Sophie took the first step, sliding her palms from Tarryn’s hands up her forearms to where her sweatshirt bunched below her elbows. She turned her hands and gripped Tarryn’s elbows, tugging her closer.
Tarryn’s body lit from within as Sophie pressed against her so their upper bodies touched.
“Pretend,” she whispered before her lips touched down lightly on Tarryn’s.
There was magic in the air, fizzing around them like a corona. Lips touching, bodies pressing, and then the tip of Sophie’s tongue swiped across Tarryn’s lips. Just once. Just lightly. Just a touch that should have done nothing but dideverything.Tarryn’s breath hitched in her throat, then she wrapped one arm around Sophie’s waist while the other trailed up her arm to push into her hair. Her mouth opened on a soundless sigh, and then, in a brief mesh of tongues and lips, the kiss took wings.
“I think they’ve got that part sorted.” George’s amused voice broke through the haze in Tarryn’s mind.
Sophie stiffened in her arms and shifted away, just a tiny amount, but enough for Tarryn to regain her senses. She’d just kissed Sophie—properly kissed Sophie—with Phyll and Jason looking on. She kept her eyes locked on Sophie, unwilling to find out what was on Phyll’s face. When she finally dared to look, Phyll met her gaze with a small nod. Jason busied himself stacking beer coasters on the table in front of him.
Well, that had gone well. She wasn’t sure if the silence was approval, surprise, or a wish they’d get this rehearsal over with.
Sophie stepped away. “So, what happens next?”
“That’s the scripted part over,” George said. “You can hold hands, wave to the crowd, throw your bouquets, jump off the stage and go crowd-surfing. Or lead the way into the afterparty. Whatever you think best. In a real wedding, you’d have to sign certificates and such.”
“It’s not real,” Tarryn said. Her voice croaked. “So I think we could just go and start the party.”
“First dance?” Jason said. “I suggest you throw your bouquets, then when the DJ starts, you’ll have your first dance. On stage would be good so everyone can see you.”
“I can’t dance,” Tarryn said. Her tongue cleaved to the roof of her mouth. Dancing? No one had said anything about that. Were they supposed to waltz or something?
“Then I suggest just a romantic slow dance, and you can sway together. I’m sure even you can manage that. How about something by Norah Jones?” Jason asked.
“How about ‘Get Me Outta Here’ by GFlip?” Tarryn shot back.
Phyll tutted. “Please be serious.”
“I am.” Tarryn looked across at Sophie. “No offence. It’s just the whole wedding thing.”
“None taken,” Sophie said. She came close again and put her hand on Tarryn’s arm. “If this is upsetting you, it’s not too late to bail. I’m sure Will and Garrett would step up.” Her eyes searched Tarryn’s face. “I get you’re not enjoying this, but if it’s more, please say.”
“No. It’s okay. I promised.” Tarryn took a deep breath and stared at Sophie’s slim fingers on her arm. “Besides, maybe it’s the only way I’ll get to kiss you.”
Sophie drew a shuddering breath. “Just park that one for now.” Stepping away again, she said, “How about ‘Fade Into You’ by Mazzy Star? It’s slow, got beautiful vocals, and it’s a tune to just drift along to. I think we could manage that.” She arched an eyebrow in question.
“Yeah,” Tarryn said softly. “Yeah.”
Jason fiddled with his phone, and then the haunting vocals of Hope Sandoval came tinnily from the speaker.
Sophie held out a hand. “Dance with me? We should practice this too.”
“Sure.” Tarryn’s pulse hammered an erratic beat as she put her hand in Sophie’s. They slid into a loose embrace, Sophie’s hands linked around Tarryn’s waist. Tarryn mirrored the position, and for a moment they gazed at each other before Sophie’s feet started a slow shuffling glide.
“Move,” she whispered in Tarryn’s ear.
Over Sophie’s shoulder, she saw Phyll and Jason sitting together at one of the tables, staring at them. Phyll’s normally rigid face seemed soft, almost approving.
Tarryn closed her eyes rather than look at Phyll and let her hand drift up Sophie’s back to brush her hair with the back of her hand. “It’s so soft.”
“Conditioner.” Sophie hummed in amusement. “Relax, Tarryn. You’re wound tighter than a roll of fencing wire.”
“I’m surprised you know about fencing wire.”
“You’d be surprised at what I know—and don’t know.”
Tarryn was silent, letting Sophie’s breath wash over her, allowing the seductive ethereal song to carry her away. Why was she so tense around Sophie like this? Kirra’s description of her as the queen of tourist seduction was half-joking, but Tarryn was no stranger to connecting with women passing through town. She was smooth and easy when she sensed her attention was welcomed. But Sophie and her beguiling mixture of sass and innocence had her confused. She was used to leading…but now, Sophie was the one soothing her nerves.
