When she’d leaned into me, peering up at me with those troubled chocolate eyes, my gaze had fallen to her mouth, and for a dangerous instant, I’d forgotten she was my best friend and just wanted to taste those lips and kiss her troubles away, if only for the moment.
I scrubbed a hand down my face as I waited for Julie in the lobby. Worry and helplessness over being so damn far away from her once we left Vegas had my mind wandering to crazy places, and I needed to get it together.
“Geez, Clark. Rough night?”
I pivoted around to find Julie behind me, her arms crossed as she stalked over. Her smoky eyes danced as they found mine, her chestnut waves swaying back and forth over her shoulders as she shook her head at me.
“Did Vegas get the best of you last night after all?” she asked as she smoothed the lapels of my suit jacket. “Or did you Google?”
A sheepish smile pulled at my lips.
“You got me. I met a showgirl by one of the craps tables, and the night got away from us.” I swept my gaze up and down her body, trying to be quick enough not to be obvious. Her off-the-shoulder green dress clung to the curves she had no reason to want to hide. I had to fight the urge to peek at the mid-thigh slit teasing her long legs.
“This dress is also a little tighter than when I bought it, but—” she shrugged as she glanced down her body “—I think I can get away with it.”
“You more than get away with it. You’re breathtaking.”
“Thank you.” A blush stained her cheeks as a slow smile curved her lips. “And you’re pretty handsome for just coming off a bender.” She kissed my cheek and curled her hand around my bicep. “DonotGoogle. Believe me, it doesn’t help. I promise to be honest with you from now on, and you can go by what I tell you. Okay?”
“Okay,” I agreed, but I couldn’t promise. I was known at work for researching everything to death, especially with a new client or company venture. I didn’t like surprises and felt better when I was prepared.
This was the first time I’d looked something up in an attempt to beat it and came away with more questions than answers.
“And about last night, by the fountains. I know it got weird for a minute, and I’m sorry—”
“Stop,” she said, pressing her hand to my chest. “It was an emotional day, for both of us. And after feeling ugly and useless for the past few months, I know there are worse things than a gorgeous man almost kissing me. So don’t worry about that either.”
I tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and cupped her chin. She looked just as healthy as she ever had, and I wanted to forget what she’d told me as much as she wanted me to. I’d try as hard as I could for a day.
“We have a wedding to go to.” I crooked my arm. “You really do look beautiful.”
“Back at you.” She slid her arm against my elbow. “The shoes aren’t so nice, but tiny wedges are all I can get away with. At least only one person this morning asked why I was limping.”
I looked away and clenched my eyes shut in an effort to reset myself, even if it only lasted for a few hours.
“We aren’t going to worry about any of that. At least for tonight.” I led her across the lobby floor toward the chapel. “Think Vegas weddings have cake?”
“God, I hope so.” She dropped her head to my shoulder as we strode across the shiny marble. Not worrying was easier said than done, and I’d have to somehow take her word for it about how she was feeling. I resolved to try to enjoy my best friend’s company without worrying about what would happen to her after we parted ways in the morning.
When we arrived at the chapel, it didn’t seem like a Vegas wedding at all. The simple white chairs were draped with purple flowers and framed a white aisle runner with an ornate purple design. It was elegant and simple without flash, perfect for Dean and Maria.
I spotted Dean pacing back and forth near the end of the aisle. He breathed out a long exhale when he noticed us.
“So, how do I look?”
Dean motioned down his body as we walked into the wedding chapel. He wore a black tuxedo over his broad frame, and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen him out of jeans. Dean worked in jeans and boots at the construction company he owned and hated dressing up. I smiled, remembering the argument he’d had with Maria at a friend’s wedding for constantly smoothing the inside of his collar because the tie was “choking him.”
It was a big contrast to the man I was looking at now. Bouncing with excitement and showing off his suit as he waited for his bride.
“You clean up very well,” I said, squeezing his shoulder. “I’m so damn happy for you.”
“Me too,” Julie said and kissed his cheek. “Your bride is going to be blown away.”
“Thanks,” he whispered, a soft grin spreading across his mouth. “Is it dumb that I’m a little nervous? We went this route because it was easier than a big wedding, but my stomach is doing flips the closer it gets to one o’clock.”
“Not at all,” Julie said, shaking her head. “That means you’re excited. And you should be. This is going to be a great day.”
“I hope so.” Dean rubbed the back of his neck. “Thank God we only have twenty guests.”
