Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
I stare dumbfounded at my image in the mirror. “Mom, you’ve really outdone yourself.”
She smiles broadly, a vision of chic sophistication in a cream silk suit Jackie O would have been proud to own.
Who is this person? And is she trying to turn me into the old Chantell, because this dress…
I raise my hand to tuck, or pull, but there’s really no place to grip without shifting material off essential body parts that need covering.
My mom selected my bridesmaid gown prior to her visit in anticipation of her post-mudder Tahoe nuptials.
It’s a fitted, silver metallic, animal print cutout dress with a crisscross top.
The sides of my waist, center of my cleavage, and entire back are bare.
Oh, and the dress only drops to mid-thigh.
I dare not bend over without announcing the color of my panties.
Can I wear this in public? I mean, I’m wearing it because it’s my mom’s wedding day and she selected it, but will I get arrested?
“It’s pretty, Mom.” And it is—the parts of it that exist. I grin and give her a hug.
She’s been fluttering around all morning, setting our hand bouquets in water until the wedding takes place, making final arrangements at the restaurant she and Fred reserved for a private gathering with close friends and family.
No signs of bridezilla from her, only pure joy.
I’m still angry that my mom kept Jeb away after he got clean, but I can’t blame her for wanting to protect me. You protect the people you love.
Mom and I step out of the limo Fred hired, and Lewis, Cali, and Jaeger are already standing in front of the small chalet-style chapel. The guys are wearing suits, Cali a lilac, clingy wrap dress that accentuates her curves.
Lewis turns and immediately takes in my outfit. His eyes heat, his gaze never leaving mine as we approach.
I know that look. Maybe I should be thanking my mom. The intensity on my boyfriend’s face is all sultry hot guy, and it’s going to be really challenging to wait until after the wedding to take advantage.
Cali bites her lower lip, her mouth straining at the sides as she holds back a smile. “Hey,” she says, her eyes twinkling. “Nice dress.”
I glare at her and she covers her smile with her fingertips. “No, seriously, can I borrow it?”
This is the kind of dress Cali would wear. The reason she’s laughing is because I normally wouldn’t. “You are such an ass,” I tell her, and she snickers.
“You look beautiful, Gen,” Jaeger says. Lewis fires him a dirty look. “What? She does.”
“Keep your eyes above her neck,” Lewis mumbles.
I slide my arm around his waist and kiss his jaw. I’m pretty sure the possessive guy thing is as rare for Lewis as having a girlfriend.
Jaeger squeezes Cali close. “No need. Got all I want right here.” He kisses the top of her golden-red hair, gazing at her adoringly.
Thank God Jaeger moved back into his house. Cali’s been staying with him most nights and it’s a good thing. I never heard unwanted noises from the tent, but the way these two talk sex with their eyes, I’m thanking my lucky stars they weren’t crashing in the loft.
“You are beautiful.” Lewis kisses my lips. “You stole my ability to speak, think, or act responsibly when I saw you sitting at Zach’s table. You’re hot in high-water sweatpants and heels. In this—” His gaze rakes my figure. “I’m done for.”
“Not many can pull off wrinkled sweatpants and heels,” I say saucily.
“Exactly my point.” He grins.
I have kind of turned his life upside down. I sure as hell caused complications. But his life was stuck. I just sort of unstuck it—forcefully. And he changed my life for the better too.
I rise on my tippy toes—which isn’t far, because Mom selected five-inch heels to match the dress—and kiss him on the lips, lingering. “Thank you for making it work, even when I pushed you away.”
“Always, only try not to do that anymore,” he says. “Easy would be nice every once in a while.”
“Easy is my middle name.” He gives me a sidelong glance. “Just look at my dress—” I point to my outfit. “It spells E-A-S-Y.”
His eyes glaze over as he takes in the outfit again. “Mmm,” he murmurs near my ear, and kisses the spot beneath. “I do like this dress.”
“Genevieve!” my mom calls from inside the chapel.
They’re inside already? I didn’t even notice them leave, thanks to dirty thoughts about my naughty boyfriend.
Since when did my mom become the respectable one? My, how the tables have turned.
Turning tables is good.