Without a Hitch(19)

Perhaps that’s all I need to get out of my head. A hard, fast fuck.

I send Angie a quick text as the wedding proceeds with words I don’t hear.

Lochlan: Cancel my calls for the night.

Angie: Cancel them? All?

Lochlan: Yes. I’ll be staying at the reception after all.

Angie: Uh-huh. What’s her name?

Lochlan: No name. Just trying to have some fun…at your suggestion, I’ll remind you.

Angie: Right. Meetings canceled. You’re free until 11 AM tomorrow. (winky face emoji) Did she seriously just use an emoji? I’ve never seen her use one before, and it confounds me momentarily. Glancing up, I find Pepper’s gaze on me with that amused expression that makes me want to lick every inch of her, and I’m disarmed for an entirely different reason.

I don’t hear the rest of the ceremony. I don’t acknowledge the well-wishers sitting to my right. I don’t see anyone but Pepper.

As the bridal procession exits down the aisle, I wait for her to glance up as she passes, but her gaze stays singularly focused on the woman in front of her.

Did she just snub me?

I’ve never been snubbed in my life.

Why the hell does that make me like her that much more?

No! Not like. I’m intrigued, that’s all. Liking her indicates I want more than a one-night stand, and that’s not what I want. Not at all. I scowl. Even I don’t believe the bullshit forming in my head. But one night is all I’ll allow.

My determination is stronger than my hormones.

Maybe her breath will smell like sweaty armpits. Or maybe she’ll talk with her mouth full.

Something about her is sure to extinguish this instant fascination. It always does. With a slightly heavier heart, I follow the other guests to the cocktail hour to find out what it is about Pepper that I’ll hate.

“LOCH! I can’t believe you’re still here. I expected you to cut out as soon as the ceremony ended.”

I take my martini from the bartender and turn to find my friend Tyler standing with his new bride.

For the life of me, I can’t remember her name.

“Tyler, come now. Would I skip out on your big day?”

“Yes.” He laughs, clapping me on the back. “In all the years I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you stay for a reception. Not even your mother’s.” I nearly flinch, but I hold a fake smile in place after years of practice. “Loch, this is Jenna. I can’t believe you two haven’t met before now.”

Holding out my hand, I gently shake hers. “That’s probably my fault,” I admit. “I work all the time.”

“So I’ve heard.” She smiles. When she peers up at Tyler, I see it in her gaze. Love. For now, my inner asshole adds. “Well, I’m really glad you could make it.”

“It was a wonderful ceremony,” I redirect. “You have a very attractive wedding party. I’m sorry I was unable to participate.” Tyler laughs. I do not. “Are all the ladies friends of yours?”

Jenna’s grin turns mischievous. “Most of them, yes. Anyone in particular you were interested in, Lochlan?”

“No, no. Nothing like that,” I say smoothly. “One of them looks familiar. I believe she was fourth in line. Long, dark hair?”

Jenna and Tyler share an uncomfortable expression before Jenna turns back. “Yes, that’s my friend Abby. Abby Chambers. She’s amazing.”

Abby? My gaze darts around the room as I frown. Abby is much too plain for her. Who the fuck named her Abby? I immediately hate it.

“I can see that,” I say neutrally. And truly, I can. I wouldn’t be standing here if she were anything less than mesmerizing. “She seemed to have her hands full with another bridesmaid.” I take a slow sip of my cocktail and watch Jenna’s reaction. She doesn’t have a great game face.

“Ah, yeah. She’s been…”

“That’s Jenna’s stepsister, Olivia. She’s been a real pain in the ass. Abby has been a lifesaver at keeping her in check,” Tyler explains.

Huh. That’s interesting. I surreptitiously glance around, searching again for the infamous Abby, but can’t find her. Even thinking the name causes a scowl, and I mentally replace it with Pepper.

Jenna giggles beside me. “Are you smitten, Lochlan?”

She catches me off guard this time, and I choke on my drink. “No,” I almost hiss. “Smitten”—the word sounds dirty coming from my mouth—“is not in my genetic makeup.”

“Well, if you were, I’d probably tell you that she’s in the restroom making sure Olivia doesn’t try to throw a bucket of paint on me or something equally as evil.”

“So, she’s a babysitter?”

Tyler shifts and doesn’t quite meet my gaze.

“She’s my friend, doing what good friends do. She’s making sure my day goes off without a hitch.

That’s what friends are for, Lochlan.”

“Of course. Congratulations to you both. I wish you a lifetime of happiness.” Chumps.

Love doesn’t last a lifetime. A night, a month, possibly a year, but never a lifetime.

“Thanks, Loch. We need to make our rounds. I’ll catch up with you in a bit?”

“Absolutely. I’ll be here.”