Chapter 2

She popped the last piece of cake in her mouth and savoured the delicious, chocolatey taste. She turned to Callum with a glint in her eye,

"I don't mind. But make it an adventure."

"Wait here. I'll be right back."

Before she could stop him, Callum darted down the street. After about ten minutes had passed, she was still sitting on the bench, and she had begun to wonder if he had deserted her. The roar of the motorcycle engine caused her to look up, and she saw Callum pulling up to the curb. Her stomach did a little flip at the sight of him on the bike. She took back what she thought about him not being conventionally handsome. Sitting there on the motorcycle with his form-fitting leather jacket and blue jeans, he was giving off some serious James Dean vibes.

He didn't say a word and simply held out a helmet and jacket for her, which she wasted no time in putting on before jumping on the back of the bike, wrapping her arms around his waist. She knew if she hesitated, she'd lose her nerve, and she was determined not to let her head get in the way of this.

She relished in the scenery as they made their way out of the city. She had no idea where they were headed, but they rode for roughly an hour before Callum pulled the bike to a stop outside a beautiful, old building nestled in the side of the hill. "The Duke of Cumberland Arms", she read on the sign as she dismounted the bike and removed her helmet.

"A pub?" She looked at Callum quizzically. She asked for an adventure, and Australia was full of pubs. A pub was hardly an adventure.

"Never judge a book, lass", he winked at her before taking her hand and leading her into the grounds. The gesture sent the butterflies in her stomach into overdrive.

They made their way around the back, past the pub, through the beer garden and down into a glen. She could hear music, but it wasn't coming from the pub. It was coming from further down. They weaved through the glen as the music became louder. In the distance, she could see a marquee tent set up. Fairy lights were strung around, and she could see the silhouette of the bodies inside, dancing to the folk music that was blasting from within.

As they made their way to the marquee entrance, her eyes grew wide when they stepped inside.

"Callum! This is someone's wedding! We can't be here!"

"We can if we're invited." He shrugged casually before he was tackled by a group of large, rowdy men.

"Alright, alright, get off me!" He shouted playfully as he escaped their hold.

"Sorry mate! Didn't think we'd see you here!" One of them said, patting Callum in the shoulder.

"And who's this then?" The same one asked, looking approvingly at Sophie, obviously a little drunk.

"This is Sophie. My date." Callum said as he draped his arm around her shoulders. She made no move to stop him, or correct him. In fact, she quite liked the sound of being Callum's date. She placed her hand on his torso affectionately and smiled warmly at his friend.

"Nice to meet you."

"Callum? You came..."

Sophie looked past Callum's friend toward the source of the question and found herself looking at none other than the bride. She was stunning. Beyond stunning, actually. She had the most exquisite ivory lace gown that hugged her slender figure perfectly. Her brown locks were curled perfectly and pinned at one side with a small pearl and diamond clip. Her pretty face was perfectly made up to accentuate her full lips, high cheekbones and dazzling green eyes.

Sophie couldn't help but feel dreadfully inadequate.... and underdressed. She also felt Callum's grip on her tighten as he seemed to tense up at the sight of her.

"And... you brought a guest?" She said, looking me up and down, her lovely features contorting with disapproval.