45. Paige #2
I look down at my dress to hide the blush rising in my cheeks.
“Thank you. The dress is beautiful.” I fell in love with it the first time I’ve seen it.
The baby blue satin fabric is elegant and graceful, and it’s super flattering, gathered at the chest and stomach before falling smoothly to the floor.
“I wasn’t talking about the dress.”
My mouth parts on an ‘oh,’ my body’s reaction to his words visceral.
In less than a second, my nipples harden and wetness pools in my core.
It would be so easy to forget why the two of us are a bad idea, but I need to be smarter than that.
I’m glad Dad found someone who makes him happy, yet it doesn’t mean love is meant for me.
“I need to find my seat,” I respond politely.
“Of course. I’ll see you later.” He places a large hand on my upper arm, and his touch burns through my skin.
Finally, I exit the house and inhale sharply.
The typically manicured, but empty backyard is now fully decorated for an outdoor wedding.
To the right, there’s a large white tent, with string lights hanging underneath the ceiling.
To the left, there’s a gorgeous arbor made entirely out of white peonies.
The aisle adorned with white rose petals separates the rows of wooden chairs decorated with ivory tulle bows.
Brenda—the maid of honor—waves at me while Dad’s oldest colleague and best man smiles.
He started the company with our dad and probably holds the record for the most experienced best man, considering he’s held the spot at five weddings with the same groom.
The mood is intimate and cozy, with only their closest friends and family filling the rows, and no bridesmaids or groomsmen keeping them company.
Jordan and Emma soon join me, and we find our spots in the first row.
Throughout the ceremony, I barely maintain my composure.
Even though it’s wedding number five for our dad, this one is special.
It’s obvious in the way the bride and groom stare at one another as if they see the world in each other’s eyes.
Moisture forms in the corners of my own as I stare in awe at the two people declaring their love to one another.
They’ve both experienced their own fair share of hurt, but here they are, ready to dive in headfirst again.
An ache starts in my chest, as regret takes its form in the pit of my belly.
Still, I’m happy for them and clap louder than everyone else when the officiant pronounces them husband and wife.
The seating arrangement sabotages my plan of avoiding Ryan.
Like a replay of the Bahamas, Jordan, Emma, Ryan, and I are sharing a space, only this time it’s the family table at the reception.
I try to hide behind the tall vases adorned with white peonies, but his broad shoulders are somehow always in my line of vision.
The only reprieve I get is when Dad serenades Kim with a horrible rendition of Fly Me to the Moon on the piano.
The man has never played the piano before, but apparently he’s been taking lessons ever since he asked her to marry him.
We all swoon at the gesture, regardless of the missed chords and off-key singing.
The DJ takes over after him, inviting us all to the podium. I’m three drinks in when my twin betrays me by getting up to dance with her wife, leaving me alone with Ryan.
I keep my gaze on the dance floor to avoid looking at his perfect form, but he slides into the chair next to me. A relieved breath escapes me when two other people join us at the table.
The mustached one speaks first, and my relief quickly vanishes. “You must be Paige, the stepsister.” His smirk makes him devastatingly handsome, his dark brown eyes gleaming underneath thick eyebrows.
“And you must be Parker,” I respond. Surprise crosses his features, and I pump a fist internally.
“Come on, Parker. Don’t tease her. I’m Wes, by the way.” He puts out his hand for me to shake, and I take it. Wes is just as handsome as Parker, but in a more nerdy, wholesome way.
“Nice to meet you, Wes.”
“Your mom looks amazing, man. And she seems really happy.” This time, Parker’s tone sounds honest.
“Yeah, I think she is.” Ryan flashes a sincere smile, shooting me a quick glance that pierces straight to my chest.
A young girl in a peach-colored dress and white ballet flats skips to our table. “Daddy, can I go dance?”
“Of course, princess. I’ll join you soon,” Parker responds, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
She flashes a toothy grin before her gaze lands on me. “Who are you?”
“Chrissy, this is Paige. Paige, this is Chrissy,” Ryan introduces us.
“You’re the girl?” Chrissy exclaims, making Wes spit out his drink and Parker’s lips tip up with pride.
“Erm…I…” I struggle to find words when Parker jumps to my rescue.
“Kim’s waiting for you on the dance floor, princess.
You can’t disappoint the bride on her wedding day,” he tells her, and Chrissy runs off toward Kim with wide, panicked eyes.
“Sorry about that.” Parker turns to me. He’s still smirking, making me question his apology.
“Kids say the darndest things. You’ll get used to it. ”
My brain sticks to his last sentence. Why would I get used to it? What did Ryan tell them about us? I open my mouth to speak, but Parker has already changed the subject.
“So, book club on Tuesday? I can do around six o’clock.” Parker points at Ryan. I guess that is the book club he mentioned while we were flying to the Bahamas.
“I’ll actually be out of the country,” Ryan replies, glancing at me again, this time more nervous.
He’s leaving the country? The thought settles like a rock in my stomach.
“Are you serious? I chose that book specifically for you.” Parker crosses his arms in front of his broad chest. “There’s plenty of tentacle action, which might explain some purchases.”
Heat floods my face and chest as embarrassment washes over me. I try to play it off, but Ryan obviously notices my frozen, flushed appearance.
“Like I said. I won’t be in the country. Now, if you’ll excuse us.” He rises from his chair and gently lifts my elbow before I take the hint and get up, too.
I let him lead me to the dance floor, my heart thrumming nervously. He pulls me in close, sneaking a hand behind my back.
His lips reach my ear casually while my mind loses it. “Relax, Paige. They don’t know it’s you. They have no idea about the tentacle dildo sitting in the drawer of your dresser, nor how good it looked inside your pussy.”
My eyes widen to saucers while I check if someone heard him.
Ryan lets out an easygoing chuckle. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist messing with you. But honestly, relax. Dance with me.”
It’s then I realize we’re standing frozen in the middle of the dance floor, so I let him sway me from side to side. His touch warms my skin as the slow beat of the music carries our bodies. We dance until I feel hypnotized by the rhythm, by the movement, by him.
A glance up reveals his gorgeous smile, and everything crashes into me all at once.
The beauty of the wedding, the alcohol from my drinks, his spicy vanilla scent, the feel of his muscular back under my fingertips, and all the affection I’ve been trying to suppress.
It forms into a ball in my belly, rising up to my chest, throat, and eyes.
“Excuse me,” I croak out. “I need some air.” My hands drop from his back, gathering the hem of my dress to help me walk faster. I pace out of the tent, searching for somewhere I can be alone.
“Paige…”
I hear Ryan calling after me, but I make quick work of disappearing into the house. Luckily, I know this house like the back of my hand. I end up in the sunroom on the first floor. It’s dark outside, but the glass ceiling gives you a stunning view of the stars.
My back hits the backrest of a wicker sofa, and my gaze lifts up, hoping to clear my head, when Ryan’s voice breaks through the thick fog of my thoughts. “Paige…”
“I just needed a minute.” I keep my gaze on the stars above. “It’s a beautiful wedding.”