I wrap my hands around her, pulling her close as I dip my head to speak in her ear so nobody can eavesdrop on our conversation. “I love you, Bug.”
She laughs softly, gliding along the dance floor with me to the sound of “Swim”by Chase Atlantic.
“I love you too. And I know, Cody.”
“I do say it a lot,” I agree.
“No, I mean I know you’re in love with Blair,” she explains with a cheeky smile. “I saw it coming from a mile away. Every interaction you ever had, even when you were rude, there was tension between you. It was a long time coming.” She twirls away, flashing me another smile before she comes back, wrapping herself around my arm. “Once she moved across the hall from you, it was just a matter of time.”
My hands tighten around her as I pull her in closer. “I never meant for it to happen. I’d never intentionally hurt you, Bug.”
“I know. I love Conor and Colt, butyouare the best friend I ever had. Which is why...” She twirls around my finger with a beaming grin before she leans in. “I’m happy you found what I have. Don’t let it go.”
“I won’t. I don’t know what Blair told you, but I’m sure it wasn’t much. She’s so careful not to sound like she’s making excuses, but it would mean a lot if you could give her a chance to explain. There are some things in her past that might give you a little bit of perspective.”
Mia smiles, stepping three steps away from me, our hands outstretched, fingers locked together. “Remember how worried you were when Nico told you he was going after me no matter what you said and how we turned out just fine?”
I nod, pulling her back and dropping a kiss on the top of her head. “That’s different, Mia. Nico never hurt you.”
“No, he didn’t. However, you knew what kind of man he was but still allowed him the benefit of the doubt. That’s what I’ll do for Blair.”
How this girl fits her big heart into that tiny body will forever remain a mystery. We glide across the dance floor until we bump into Theo and Vee, and switch.
Then I switch again, and again, until not many women in the room are left that I haven’t danced with. Cassidy is in high demand, so it takes almost an hour, two cigarettes and one drink before I steal a dance.
“You look beautiful,” I tell her, holding her close.
Not close enough to risk Logan knocking my teeth out. I wouldn’t put it past him. His irrational temper tantrums rival Nico’s. While he trusts me, he’s absolutely obsessed with his wife, so a safe distance is a necessity.
Cass beams at me, the white dress hugging her curves in all the right places as it falls to the floor, trailing two feet behind her, making it impossible to effortlessly glide around.
“Do you think I’m snobbish, Cody?”
My eyebrows meet in the middle. “Far from it. Why? Did someone say something?” I quickly scan the crowd, gauging who’d have the audacity. “Who?”
“No one said anything. Do you think I love you?”
“Well, you better,” I laugh, playfully pushing her away before pulling her back in. “Yes, I think you love me...” I glance around, searching for Logan, “...in a very appropriate way,” I add, louder. “You think I love you?”
“Yes, but that’s not my point. Do you think I’m a bridezilla?”
“Hell no, you’re a very mellow bride. Where are all these questions coming from?”
“So you don’t think I’m a snob, you know I love you, and you don’t consider me a bridezilla,” she lists, as she spins away and back in. “Then explain one thing. Why the hell do you think you’ll steal my spotlight if you bring the girl you love downstairs?”
My step falters and then I all-out stop dancing in the middle of the dance floor, holding the bride in my arms. “Who told you?”
A satisfied smirk quirks her lips. “Logan.”
“And how the fuck—”
The words fall off my tongue when I look over and spot Logan’s shit-eating grin that morphs into two eyebrows punched in the middle as soon as he catches my evil stare.
“Colt, Conor, Nico, Mia... they all know. Did you really think you could keep it a secret for the whole weekend? I mean, yes, it’s my wedding, and—” She pauses, rolling her eyes. “Fine. Mine and Logan’s wedding. The spotlight should be on us today becausethis is the best day of our lives...!Or so everyone tells you.” She twirls away, her dress swishing in the air. “You know what the best day of my life was?”
I could guess at a few, but Cassidy doesn’t let me get a word out.
“The day I slapped Logan’s stupid face inQ.”
