Chapter 11
CHAPTER ELEVEN
EVERYTHING IS SACRED HERE
TULLY
The breeze whips my tie around as I watch for Lola outside the hotel.
Besides the gust of wind at the moment, it’s a gorgeous day.
I’m happy for Dax and Skye that their wedding will have perfect weather.
The rehearsal dinner was great last night, but I couldn’t wait until today.
I’ve been looking forward to seeing Lola ever since we parted ways yesterday.
I smooth down my charcoal suit, happy with the fit. This is a suit I’ll keep on rotation beyond the wedding. Dax chose well.
A car pulls up, and Lola sits on the passenger side.
Her mouth curves up slowly when she sees me, and my stomach flips.
I don’t think I knew until this moment that I wasn’t fully sure she’d show up.
I recognize Lola’s sister from pictures and wave.
She eyes me with curiosity, and when the car comes to a stop, she steps out, along with Lola. My eyes skate over Lola appreciatively.
“You look beautiful,” I say softly.
“Thank you.”
I want to linger there with her. She smells so good, and the space between us is electric, making me only want to lean in closer, but I don’t want to ignore her sister.
I glance at Isla, smile ready. We’ve only ever spoken on the phone.
Lola and her sister are very close, and at least back then, Isla seemed to like me.
Not sure where she stands now, since I’m not even sure where Lola stands.
“Hey, Isla. I’m Tully.” I walk over and hold out my hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
She shakes it and smiles. “Yes, it is. Such a surprise seeing you here.”
Her eyes and smile are similar to Lola’s, but Lola has told me how different they are, and I can see it even in their style.
Where Lola’s blonde hair falls in waves down her shoulders, Isla’s brown hair is slicked back in a high ponytail.
Isla looks buttoned up and like she’d probably never consider a tattoo or a leather jacket, while Lola wears a leather jacket over her incredibly sexy dress and looks like a rock star.
Lola manages to look both feminine and edgy at the same time. She never fails to intrigue me.
“You didn’t have to meet me out here,” she says. “I know you’ve got a lot going on, getting ready for the wedding.”
“I’ve been with Dax nonstop. He can handle a few minutes without my presence.”
She laughs, and my chest expands.
“Well, thank you for looking out for me,” she says.
“Part of my responsibilities is to be a good host.” I grin.
Lola hugs her sister, and Isla gets back in the car.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Isla says.
They both laugh, and I wonder what Lola has told her about me. Does she know how serious we were? Sometimes I’m not sure if I just built it all up in my head, or if our relationship was always one-sided.
I wave at Isla, whose smile is pensive as she drives away. Lola and I follow the signs to the wedding, and when we reach the part of the garden overlooking the water, I pause as Lola takes it all in.
“Wow. Gorgeous,” she says.
She takes her jacket off, and I groan. Thankfully, she doesn’t hear me.
I run a hand over my face, reminding myself to breathe.
Her dress is a deep wine color that highlights her tattoos perfectly and clings like a second skin.
The neckline dips low enough to tease, and when she turns, it’s a whole new amazing view.
Thin straps cross in the back, leaving most of her spine bare.
She takes a step, and a subtle slit flashes a bit of her thigh.
My gaze lingers on every inch of her. The waves curling up her forearm catch the light, and the flower at her elbow blooms against a rich color. I like that she doesn’t play it safe with the art on her skin.
I help her find a seat and then spend the next forty minutes sneaking glances at her before and during the wedding. I catch her eye several times when Dax is especially mushy, and her shoulders shake with laughter as I lift my eyebrows.
As soon as the ceremony is over, I find her, and we walk to the tent.
“You were right about Dax. I can tell he is a new man.” She laughs. “I’m not sure I would’ve fully believed it if I hadn’t seen him wiping tears off his face today.”
“Right? He’s a goner.”
Dax and Skye are glowing near the head table.
“Let’s go say hi,” I say.
We weave through clusters of guests, my hand guiding her without quite touching, until we reach Dax and Skye. Dax spots us first, breaking into that wide, easy grin of his.
“Lola!” He pulls her into a bear hug. “You made it. It’s great to see you.”
“You too. Gorgeous wedding,” she says as she steps back.
Then Dax turns, arm sliding around the woman beside him. “That’s because of this one right here. My wife.” He grins at Skye, and Lola and I both laugh. It does take some getting used to, seeing Dax so captivated. “Lola, this is Skye. Skye, Lola.”
Skye smiles, bright and genuine, extending her hand. She’s beautiful inside and out, and I couldn’t be happier for my friend.
“Hi,” she says warmly. “I’ve heard so much about you, Lola. All good, I promise.”
“Nice to finally meet you. Congratulations—everything has been so beautiful, and you look stunning.”
“Thank you.” She glances around and shakes her head, laughing. “I keep waiting for someone to tell me it’s time to wake up.”
Dax snorts. “She’s been saying that since I proposed. Like she’s the lucky one.”
Skye elbows him lightly. “I am the lucky one.” She looks at Lola again, her hand moving to my date’s arm. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
We chat for a few more minutes about the menu.
Skye insists the lobster rolls are life-changing.
And then we move on to how Dax cried during the vows, which he good-naturedly laughs off.
Before we turn to sit down, we agree with Skye that we’ll dance as soon as the floor opens up to everyone.
Dax throws us a mock salute over his shoulder, and Lola and I find our seats.
“She’s great,” Lola says quietly.
Our food comes quickly, and we both pick at it, pausing to say hello to a few people who come to the table.
When it’s just us again, I lean forward, elbows on the table, voice low. I can’t take my eyes off her for two seconds. “Jesus, Lola,” I finally say. “You in that dress.”
She laughs softly. “This old thing?”
“It’s criminal. Or Trouble.” I smile as my eyes drop to her tattoos, then back up.
We stare at each other until she finally inhales.
“What?” she asks quietly.
“Just thinking about you and me,” I admit, my voice dropping lower. “Feels like one wrong move, and everything might ignite.”
She traces the rim of her own glass with a fingertip, a slow, deliberate circle that I can’t look away from. “But what if there are no wrong moves on the island?” Her eyes meet mine again, dark and inviting.
I lean in just enough that our arms nearly brush. The scent of her wraps around me. “Then I’d fan the flames,” I murmur. “And savor the heat until it’s unbearable. Until it completely consumes us.”
A faint flush creeps up her neck, but she doesn’t back down. Instead, she lets out a soft laugh, the sound vibrating through me. “That sounds dangerous. But fun.”
The band starts a slow song, and after the first dance, couples drift to the small dance floor.
“We said we’d dance.” I stand, offering my hand. “But I haven’t forgotten about the fire.”
“I’d be disappointed if you had,” she says.
I don’t know what we’re doing, but I’m determined not to overthink it.
I take her hand and lead her to the dance floor.
When she turns to face me, I tug her body against mine.
It feels right. Like she never left, and like we’ve been separated for a lifetime—I close my eyes and enjoy every place our bodies touch. Her skin is so soft.
We spin and laugh and drink more champagne. Everything blurs into heat and the intoxicating pull between us.
I let myself feel it all.