“Ma!”
Nettie blows herself a kiss in the mirror. “Some of us can’t climb that mountain anymore, so go enjoy the view.”
Jaclyn rubs her temples. “Mother.”
“If you wake up sore tomorrow, congratulations.”
I smile at them all. “Don’t half-ass it. Climb the mountain. And aim for sore. Got it.”
The girls laugh as they push me out the door. Tess would love them all.
Maybe one day I’ll bring her to an event with them.
But today, enough about Tess.
I walk down the stairs and step outside. The cool night skims bare skin, but doesn’t bite.
He’s already there.
Leaning against the stone railing. His tux is immaculate, with sharp lines, crisp white shirt, and black bow tie. I like him in a suit. I’d like to peel it off him even better.
And the moment he looks up, I know.
Whatever this is, whatever we’re becoming, it’s already written all over his face.
“Hey.” My voice is soft.
He straightens. “Hey.” His hand drops from the railing.
There’s a beat.
Maybe two.
Neither of us moves.
“You, uh...” He exhales a laugh, shaking his head once. “Wow.” His eyes drag slow from my heels to my hair.
I lift an eyebrow, pretending my heart isn’t doing something reckless. “Wow, good, or wow I-should-go-back-inside?”
“Wow, like—” He stops. “You’re beautiful.”
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” I let my eyes take their time. “A tux suits you.”
His mouth curves into that sexy smile. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. And wearing a shirt.”
He chuckles, warm and low, and another pause settles between us.
This one is heavier. Fuller. Like something’s about to tip us over the edge of everything.
He steps closer.
Our eyes lock, and he lifts his arm.
Slowly.
His hand hovers by my cheek, palm open, not quite touching.
