Chapter 6
Romeo
This day has already been a day and it’s not even two o’clock yet.
I’ve felt so many emotions that I’ve basically given myself whiplash. I’ve been deliriously happy and desperately sad and, my personal favorite, decadently lustful.
When Bee said she was arranging Julian on my behalf, I didn’t appreciate she was basically setting me up on a blind date.
Okay, maybe that wasn’t actually her intention, but that’s exactly what it feels like.
Since the moment I laid eyes on the esteemed fire captain, all depressing thoughts have flown from my mind, replaced only with naughty ones instead.
Well, perhaps the odd moment of sadness has caught me out.
It’s hard not to, especially when Bee has a wobble at the altar.
It might not be obvious to anyone else, but I can tell she has a flash of anger and regret for the choices our parents have made, and it’s like a knife to my heart.
But then Isaac reaches out and brushes the tear from her cheek, clearly understanding what she’s feeling just like I did, and then everything’s alright again.
See, what did I say? Walking green flag.
I don’t have a knight in shining armor like that to rescue me whenever I’m in danger of letting a tear creep free.
But anytime I find myself wandering back toward remorse, all I have to do is search for a certain hunky, handsome Captain Daddy, and then nothing seems so bad anymore.
It typically isn’t taking much effort, because I’ve done my best to stay close by his side ever since the ceremony finished.
He’s acting like he’s exasperated by me, but I know he doesn’t mean it. Damn, he’s so cute when he’s grouchy.
Because when it really matters, like the beautiful moment he walked Beatrice down the aisle, it’s clear from his expression that he has nothing but time, patience, and respect for my sister. I believe he meant it when he said there’s no place on earth he’d rather be than here today.
So that makes it okay for me to tease him. Because, quite frankly, the only alternative would be for me to do something about this electric sexual tension between us. The top item on that list?
Climb! Him! Like! A! Tree!
I very much doubt Isaac’s grandma wants to see that. Or, hell. Maybe she’d want to see that a little too much? Who knows? The point is I genuinely don’t want to make any more of a spectacle of myself in front of my new family-in-law than I already have.
The task is difficult, however, largely due to the fact that I absolutely keep catching Julian Valentine glancing my way with a startled sort of longing burning in his eyes. It’s as if he can’t believe I’m real and not a mirage.
Oh, baby. I’m real, alright. Real single and DTF like nobody’s business.
The last thing I expected today was the validation of being desired.
I thought I would meet a grandfatherly figure who might impart some pearls of wisdom my way.
I’d been hoping that he might take a liking to me or at the very least not be visibly irritated by the me-ness of me.
But to have this tall drink of water openly salivating my way is something else entirely.
I feel like the king of the world.
That is, when I’m not panicking.
I know, I know. Make up your mind, Romeo.
Usually, I enjoy flirting because it’s safe.
There’s normally some kind of barrier between me and the other guy, sometimes literally.
It’s why I like batting my eyelashes at the bartender rather than anyone on the dance floor.
Or even if it’s just figuratively speaking.
Trying it on with a delivery guy or flight attendant always comes with the understanding that I’m just being cute for a minute.
I’d never actually bother anyone while they’re working or make them uncomfortable, and I only do it if I sense interest on their part.
Those kinds of interactions are harmless fun. Both parties get a nice ego boost from it without the risk of having to actually do anything about it.
Julian is right here.
Of course, it’s wild to think anything might happen between us or in fact should. Today is about Beatrice and Isaac, not my sudden and raging crush on this older man they’ve selected to represent our extended family. He has an important job, and I can’t get in the way of that.
Usually, I like the comfort of keeping a man at arm’s length.
That way, I get the dopamine of feeling desired without the devastation of being (inevitably) rejected after.
Whether that’s the moment I suggest graduating from just flirting to actually hooking up, the morning after, or several months down the line.
I’ve learned the hard way that I’m acceptable for a good time, not a long time, so I’d rather just avoid that whole part of it.
How typical is it that the first time in forever I really do want to see if another guy is interested in more, he’s off limits? Realistically, I’m sure he’d find a way to shatter my heart and leave me humiliated like all the rest of them, so perhaps this invisible line I’ve drawn is for the best.
