She listened intently and squeezed his arm when it was time to go.This was slightly different from last night when the chapel was empty.Now it was filled with close to a hundred guests.Friends and family of both the bride and groom sat, their eager eyes following Evan and Mercedes as they led the pack down the aisle.Being the center of attention wasn’t his favorite pastime, but it wasn’t often his sister got married so he’d suck it up.He had Mercedes on his arm, which helped immensely.
When they reached the front, Blake and Harrison stood side by side, Blake anxiously awaiting his bride.Thank God this man loved his sister.Evan could relax.Unfortunately, Mercedes went left, and he had to go to the right.He’d rather stand next to her than his brother.
Today, he followed directions and kept his gaze on the front as Annie came down with Brian, then Deanna glided toward them.He felt the music change, and suddenly all the guests stood.They were finally able to watch as Carli practically floated down the aisle on their father’s arm.Her gaze strayed to the man waiting for her, and a large smile crossed her face when she saw him.His beaming grin showed his anticipation.
A glance toward Mercedes made him grin as she wiped a small tear from her eye, yet a perfect smile stayed on her lips.He winked at her and nodded, and her gaze let him know she appreciated the support.
The minister began the ceremony, and Evan kind of tuned out.He couldn’t hear any of it anyway.The interpreter stood to the side for the congregation to view, but he hated focusing on her when he could be watching Carli’s expressive face as she promised to love, honor, and cherish.
When Blake eased Carli into his arms and kissed her tenderly, Evan’s heart opened up.He’d never been the type to cry at weddings, but for some reason seeing his sister so happy brought intense joy to him as well.Another glance at Mercedes had her staring back at him.This time he smiled at her like she was the most precious person in his life.He loved his family, but this thing he and Mercedes had started was pulling him under, and he didn’t want to be rescued.
When the happy couple were declared husband and wife and walked back up the aisle, it was time for him to touch Mercedes again.The need to feel her hand in his was strong.When they met in the middle and she slipped her fingers through his elbow, he patted her hand with his other one.He had to touch her, skin to skin.She flashed him a grin as electricity curled up his arm.He’d always been aware of her presence, but lately the awareness was much more intense.
In the vestibule, Carli and Blake stood to the side to greet their guests with their parents.He and Mercedes weren’t needed for this part, so they moved to the other side of the room.
Did I tell you that you look incredibly beautiful today?
A blush crept over her cheeks.You did, but feel free to tell me again throughout the night.A woman can never hear it enough.
I’m sure you hear it all the time.
Her eyes dropped to the floor, then rose.Not as much as you’d think.Or as much as the ladies drool over you when we go out.
He gave her a dubious look.I don’t remember that happening very often.
Because you can’t hear.Believe me, they all think you’re gorgeous.They aren’t wrong.If you wore that tuxedo all the time, you’d have to fight them off.
She was kidding, obviously, yet the gaze she threw his way was more than appreciative.I could wear it at work.Make the jobsite a little classier, huh?
Her impish smile was adorable.The cleaning bill for it might be a little steep.Plus, I’m not sure it works on other guys.I didn’t see too many ladies when I picked you up to get your stitches removed.
Guess I’ll leave the tux at home.
Those mischievous eyes danced as she gazed at him.You could wear it around the apartment.I wouldn’t complain.
Sure, if you wear that incredible dress.He couldn’t keep his eyes off her.With her hair up, her neck was bare, and he wanted to nibble on it so badly.Not the place for it.Maybe on the dance floor.He could only hope the reception hall was dimly lit.Usually he hated that because he couldn’t see others signing, yet he’d much prefer slow dancing with this beautiful lady in his arms to chatting with relatives.
With a satisfied sign, she twirled so the bottom floated out, then softly settled back against her legs.Lucky fabric.It is gorgeous, isn’t it?
Absolutely.He wasn’t talking about the dress.
When the last of the guests gave their congratulations to the bride and groom, everyone hustled out to the limo.Blake and Carli had one for them.The ladies had another, and he and Brian were invited to ride inside.
“I’ve got my car,” Brian said.“I’ll take that.”
“Evan is going to come with us,” Mercedes stated without asking him first.He should be upset, but her hand squeezing his convinced him that it was a good idea.
Annie and Harrison already sat in the back on one side.Deanna climbed in on the other.He and Mercedes pushed in next to his sister.First time he didn’t mind being squished into the back of a car.The floral scent wafting off the woman next to him was mesmerizing.It was as if she’d cast a love spell on him and he couldn’t break it.
When she gazed up at him, with her elegant face and deep gray eyes, he knew he didn’t want to.
Sitting this close to Evan in the back of a limousine, when he looked like a flippin’ celebrity, had a star-studded cast of butterflies doing a Broadway number inside her stomach.Mercedes wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.He smelled so good, and she longed to nuzzle her nose in his neck and inhale the intoxicating scent that was Evan.
But she’d wait until later.If she was lucky, she could get him on the dance floor, and they could hold each other close without anyone the wiser.Not hiding their relationship but not hogging the spotlight with a declaration.Did she ever remember him dancing?Certainly not much.Could she get him to make an exception for today?
Sneaking a peek at him now as they drove to the reception hall, she shivered.He’d done a close shave for the day and had even gotten a haircut, not too short but trimmed and styled.Add in the tuxedo and he’d rival a Hollywood star any day.And he was hers.
For now.With the emotions she’d been feeling lately, she didn’t think she’d want anyone else.
