I haven’t done my hair or makeup.
I’m never going to make it to the ceremony on time.
I put one final fry in my mouth and twist around in Barry’s lap, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Go to the chapel. I’ll run back to our room to get dressed and coiffe myself, then I’ll meet you there in twenty minutes.”
“I’ll come with you to coiffe.”
I’m already shaking my head. “If you come with me, we’ll get distracted.”
A beat passes before Barry catches my meaning and when he does, his erection swells beneath my backside. “I could use a distraction,” he rasps, running a hand up the front of my throat and tilting my head back, examining my jaw, my mouth. “I was planning on distracting you all fucking day.”
“Of course you were,” I whisper. “You bought five boxes of condoms.”
His lips twitch. “I’m a military man. I’m trained to be prepared.”
“Well, your brother is getting married and you can’t be late. Go.” I kiss him on the mouth, before hopping off his lap to gather my makeup tools. “I’ll slip in as soon as I can. Save me a seat.”
“Of course I’ll save you one,” he snorts, looking affronted that I even reminded him. “You’re sitting next to me, princess.”
My mouth bursts into a mile-wide smile. “I know.”
“Good.” I drop my makeup brushes and throw myself into his arms, sighing when he sweeps me up into a bear hug. “Everyone’s makeup looks perfect, Petra,” he says against my ear. “You saved the day.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, warmth rushing up behind my eyes.
A hook is slowly digging into my chest, though. A warning pinch that tells me this is too much. I’m getting too close to this man who covets his solitude and has already been very clear that my age is a problem for him. I seduced him last night, and now we’re engaged in a temporary sexual relationship. But that’s…all this is.
I have to remember that.
Swiping my eyes on the broad shoulder of his tuxedo jacket, I release Barry and continue gathering my things while he watches me from beneath a furrowed brow.
“See you there,” I whisper tremulously, running from the bridal suite.
eleven
Barry
My heart is pounding.
It has been thudding in these quick staccato beats ever since Petra slid into the spot beside me in the second row of the ceremony. She’s wearing this dove gray slip dress with little straps that crisscross her back. Her hair is loose and a little wild, because she never had the chance to do it this morning. She’s not wearing her usual eye makeup and she looks so goddamn soft right now with her glowing green eyes and rosy lips, as she flits around the candlelit reception hall. Smiling, sweet, effusive.
So sexy that the zipper of my pants is nearly bursting.
Unfortunately, every woman in the room wants to speak with her about makeup.
I guess I should be happy none of the men are approaching her.
Maybe that has something to do with the way I follow her around the hall, making sure she always remains in my literal shadow. I’m being overprotective and needy, but so be it. I want to absorb every moment with Petra that I can.
We’re on a clock and it’s ticking down.
My grandmother beckons to me from a few yards away. Keeping Petra in my sights, I move to sit down beside my grandmother’s wheelchair. Dolly follows my line of sight to Petra, where it has been all afternoon and evening.
“When do you plan to make an honest woman out of her, Barry?”
If only it was that easy.
Confess my feelings. Propose. Keep her forever.
