Love on Beach Avenue(64)

Avery dove through the doors with a wide smile. “Almost ready?” she sang, pretending to fuss with Selena’s gown.

The bride frowned. “That’s not the entry song. Is everything okay? Did Gus get down the aisle? I heard laughing.”

“Gus was a big hit,” she said. “He’s sitting nicely by Adam’s feet. We had a tiny tear in the runner, so we’re just patching it so you don’t trip.”

“A tear? How? Did someone trip? Oh my God, was it Gus’s paw?”

Her father patted her arm. “Sweetheart, calm down. Avery said it’s all fine. Now, are we ready to walk down the aisle?”

She gave a prayer of thanks for good FOBs and watched her bride settle in. “Ready.”

She hoped it was enough of a stall, because they both began moving toward the front doors. Wrapping her grip around the heavy latch, she counted to three in her head, then slowly opened them. Everyone stood.

The aisle was clear.

The singer saw her, nodded to the organist, and the classic strains of the “Wedding March” began. From here, Avery could see the pale-silver outline of the tea towel covering the bad spot, but they’d done their best under the circumstances. She looked around and spotted Carter standing off to the side, hands clasped behind his back, his tall, lean length a quiet, supportive presence.

He winked.

Her heart melted.

Selena walked toward her groom and didn’t seem to notice or care about the tea towel. Her father lifted her veil, kissed her cheek, and gave her hand to Adam. As the bride turned, Avery caught the look of pure joy and magic on her face as she stared at the man she loved and claimed as her own for life.

Emotion choked her throat.

Too bad it was something Carter didn’t believe in.

She shored up her defenses, got her head back in the game, and concentrated on giving the bride and groom their perfect happily ever after.



She was magnificent.

Carter watched Avery weave her way through the crowds like a ninja—ready to battle at a moment’s notice, but invisible to the general crowd. The reception was in full swing, and he’d never felt so damn tired in his life. He’d been running around nonstop, taking care of endless tasks that popped up. Everything ached, from his head to his feet, and through it all, the woman never lost her cool or her charm. The idea she did this every weekend the entire spring and summer was more than impressive. And this was just “live time,” as she’d termed it. All the months of prep work led up to this one day. All her efforts and sweat and time were for the purpose of making one couple happy as they embarked on a life together.

The entirety of her work humbled him. There were so many layers he itched to explore, so many secrets to uncover with this fascinating woman, and he would never get the chance.

He remembered how she’d burned up in his arms a few nights ago. The honeyed taste of her mouth and feel of her pussy squeezing his fingers. The look on her face when she came and arched for more. The hazy sheen of satisfaction in her hazel eyes when he held her afterward, making him feel like a god.

But she’d walked away, and he didn’t blame her. He wasn’t what she wanted. A woman who embarked on relationships with the goal of marriage and white picket fences didn’t belong with a man like him. He’d made that vow long ago, when he saw how love destroyed and ripped apart his own family.

Yet . . .

She haunted him. When Gabe called, he’d been caught between the raw need to see her, and the fear he wouldn’t be able to watch her leave again. Gabe had been trying to do him a favor by allowing him a peek into her world. Carter was damn grateful. Gaining a front seat to watch her in action was a gift, even though being close to her was slow torture.

He stood in the back of the room and chugged water. The cake was done, and the bulk of the party was behind them. The alcohol and music had done their job well. Dancers crowded the floor, throwing up hands and stomping feet to a classic disco song that made Carter wince. Still, watching the families and friends make sentimental toasts, share first dances, and cheer on the new couple affected him more than he’d imagined. For the first time seeing a wedding close-up, he began to understand why Avery would find it important.

“Hey, you the new assistant?”

Carter turned. The photographer—Pierce—checked him out with a frank assessment that made him instantly tense. Was he another of Avery’s admirers? Or like Gabe, was he just part of her day-to-day world at Sunshine Bridal? “Hell no. I’d get fired within the week.” He put out his hand. “Carter Ross. We haven’t met, but Avery’s planning a wedding for my sister, Ally. Been wanting to stop by and introduce myself.”

Pierce shook his hand. “Yeah, I remember now. I’m doing Ally’s wedding in two weeks. Sorry for assuming you were a new hire. I’m burnt, been a long day.”

“No problem. It was actually nice to see you in action today. I know my sister will be in good hands.”

“Thanks.” Pierce rolled his neck and groaned. “Nice save with the dog debacle, by the way.”

Carter grinned. “Credit for that goes to Avery’s quick thinking.”

“She always has something in her pocket. She’s got a better save record than a major-league relief pitcher. What happened to Gabe?”

“Got sick. He called me to see if I could help out.”