Melissa’s Reviews > Seven Year Itch > Status Update

I smirk as I stare back at her. The truth is, I love to hate her. It ignites something inside of me that feels . . . invigorating. Unexpected. Like you never know when things are going to shift between us. And if I’m not mistaken, that spark in her eyes right now tells me she likes it too.

Calder about Dakota
Loves to hate her
Thin line between two emotions

There’s a palpable shift between us that’s happened on this trip despite our little tiffs, and I think she feels it too because she hasn’t yelled at me for something in at least ninety minutes.
I’m wearing Dakota down. And apparently I want to wear her down because it’s becoming harder and harder to fight my attraction to her.

Calder about Dakota

Dakota- Dancing is good. Not talking to Calder is good. Keeping my distance from him . . . is good.
But damn, do I have a tiny urge to be bad.

Conflicting feelings

Calder is a man I need to keep at arm’s length, which is hard to do when I feel incredible wrapped up in his ink-draped arms on this dance floor. But I need to remember that tomorrow everything will go back to normal, and I have to pick up the pieces of my life. Letting someone like Calder get under my skin isn’t a good idea. He’s definitely got a case of Peter Pan Syndrome…and I’m all done raising boys.

Objectively, all four Fletcher brothers are handsome in their own ways, so I could feel the same if any of one of them were dancing with me.
Though admittedly, Calder is the most striking of the four. Sharp chiseled facial features, narrow striking eyes that pierce right through you, and a body that could put fitness trainers to shame. And his musk . . . it’s shamefully growing on me.
Dakota

Being in this man’s arms should be giving me hives, and yet, I feel good. Which is so nuts because I lashed out at him viciously this morning….
But right now . . . I don’t hate being pressed up against him. Not that that means anything. It’s just because Calder isn’t disgusting to look at and it’s pleasant to be held by a non-disgusting man after going so long without.

Dakota about Calder

…their lips connect in a passionate kiss that isn’t at all like the one I had on my wedding day.
Randal winced when we kissed. Literally winced because he had a split lip and a black eye. And there I was in a mediocre wedding dress purchased off the rack that countless other brides-to-be had tried on before me.
If those weren’t signs that our marriage was doomed from the start, I don’t know what was.
Dakota

Maybe they will make it the long haul. Maybe they won’t end up like me, hating everything about the person they married because somehow, he made you lose sight of the person you once were. The person you were proud to be.
I will definitely not be giving a toast at the reception tonight.

Dakota about Trista & Wyatt
Her marriage was awful

“We all miss him,” Max says, stepping in close and putting his hand on my shoulder.
And in a breath, I’m wrapped up in a hug by all three of my brothers as we mourn the man who should be here still to knock some sense into us.
Calder

Fletcher brothers group hug

He’s a dad. My throat tightens as I let that thought settle over me. My big brother is a dad. And about to become a husband. Of course I love him. Of course I’m fucking happy for him. I’m being a dick because of reasons that have nothing to do with him. Mom is right: this is his wedding day, and he doesn’t need my shit. He’s a good brother. A good man. Just like Dad.

Calder about Wyatt