I take one wobbly step forward… and immediately lurch sideways, smacking straight into his chest.
Smooth, Hayley. Real smooth.
Without missing a beat, Tyler steadies me, strong hands firm at my waist like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Which it absolutely is not.
His grip tightens just slightly as he bends low.
“Easy, darling. We don’t want any more scandal before dinner.”
I want to die. Or drown myself in the nearest ornamental fountain. Whichever’s quicker.
Somehow, through divine intervention, I manage to loop my arm through his without taking out any bystanders.
I plaster on a smile that probably looks less ‘besotted’ and more ‘hostage situation’.
Together, we step forward as our names are announced:
“Presenting Earl Tyler Ashford and Lady Hayley Price!”
The polite applause barely covers the sound of my internal screaming.
Of course, we’re the last couple to be announced, which means every pair of eyes in the room is glued to us. And if I had a shotgun, there wouldn’t be a single man left who hadn’t witnessed my accidental one-boob burlesque five minutes ago.
We barely make it three steps into the hall before a shrieking blur of white tulle comes barrelling towards me like a bridal missile locked on impact.
“HAYLEY!”
I don’t even get a breath in before I’m tackled by a tsunami of lace, perfume, and over-caffeinated bridal joy, otherwise known as Lily, my best friend, glowing like she’s permanently in portrait mode. The only reason I haven’t set fire to this entire event and blamed it on a rogue tealight.
She throws her arms around me, nearly knocking me back into Tyler, who, to his credit, steadies us both without spilling his drink.
“You look amazing!” Lily gushes, bouncing on her heels like she’s hooked up to a sugar drip.
“I’m SO happy you’re here! Oh my God, aren’t you dying over the costumes?!”
I fake a smile, because that’s what you do when your best friend is the happiest she’s ever been, even if your lungs are being slowly crushed by boning and velvet. And yes, I giggle internally at ‘boning.’ Grow up? Absolutely not.
“You look beautiful, Lil,” I manage, hugging her back as best I can, keenly aware of my already compromised ribs.
“Mildly unhinged… but mostly beautiful.”
She squeals again and squeezes me tighter, survival now feeling aspirational.
Before she can drag me off toward the refreshments table, I seize my chance.
“Hey,” I say, tugging her a little to the side, away from the growing crowd.
“Quick question.”
“Yeah?”
I glance over my shoulder at Tyler, now deep in conversation with someone who looks suspiciously like a lord who’s misplaced his horse.
“What the actual fuck, Lily? Whoishe, and why is hemypartner?”
Lily follows my gaze and grins, her whole face lighting up. “Oh, that’s Ben’s cousin, Tyler. He’s the black sheep of the family,” she says, with the same tone most people reserve for announcing a surprise puppy.
“Black sheep?” I echo, sceptical. “He looks more like a wolf that stole a sheep’s invite.”