Therefore, to keep myself from wanting the fire captain too badly, I figure that ramping up the teasing and making a big joke of it all is the safest path forward.
That way, I can have the flattery from him getting flustered and sneaking little glances at me without taking it any further.
Because surely that’s only either going to get my heart stomped on or cause drama at my sister’s wedding, which is in point of fact the most important concern.
Hopefully, Mr. Valentine is having a bit of fun as well. Despite all the glares and eye rolls, I’m certain he is. Otherwise, I’d stop. It’s no fun unless both of us are in on it.
But without a physical or professional barrier between us and just my self-control to rely on, it makes me nervous.
My brain and my heart (…okay, maybe not my heart exactly) have two separate agendas.
One is concerned with long term consequences and doing right by my sister.
The other is reminding me constantly of how many months it’s been since I got a good seeing to.
When it’s easier to count in years rather than months, the temptation is almost impossible to ignore. If Julian Valentine even so much as hints at slipping away for a little hanky-panky, I doubt I’ll be able to say no.
So I need to make sure the opportunity doesn’t present itself and find ways to keep us apart.
Luckily, I’ve got plenty to keep me distracted as the guests move into the main hall for the sit-down meal.
While the bride, groom, and Isaac’s parents greet everyone who enters, I busy myself running around the tables to check one last time that they’re perfect.
That the centerpieces haven’t somehow all burst into flames or something.
Well, at least we have an expert on hand who could help me deal with that if they did.
Nope! Stop that. No thinking about sexy firefighters.
I need to keep an eye on people as they look at the seating plan and make sure nobody pulls a horrified face.
Bee, Isaac, and I worked our asses off on that thing, but we still could have missed some secret family feud.
The last thing I want is for anybody seething into their spicy parsnip soup because they’re sat near an uncle who insulted their dog twenty years ago.
Hopefully, once the wine starts flowing, no one will care anyway. And after the speeches they can start mingling before the DJ gets going. I just have to make sure—
“Anything I can help with?” a deliciously low voice rumbles by my ear. I suppress a shiver, but I can’t hide my grin as I turn to find Captain Valentine looking hopefully eager.
Perhaps I’m not the only one who likes to keep themselves occupied so they don’t risk standing around feeling awkward. Obviously, this is going against my self-imposed restraining order. But now that he’s right in front of me, I can’t seem to make myself enforce it.
At least not right this minute.
“Oh, hello, there,” I purr, touching my hand to my chest and fluttering my eyelashes. “Are you trying to come to my rescue, Captain Daddy? Because I can assure you, I have everything in hand.”
He narrows his eyes fractionally at my ridiculous but also accurate nickname, much to my glee. God damn it. I really am my own worst enemy. Then he sweeps his gaze around the room as more of the guests begin filtering in and slowly finding their places.
“What’s there left to organize?” he asks, sounding genuinely curious.
I wave my hand at him and take another look over the area myself, scanning for issues. “It’s more anticipating any problems at this stage,” I inform him. “I have to make sure that everyone has an amazing time so that Bee doesn’t have to worry about a thing.”
For a few moments, I continue scrutinizing the people approaching the table plan. But when I realize Julian hasn’t said anything, I glance back, only to find him looking curiously at me.
My stomach tightens.
“What?” I ask with a nervous laugh.
“Do you?” He indicates the room with his gaze before meeting my eyes again. “Have to make sure everyone has an amazing time?” he elaborates. “Is that really your responsibility?”
“Well, yes,” I bristle. “I’m the wedding planner. I can’t let my sister down.”
And it’s the first wedding I’ve ever planned, I add silently to myself. If it’s not perfect, then I’ll never be able to launch my own business.
Slowly, Julian licks his lips and seems to consider something. Then he touches my elbow and tugs me slightly. “Let me buy you a drink.”
“It’s a free bar,” I inform him. Isaac’s parents and grandparents have been extremely generous and wouldn’t hear of anything other than footing the bar tab on top of everything else they’ve provided for today.
“Let me get you a drink, then,” Julian amends with a grin.