good idea after all. The wind chime above the restaurant door chimes and I hear Ave call the boys over to the table. I look up and see Liam's best friends Bret and Nathan come to sit down opposite of Tessa and Becca, I feel eyes boring into me from the opposite side of the table. I look up and see my admirer staring at me.

Cohen's lips turn from a smirk when my eyes meet his. I can't help but smile back but it falls when I hear his voice behind me. I need to get out of here. I don't want Avery seeing how upset I am.

" Hey Tessa when the waitress comes back can you order me the Cesar salad? I have to go to the restroom." I ask her as I slide my chair out not waiting for her reply and I walk as fast as I can to the the restroom to get as far as I can from Kyle. I'm relieved to see no one in here.I stand in front of the vanity and splash some cool water on my face. I take some deep breaths to try to calm myself. After about five minutes I feel my breathing has slowed back to normal and my palms aren't sweaty anymore. I look at myself one more time in the mirror and head out the door. Thank goodness no one else has come in here.

I come to a complete halt when I see Kyle leaning on the wall across from the restrooms. He takes a step close to me and I take a step back making my back press against the restroom door.

" Ev, baby, Its so good to see you. You look beautiful. I'm so glad to run into you like this. I've been calling and texting you wanting to apologize. I miss you so much baby." He says while he leans his head close to my ear so I can hear him. His breath sends a shiver down my spine. I begin to feel uncomfortable when he doesn't move back.

" Baby come back to me. We can forget about everything. I stopped fucking your sister and I need you." I stare at him taking in what he's telling me.

"Who's the blonde your with then?" I ask him crossing my arms across my chest.

" She's just a coworker. We're having coffee and planning out the next project for our company." There's something telling me I shouldn't believe him.

"Baby come back to me. I miss you and I know you miss me." He tells me.

"I,I can't do this." I stutter and try to push past him. He catches my wrist as I walk past him.

"You might not talk to me now but you will soon." He tells me. It feels like I threat more than anything.

I walk back to my seat and try to join in some the small talk but I can't help but think of Kyle's grasp on my wrist;bringing me back to the day I left him.

***

About a half hour later we leave the café and head to the bridal shop. The fresh air feels amazing on my flushed cheeks as we walk down the street. I can feel the air is getting cooler telling us that fall is in the air.

We enter the shop with the guys right behind us. A tall brunette girl in all black welcomes us as we enter and Avery makes her way over to her to let her know about our fitting. As we wait another woman brings us all a glass of champagne. Thank goodness, I need one right now. I pour almost the whole glass of the cold, bubbly liquid down my throat. When I look up I meet hazel eyes burning into me. I shy away from his gaze and walk over to the girls waiting to see the dresses.

Avery and the consultant she was talking to bring us to the fitting rooms. As she hands me the dress I notice her name tag says a Danielle. I head into the room and shut the door behind me. I slip the burgundy chiffon material over my head and turn to leave the dressing room finding Avery anxiously waiting. She holds her hands up to her chest as if she's trying to hold her excitement in.

" I need you to zip me up." I tell her. Tessa and Becca come out behind me and Danielle zips them up as well.

We all head out to the long mirrors and a round platform to look at the dresses. The guys crowd around to look as
well.Avery takes me by the elbow and pushes me onto the platform first. I finally look into the mirror and fall in love with the dress instantly. It's beautiful. It fits me in all the right places showing off all my curves. It's off the shoulder with lace sleeves. It flows into a mermaid style at the bottom. Avery was right it's gorgeous.

" Damn Ev, you look sexy!" Brett says. I blush at the compliment. "Yeah Ev, you look hot. I knew this was the right choice." Avery says to herself proudly. When I look in the mirror one more time and see Cohen staring at me . His jaw is tense and his eyes are dilated. What's with him?

After another half hour we have the dresses measure and fitted to us perfectly and head to get the guys fitted. Cohen lingers behind the guys and walks beside me.

" Are you okay?" I ask him. He's still tense next to me.

"I'm fine." He spits out.

I begin to walk a little faster to get ahead of him. I'm not sure what his problem is but I don't need to deal with anything else today. He grabs my hand with his and runs his other hand through his hair.

"I don't like hearing other men call you sexy." He tells me. I look at him confused. Am I not sexy to him?

" I didn't mean it like that.." He says running his hand through his hair again.

" You're fucking sexy as hell I just don't want another man seeing you like I do." His words make me blush.

"Thank you." My blush increasing across my face. I quicken my step to try to catch up with the others. I forgot he still had my hand in his. He brings me back to his side to walk with him.It feels so right unlike the way Kyle grabbed me earlier.