Without a Hitch(51)

“We all have struggles,” she says kindly. “Now, let’s get ready. I’m getting married in an hour!”

In the scheme of things, this really is the most bizarre wedding I’ve done for my growing business, but it’s also the easiest. At least, that’s what I think until I’m walking down the aisle and my skin sizzles with tension.

I’m the only bridesmaid. I don’t have anyone to babysit or fires to put out, so I keep telling myself that my senses are hyperfocused for no reason. But then Blaine leans forward, sticking his gorgeous face into my view six pews in front of me.

Is this some kind of sick karmic game? He wasn’t at Jenni Carson’s wedding last week. But it can’t be a coincidence that at a wedding with fewer than twenty guests, he’s one of them.

Nova turns next to him and flashes me a mischievous grin. This is her doing, I’m sure of it. Or I could be thinking way too highly of myself, and this really is just a coincidence. Since rich people tend to hang out with other rich people, anything is possible. The closer I get to him, the darker his gaze becomes, and I know we’re stuck in a weird version of cat and mouse.

I shake my head as I pass, barely acknowledging him, and almost fall on my face when he grabs the back of my dress. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Phoebe just behind the door laughing at his antics. She obviously knows him, but he just crossed the line with me.

“Let. Go,” I hiss.

“Not unless you promise to give me five minutes after the ceremony.”

“Let. Go.”

“Promise me, Pepper.”

My eyes shoot fire, and he drops the gauzy material.

“Five minutes,” he repeats, but I move toward my position so Phoebe can be the star of this show.

No matter how hard I try, my gaze involuntarily shifts back to the man who haunts my dreams. I’ve tried telling myself that we want different things. That we aren’t compatible. That it was just a two-night stand. But two nights with the man have seemingly fried my resolve.

Big blue eyes track mine. Blaine shifts to listen to something his sister whispers into his ear, but his eyes never waver from mine. My skin heats under the scrutiny, and as he trails his gaze down my body, I swear I can feel his tongue. My pussy clenches, and I admonish her for her betrayal, but it’s no use. Every piece of my soul is drawn to him. Every piece except my head because my brain knows exactly how this ends.

On the couch with multiple pints of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, four boxes of tissues, and me swearing off all men for eternity. Yes, I’ve been there once or twice, and he has heartache written all over his stupidly handsome face.

He tucks away the phone that rarely leaves his hand, all while keeping his focus entirely on me.

It’s a heady feeling, being watched by Blaine. Addicting too. But I can’t get caught up in this madness.

I have dreams and goals. I have aspirations for a full and happy life. For me, that means marriage.

But what about a little fun along the way, Titty? Freaking Mable has a way of worming herself into my consciousness like cigarette smoke in carpet.

Blaine stands, clapping along with the handful of other guests, and I realize I’ve missed the entire ceremony. I turn to Phoebe, and my eyes mist with tears for her happiness.

“You ready?” I ask.

She nods, tears spilling onto her cheeks, and we rush out a side door. Jonas stays behind to speak to the guests.

“Thank you for doing this,” she says. “I mean it. This isn’t the wedding I thought I’d have, but it’s exactly what I needed to start the rest of my life on my own terms.”

I can’t help myself—I need to know. “Are you sad that your dream wedding didn’t come to fruition?”

Phoebe stares at me, unblinking, then slowly shakes her head. “No, Abby. I’m not. Dreams are meant to change. We’re not stagnant or paper dolls. If the dreams we have as children don’t adjust to the changes in our life, they’re just that. Dreams. I’m starting my life with the best man I’ve ever met, on my terms. I don’t feel like I missed out on anything. Everyone that’s coming to the supposed wedding tomorrow night? They don’t know us or care about us. They’re friends of our parents, colleagues, social climbers searching for the next big thing. Everyone that matters to us is here. That’s my dream, Abby. To be surrounded by love. The rest of it is just stuff that doesn’t matter.”

Stuff that doesn’t matter. God, my heart hurts.

“That’s beautiful. I’m so happy I could help,” I say honestly as I strip down to my bra and panties.

I also realize how much I mean it. The other weddings I’ve taken on have been about thwarting other people living selfish lives to make sure the bride has the time of her life. Today was about ensuring everything was simply about the couple. Their love. Just as it should be.

Phoebe hands me her wedding gown, and I give her my dress. As we slip into them, we both laugh.

“This is not exactly how I envisioned wearing a wedding dress in a church for the first time,” I admit. “But it’s perfect, just the same.”

I turn so she can help tie the sash we added to cinch the waist a little, and I adjust her skirt. When we’re presentable, I open the double doors that lead back to the altar. Blaine's gaze widens as if he’s been watching the door since I left. His mouth falls open with an unreadable expression. I stare as his cheeks flush and his left eye twitches.