54. Miles
CHAPTER 54
MILES
I wish dancing was my main concern tonight. Or our twin switching stunt.
Better yet, I wish I was on a normal date with the girl I’m falling hard for, but the life my brother and I chose isn’t meant to be easy.
If Max were the one attending this reception, he might find a way to balance work and pleasure, but balance has never been my strength, in yoga class or out.
Max is overly optimistic about our ability to get through this situation without hurting Callie, but I really hope he can find a way, because I can’t see one.
The whole situation is somehow made even more difficult by how gorgeous she looks tonight. I’ve heard people joke that bridesmaid dresses are meant to be ugly, but she looks like an angel. She outshines the bride without trying.
Right now, all eyes are on her as she makes a speech about the married couple, but watching her is an agonizing mix of pleasure and pain. When she returns to the table, I tell her she did a good job, but I was too preoccupied to hear most of what she said. She made people laugh several times, which is pure Callie.
The seating arrangements have us at the opposite end of a long table from her ex, which is a relief. That lowlife hasn’t even dared to make eye contact with Callie, and things had better stay that way.
Right after our main course dishes are set in front of us, Callie leans in close. “Are you okay? You seem distracted tonight.”
“Oh. Sorry. I’m fine.”
Her eyes continue to search my face. “Is everything alright … after last night?”
The question is like a punch to the gut. I want to tell her that last night was the best night of my life, but voicing that would only make things worse. “Everything’s fine.”
She’s not reassured, and Max probably should have been the one to attend this event, but then I’d be losing out on spending time with her.
She tips her head toward the panel of windows that line one wall of the room. “Would you like to get some air?”
I look down at my plate, at the food I have no appetite for. “We shouldn’t leave during dinner.”
“It’s okay. Sadie and Adam are up mingling, and others are, too. No one will notice.”
We get up, and she leads me through the maze of tables, right by her Aunt Iris, who winks at the two of us and grabs Callie’s arm to tell her that she’s glowing, and it’s true. She is.
Outside, we start down the path that will circle back to the door.
Callie looks up at me with her big warm eyes. “I hope last night didn’t make things uncomfortable between you and Max.”
“No, it didn’t, Callie. I promise.” I squeeze her hand to emphasize my words. I can tell that she’s now worried about how things are between her and me, but I can’t bring myself to reassure her, not when I might be leading her on.
It’s likely that we’re going to be doomed before we even get started.
“Last night was wonderful,” she says, as she wraps her hands around my arm. “And this morning. All of it.”
My heart aches, and other parts of me ache for her, too, but it’s more than just physical. So much more. That’s what makes it so hard. That’s why it was impossible for me to put a stop to things last night.
There’s a gentle tug on my arm as she lifts up on her toes to kiss me, and I can’t keep from kissing her back.
Her hand comes to rest right over the part of my chest that hurts. “We could skip the rest of the reception and go back to the room,” she says, and I wonder what Max is thinking as he listens in to this conversation.
“We’ll have plenty of time tonight. You should enjoy your sister’s wedding. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event.”
Her sweet pout has me kissing her lips again.
“You’re right. I just want more of you.”
“I feel the same way.”
When we go back inside, our meals are being cleared. Hargrove is still seated next to Callie’s mother and other older relatives. Rick is still at the table with Hargrove’s daughter. There’s no sign of Gardner.
All is calm. Maybe nothing will happen tonight. It would make more sense for something to go down tomorrow, as things are wrapping up.
The emcee’s voice cuts through the chatter that fills the room. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the newlyweds to take the floor for their first dance together as husband and wife. Please put your hands together for Mr. and Mrs. Hargrove!”
After the applause fades, I lean close to Callie. “Would you like another drink?”
She gives me a quick glance and nods before returning her attention to the dance floor, watching Adam take Sadie in his arms.
There’s a line at the bar, and as I’m waiting, Max’s voice is in my ear, his tone urgent. “It’s about to go down. After Hargrove’s dance with the bride’s mother, Gardner’s going to hand off a package wrapped as a wedding gift. We have to move now, or we’ll miss our chance.”
“Right now?”
“It has to be now.”
I head for the door.