Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare, #1)(6)

He didn’t have another word for it, even if that one didn’t make any sense.

The second he’d wrapped his arms around her, something inside him shifted. As if he needed to kiss her to make her feel better. As if kissing her would make him feel better. It had been obvious and frightening. The second their mouths met, her soft lips trembling under his, everything felt right. Perfect.

And now, here they were. Should he say something to her? Break the silence? But what was he supposed to say? Sorry for popping your cherry and not talking to you for eight years. But, hey, can I buy you a drink? Somehow, that didn’t seem sufficient for the hatred she must feel for him by now.

Unable to resist, he looked her way again. Her deep-red hair shone in the dim candlelight, making her stand out among the roomful of blondes and brunettes. He couldn’t see her eyes, but he knew they would be as blue as the sky on a summer day.

When she smiled…ah, when she smiled, an adorable dimple popped out to play. She only had one—not two. He knew she hated it. He’d once told her he thought it was adorable. Still did.

An elbow slammed into his ribs, and Kady hugged him tight. “You’re here!”

“Of course I’m here,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “Did you think I wouldn’t be?”

“I don’t know,” she said, her voice muffled by his chest. “Maybe a little bit. You’re always in some crazy country or another.”

He sighed and let go of her. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world and you know it.”

“Yeah, well, you are a hotshot chief now.”

Kady, of course, referred to his promotion at work in Portland, Oregon. He’d been named the newest chief of Emergency Medicine at Good Samaritan Hospital. He’d come back to the States just a month or so ago, and would be staying for at least a year before he’d take a leave of absence to return overseas.

He knew that sooner rather than later, he would get that itch to travel again. He was like an adrenaline junkie, and his rush of choice was helping people who couldn’t otherwise get help in dangerous places. It would only be a matter of time before that was his life again.

“Hey. Pay attention to me.” She poked him in the ribs. “You look like you’re miles away…again.”

He smiled down at his little sister. Her brown hair was smooth and shiny, and she looked so damn happy. It was a little crazy that it was his childhood friend who’d made her feel that way, but whatever. “Sorry, it didn’t tell me I should pay attention to you on my itinerary. It just said ‘bridesmaids to gather for drinks in the Osprey Lounge.’”

“Oh, stop teasing. I know how you like to be in control all the time—admit it. You love it,” Kady said, hugging him tightly and laughing. “Julie went above and beyond.”

“I noticed,” he said drily. “Is there really a scavenger hunt?”

“Yep! This is going to be the most epic wedding ever, and I expect you to show up at every single event, no matter how big of a title you have in front of your name now.” She beamed at Colt, who’d been standing by her side silently throughout the whole conversation. “I’m so happy we’re all here together.”

“Congrats on the job, by the way,” Colt said, nodding his head. “That’s a big jump.”

“Thank you.” He shook Colt’s hand, trying not to glower at him. Because he was happy for them. He really was. But he was still wrapping his head around the fact that his old buddy was about to become his future brother-in-law…and seeing his little sister naked on a daily basis. It was f*cking weird. “But the real congrats go to you for marrying my sister.”

“Of course,” Colt agreed, his warm eyes on Kady. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Kady and Colt shared one of those wordless exchanges that couples could do. He’d like to think he would find the same kind of happiness, one day. If he ever got to the point where his career didn’t own him body and soul.

As if on their own accord, his eyes strayed to where Christine sat. She shoved back from the table and stood up unsteadily. When she wobbled, looking as if she might tumble, he stepped forward—which was a stupid move. He was too far away to catch her, anyway. What had he expected to do? Grow extend-o-arms to save the girl? He’d already tried to be her savior in Mexico, and look how lovely that turned out.

When she righted herself and headed for the door, everything inside him shouted to follow her. But their last encounter had been a huge failure. He’d rehearsed a whole f*cking speech in his head when he’d walked down the hall to get ice, and she had run away. Hell, he deserved it. Once upon a time he’d run from her, too. Karma was a bitch.

He forced his attention back to his sister. Kady wobbled on her feet. This time, he was close enough to catch the girl. He steadied his sister, holding her in his arms, and shot her a disproving glance. “Jesus. How much did you girls drink before we got here?”

She snorted. “Enough to laugh at the look you’re giving me.”

“Don’t worry, Tyler. She’s not your responsibility anymore.” Colt held his arms open. “I’ll take her off your hands.”

She wasn’t his to protect anymore, and that was something he’d have to get used to. Kady was right when she said he liked being in control. He liked knowing all was well with those he cared about. But he would have to back off. He released her, and she moved into Colt’s arms. Colt hugged her close, his whole body relaxing the second she touched him.