Chapter Fifteen
Melonie
M y hand is shaking as I pour a glass of champagne. I need a drink after that exchange with Linc. His words have me lit up. The feeling of his hand on my neck was like every dirty fantasy I’ve ever had. I’m taking deep, controlled breaths as I bring my glass to my lips. Gigi is walking toward me, and I need to at least appear normal.
“Where are Jax and Audrey? And why are you sweaty?”
Damn it.
“I think they snuck away to do newlywed things if I had to guess. And I’m not sweaty.”
“Yeah, okay.” She eyes me with suspicion. “I hope they serve dinner as soon as we get to the ballroom for the reception. I’m starving.”
“Same. This champagne is going to hit me hard if I don’t get some food in me.”
Gigi pours herself a glass and taps mine to toast. “Well, she’s married. I say that was a success.”
“It was beautiful. At this pace, you and Lewis will be up next.”
Gigi looks down at her glass. “Doubt it. Lewis told me he doesn’t believe in marriage.”
Linc and Marcus approach us. Marcus pours two glasses and passes one to Linc.
“Sounds like a winner, Genevieve.”
My eyes go wide and flicker between Gigi and Marcus. Holy shit, no one calls her by her full name.
“Thanks for your concern, Prince, but not everyone needs a piece of paper to keep a commitment.”
Gigi has always been quick with nicknames. She started calling Marcus ‘Prince’ the first night we all hung out at the fundraiser. She said with his longer, wavy hair, and the fact that he’s set to take over his dad’s business, it fit.
Marcus stares at her over his glass as he takes a drink. Linc gives me a “what the fuck?” look, and I shrug. Thank goodness, at that moment, Henry, Emma, Jax, and Audrey all walk into the room to break the tension. Henry and Emma seem calm, with big smiles. Jax looks bright-eyed, but a little disheveled, and Audrey’s hair is missing most of the pearl pins that had surrounded her updo.
Audrey kisses Jax’s cheek, then leaves him to join Gigi and me.
Gigi smirks, handing her a drink. “You guys did it in the bathroom, didn’t you?”
Audrey’s cheeks go red. “Keep your voice down. Jax’s dad is right there.” She grins, softening her voice to a whisper. “I held out as long as I could after seeing him in that tux.”
We laugh as she blows out a heavy breath and ogles her new husband across the room.